Gavi Cohn is a partner at Apex Reimbursement Specialists, a dental practice revenue cycle and practice management consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, MD.

How to Find the Insurance Plans That Best Fit Your Dental Practice: © Bearsky23 - stock.adobe.com


Whether you are working at a brand new dental practice and looking to choose the initial insurance plans you will be in-network for or you’ve owned your practice for decades, choosing the right insurance plans is key. What is right for one practice is not necessarily right for another, so doing your research and thinking critically are important steps in the process. How can you find the best insurance plans for your dental practice?

Think About the Benefits of Being In-Network

Being in-network with an insurance company is not as easy as simply accepting their insurance. Instead, you need to complete the credentialing and recredentialing processes, as well as work with the rules set by the insurance company. This may not seem overly challenging, but things can rapidly become complicated when you consider that every company has different types of rules, and it can feel like a full-time job simply managing them. As a result, it’s important to weigh whether the benefits are worth it. Being an in-network practice will provide you with free marketing to patients within the network, as well as access to more patients.

While you can work with APEX Reimbursement Specialists to increase your reimbursement rates, it’s a good idea to take a look at the insurance plans you may partner with ahead of time. What are their reimbursement rates for the procedures that you perform the most often? Are any of the rates so low that even negotiation may not help to even things out?

Another key consideration when determining which insurance plans to accommodate at your practice is how many patients will be affected. If you have a significant patient population for one insurance policy, it may be worth sacrificing a little bit of leeway in your reimbursement rates in order to keep your patient volume as high as possible. In other cases, if you do not have many patients currently who use a policy and it is not offered by major employers in your area, it might not be worth the trouble of credentialing.

Improve Your Business by Partnering with the Right Insurance Plans and Working with Specialists

Whether you’re interested in revenue optimization or looking for other services to boost your business, you should do a little research and consider assistance from companies with experience in the dental industry such as APEX Reimbursement Specialists. 

This article is the third in a series written by APEX Reimbursement Specialists. Previous articles addressed revenue cycle management and practice efficiencies. For more information on these topics, visit 

Articles

All insurance plans are not equal, and failing to properly sort through your options can leave you at a disadvantage. 

How to Find the Insurance Plans That Best Fit Your Dental Practice

Lighthouse 360+ From Henry Schein One to Work With any Practice Management System. Image: © Henry Schein One


Henry Schein’s Lighthouse360 platform gets a boost with a new Lighthouse360+ platform that is said to work with any practice management system (PMS), according to a press release from the company.

 Described as “vendor-agnostic” in the press release, Lighthouse360+ enables any dental practice, whether that be small or even group practices, to take advantage of its features.

These features include online patient scheduling to make scheduling easier on patients and the practice; digital customizable forms that automate intake and write that information back to the PMS, saving time and paper hassle for the front desk; an integrated phone system that can send a missed-call text to bring in new patients; payment reminders to simplify payment workflows and ensure that payments get to the office in a timely manner; and reputation management which calls on patients to review the practice regularly and act as a marketing tool for new patients. Lighthouse 360+ has an easy-to-use dashboard that will ensure office managers and front office staff can work smoothly and efficiently without worrying about incompatibility with various PMSs.

“Henry Schein One is the only vendor which actually offers an innovative technology solution that elevates the patient experience with an all-in-one approach,” dentist and practice co-owner Dr Nicole Ptak-Yenchman says in the press release. “We look forward to using Lighthouse 360+. After all, Lighthouse 360 has been critical to our business’s success, with its biggest advocate to date being our front office manager, thanks to its ease-of-use.”

Because patient communication is so vital to patient retention, marketing, and overall patient satisfaction, Lighthouse 360+ provides a great opportunity to eliminate no-show woes, according to Henry Schein One general manager, patient experience and analytics, Steven Maroulis.

“We understand patient communication is essential for the success of any dental practice. That’s why we’ve developed a solution that makes it easy for practices to stay in touch with their patients and build relationships that enhance practice reputation and drive loyalty,” Maroulis says in the press release. “In dentistry, good communication between the practice and patients is essential to ensure that chairs are full, and a practice is running at maximum profitability. This new offering is a leap toward our goal of creating 1 seamless experience for current and future customers.”

Founded in 2006, Lighthouse 360 was acquired by Henry Schein One back in 2019 where its reach of 11,000+ customers would be expanded further under the Henry Schein One brand.

 Now through Lighthouse 360+, more dental practices than ever before are able to harness its valuable patient communication tools to provide even better care for patients.

Henry Schein One Announces Lighthouse 360+ an All-in-One Patient Experience for Dental Practices. Henry Schein One. Accessed September 14, 2023. https://henryscheinone.com/press-releases/henry-schein-one-announces-lighthouse-360-plus

About Lighthouse 360. Lh360.com. Accessed September 14, 2023. https://www.lh360.com/about/

This all-in-one platform from Henry Schein One is said to strengthen patient communications in the dental practice all while integrating with any practice management system. 

Lighthouse 360+ From Henry Schein One to Work With any Practice Management System 

Neoss Group recently unveiled NeoTell™, a cutting-edge device designed to quickly and accurately measure implant stability.

This innovation is the first result of Neoss Group's recent partnership with Osstell AB, a global leader in implant stability measurement and osseointegration progress monitoring.

Designed as an affordable implant stability testing solution, NeoTell uses Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) technology to provide an objective score for the stability of the implant being tested. This score can then be used to both educate patients about their treatment progress and to inform clinicians on the best timing for loading implants with temporary or permanent restorations.

RFA implant stability analysis is not a new technology, as Osstell has developed and studied RFA devices for years. The evidence-based technology has been validated in more than 1300 studies.

"NeoTell will offer clinicians the means to work more efficiently and effectively. Our collaboration with Osstell ensures that we can provide the dental community with a comprehensive solution that enhances the predictability and success of dental implant procedures. We believe that NeoTell will become an indispensable tool for dental professionals," says Robert Gottlander, DDS, president and CEO of the Neoss Group in a press release.

NeoTell is described as intuitive and user-friendly, and it does not require any invasive procedures to deliver implant stability data to clinicians. The information provided by the stability testing is said to help drive informed treatment decisions and raise the standard of care.

The system works in conjunction with single-use SmartPegs™ which are designed and calibrated to match specific dental implant systems. Delivered sterile, the pegs are connected the implant and the NeoTell device then uses the RFA technology to analyze the implant and deliver an Implant Stability Quotient score.

When used with Neoss Group’s NeossONE implant system, the NeoTell is even more convenient. With the implant system using just a single prosthetic platform across multiple implant designs, just one SmartPeg type is compatible with more than 70 different Neoss implants.

Patients are set to benefit significantly from this advancement, as NeoTell's precise assessment capabilities enable more accurate treatment planning. This can help build greater patient confidence and satisfaction with their dental implant procedures, ultimately leading to improved outcomes.

New stability testing device was developed in collaboration with Osstell AB.

Neoss Group Introduces NeoTell Implant Stability Measurement Solution

From left to right: NYU Dentistry Executive Vice Dean Michael O'Connor, EdD, MPA, Michael Apa, DDS, NYU Dentistry Dean Charles Bertolami, DDS, DMedSc, and NYU Dentistry Assistant Dean Anabella Oquendo, DDS | Image © NYU College of Dentistry

Twenty years after earning his dental degree from NYU College of Dentistry, Michael Apa, DDS, is giving back to his alma mater in a transformative way with a goal of helping to shape the next generation of outstanding dentists.

Recognizing the evolving field of aesthetic dentistry and its growing importance, Dr Apa recently made a substantial contribution to NYU Dentistry, which will be used to significantly advance the institution's esthetic dentistry programs. In recognition of Dr Apa's professional achievements and dedication to the field, NYU Dentistry is renaming its esthetic dentistry program as the Apa Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Aesthetics.

This move not only honors Dr. Apa's contributions but also reflects his commitment to shaping the future of dentistry, according to a press release from NYU. Along with the renamed fellowship program, Dr Apa’s contribution will allow NYU Dentistry to create a state-of-the-art esthetic treatment and education facility that will be called the Apa Aesthetic Suite at NYU Dentistry. The new suite will be the first permanent home for the esthetic fellowship program at NYU.

“We are so grateful that Dr Apa has chosen to support NYU College of Dentistry, the institution that shaped him as a dentist and set him on his path to success,” Charles N. Bertolami, DDS, DMedSc, the Herman Robert Fox Dean of NYU Dentistry, says in the press release. “Dr Apa is recognized internationally as a leader and innovator in aesthetic dentistry, and we are eager to incorporate his experience and vision to further strengthen our programs.”

The new Apa Aesthetic Suite will be designed in collaboration with Dr Apa. It will be located on the first floor of NYU Dentistry, with renovations slated to begin this fall, and the suite is expected to open in the fall of 2024.

"As dentists, we work at the intersection of health and art. I look forward to helping to transform this space into a suite that reflects the design and energy of our craft and inspires both patients and clinicians," says Dr Apa.

To help guide the new direction for the fellowship program, Dr Apa will work closely with program director, Anabella Oquendo, DDS. Their collaboration will aim to enhance the training provided to the US and international dentists who participate in this renowned one-year program focused on the latest techniques in esthetic dentistry which has drawn practicing dentists from 47 countries.

"Channeling Dr Apa’s expertise and enthusiasm into our clinical fellowship program will bring new vitality to our training in esthetic dentistry, a field that goes beyond appearances, intertwining beauty, health, and function,” says Dr Oquendo, who also serves as assistant dean for international programs at NYU Dentistry. “As we enhance smiles, we elevate confidence and promote overall oral health, which contributes to improved well-being."

As his career and practice have grown and spread internationally, Dr Apa has maintained a solid connection to NYU Dentistry, serving as a lecturer and mentor to dental students. He fondly recalls his time as a student where he founded NYU Dentistry’s Aesthetics Society and was part of the College’s Aesthetics Honors Program. Through his gift to the school, Dr Apa hopes to help ensure that future generations of dentists will continue to follow his legacy and drive esthetic dentistry into the future.

"Having found a home at NYU during my time as a student, it is my hope that the next generation of dentists will share that experience, and they too will set out to have an impact on our profession and the world around them," he says.

Through a generous contribution from Dr Apa, NYU College of Dentistry will create a fellowship program teaching the latest advances in esthetic dentistry.

NYU College of Dentistry and Alumnus Michael Apa, DDS, Aim to Advance Esthetic Dentistry Education

Registration Open for 2024 OSAP Boot Camp: Image Credit: © OSAP

The OSAP Dental Infection Control Boot Camp, held in 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, in February, is a comprehensive course based on federal standards and evidence-based guidelines. It is ideal for those new to dental infection prevention and safety or those who want to build on, apply, or enhance existing knowledge.

Attendees can join fellow infection control champions at the 2024 OSAP Dental Infection Control Boot Camp™ from February 5 to 7 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta, Perimeter at Ravinia in Atlanta. OSAP is offering 2 formats - In-PersonPlus and On-Demand Only.

This course is also appropriate for those early in their career, making a career shift, or who want a refresher. The course will be recorded, and all registered participants will get access to the on-demand recordings.
Completion of the OSAP Dental Infection Control Boot Camp course fulfills one of the educational requirements to be eligible to take the Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control®(CDIPC®) and/or Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control®(DISIPC®) certification exams, the only infection control certifications in the U.S. specifically developed for dentistry.

While regulations, standards, guidelines and recommendations tell you what to do, they do not tell you how to implement them. Boot Camp will help you understand HOW to implement them and HOW you can address infection prevention and safety challenges in your practice setting, according to OSAP.

February 4: Antibiotic Stewardship Summit

A full-day pre-course event that will address antibiotic stewardship in the oral healthcare setting. Participants will receive numerous clinical tips, tools, and resources to develop and implement antibiotic stewardship programs in their practice. There is an additional fee required for this summit.

A comprehensive, fast-paced course based on CDC guidelines and recommendations, OSHA standards, and infection prevention and safety best practices. The course covers all the basics of dental infection prevention and control, and participants will also have the opportunity to connect with internationally recognized speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors.

Additional training sessions for all active duty/ranking officers and/or civilians employed by the Air Force, Army, Navy, IHS, and VA.

Describe disease transmission and principles of infection prevention and control in a variety of oral health care settings.

Identify relevant infection control laws, regulations, guidelines, standards, and best practices.

Utilize tools to assist with quality assurance measures (e.g., direct observation and feedback).

OSAP Executive Director Michelle Lee, CPC, will greet attendees on Monday morning, Feb. 5. Lee has over 30 years of experience in the dental and healthcare industries. In 2020 and 2021, she was recognized as one of Incisal Edge’s 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry. Her experience includes leading the Southeast’s largest dental and medical staffing firm, as well as consulting with dental practices, and providing leadership and team development training.

Save on registration when you register before the Early Bird deadline. Rates go up after December 4.

Book your room at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. The cutoff date for reservations is January 15.

that you can check out. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the organization at office@osap.org. 

OSAP’s Dental Infection Control Boot Camp will be held in Atlanta in February.

Registration Open for 2024 OSAP Boot Camp

The TeleDentists and KELLS Collaborate to Introduce Dental Second Opinions Enhanced by AI Evaluation: Image Credits: © The TeleDentists and KELLS 

The TeleDentists, a pioneer in virtual dental care, has joined forces with KELLS, a leader in AI-driven oral health solutions, to launch a cutting-edge Dental Second Opinion Program with AI-based evaluation of dental x-rays. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to transform the patient experience by offering an innovative approach to dental care.

The collaboration between The TeleDentists and KELLS brings forth a Dental Second Opinion Program that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze dental x-rays, enabling patients to receive expert guidance and recommendations remotely. This program, designed to provide early detection of oral health issues, empowers patients to take proactive measures for preventive treatments.

KELLS' state-of-the-art AI technology can swiftly and accurately identify dental problems in their early stages, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Patients can now submit their dental x-rays and charting to KELLS AI for evaluation, after which they can connect through The TeleDentists platform for a video consultation with a licensed dentist in their state. During this consultation, patients can review the AI findings and discuss treatment recommendations.

Maria Kunstadter, DDS, Co-Founder and CEO of The TeleDentists, expressed her enthusiasm about the integration of AI in teledentistry, saying in a press release, "AI has transformed various industries, and dentistry is no exception. With the rise in utilization of teledentistry, incorporating AI is the logical next step. Teledentistry provides remote dental care using video and other digital technologies. Now with this Dental Second Opinions Program, KELLS AI is poised to revolutionize the way we approach oral healthcare."

Dr. Jie Feng, Co-Founder and CEO of KELLS, shared her excitement about the collaboration, stating in the press release, "We are excited to partner with The TeleDentists to empower patients to make informed dental care decisions leveraging both advanced AI technology and teledentistry. This collaboration is a reflection of the shared vision of the 2 companies to make high-quality dental care more accessible."

The TeleDentists offer virtual dental services nationwide, connecting patients with licensed dentists who utilize a range of virtual tools to diagnose, remediate, and facilitate local dental appointments when necessary.

KELLS' proprietary AI technology enables evidence-based care for oral health, providing rapid onsite and virtual AI-driven dental evaluations, recommending treatment options, and empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their personalized care. KELLS collaborates with payors, providers, and organizations to improve the quality of care and reduce costs by identifying and managing dental risks in vulnerable populations.

Second opinions play a crucial role in confirming diagnoses and exploring alternative treatment plans, especially for complex and costly dental procedures such as root canals, implants, and braces, according to The TeleDentists.

 is a leading provider of virtual dental care services, offering patients nationwide access to licensed dentists through digital platforms. The company's mission is to enhance oral healthcare accessibility and convenience by leveraging cutting-edge technology.

KELLS is a pioneering healthcare technology company specializing in AI-driven oral health solutions. Their innovative platform empowers patients, payors, providers, and organizations to improve oral healthcare outcomes and reduce costs through advanced AI technology and data-driven insights.

Now available for Dental Second Opinions using AI evaluation of x-rays, this program uses advanced technology to improve patient experience with expert guidance and remote recommendations.

The TeleDentists and KELLS Collaborate to Introduce Dental Second Opinions Enhanced by AI Evaluation

John Flucke, DDS, Kevin Henry, Sima Yakoby Epstein, DMD, Sarah Suttles, EFDA, and Bethany Sugar, CDA, discuss the best ways to retain good dental staff

Mastermind - Episode 31 - Retaining Dental Staff

In the competitive world of dentistry, your staff plays a pivotal role in delivering exceptional patient care and driving practice growth. High turnover not only impacts your bottom line but also disrupts the patient experience. Hiring and keeping good dental practice staff can be a challenge, but there are ways to navigate this tricky balancing act. Join our Mastermind group to find out the best ways to retain great staff, foster professional growth, and provide opportunities for your practice to grow as well. 

Videos

Join Mastermind host Lisa Newburger, LISW-S, as she and John Flucke, DDS, Kevin Henry, Sima Yakoby Epstein, DMD, Sarah Suttles, EFDA, and Bethany Sugar, CDA, discuss the best ways to retain good dental staff. [30 minutes]

The newest toothpaste to hit the market from oral care company Cocofloss is Cocoshine, a whitening, nano-hydroxyapatite formula that is designed to tackle 4 important tasks simultaneously. It’s built to whiten, repair sensitivity, balance the oral microbiome, and rebuild enamel strength, all while being a gentle and refreshing toothpaste, according to a press release from the company.

Its formulation of nano-hydroxyapatite is said to get down below the surface of the tooth to remineralize, therefore building it back up to a strong and healthy tooth. At the same time, this formula is also said to repair microcracks in the enamel, creating a smoother and whiter tooth. To address hypersensitivity, nano-hydroxyapatite can replace minerals lost and fill dentinal tubules. Cocoshine’s nano-hydroxyapatite is sourced directly from Fluidinova, whose director of product and business development, Dr Paulo Quadros, ensures that this formula is the solution.

“Some 40% of the population suffers from dental hypersensitivity, and our product, nanoXIM, is the solution. Made up of mostly nano-hydroxyapatite and water, it is the safest and most effective nontoxic alternative to fluoride for its remarkable remineralizing effects,” Dr Quadros says in the press release. “Cocoshine contains 20% nanoXIM–a very high percentage that makes it more effective than other n-HA (nano-hydroxyapatite) toothpaste. Users will see results faster with Cocoshine.”

Alongside nanoXIM, Cocoshine also contains some key ingredients to create a healthy smile, including xylitol, coconut oil, and aloe vera. Cocoshine’s baking soda, silica, and nano-hydroxyapatite replace peroxide to whiten, eliminating the potentially abrasive chemical in favor of gentler alternatives. It contains no sulfates, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, artificial dyes, or sweeteners. These nontoxic ingredients were key for Cocoshine designer Dr Chrystle Cu.

“When it comes to toothpaste, the top 2 things my patients have asked for are whitening and sensitivity management,” Dr Cu says in the press release. “A third, growing priority for patients, especially parents, has been nontoxic ingredients–ideally fluoride-free. I knew I needed to design a super-effective toothpaste that met all of these needs and ultimately helps folks keep their teeth for life.”

Cocoshine is vegan and cruelty-free, per the press release, and comes in 2 different flavors called Delicious Mint and Lychee Breeze. Cocoshine is Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene award-winner Cocofloss’s latest offering, joining a variety of oral care products such as toothbrushes and floss. To learn more about Cocoshine or any of Cocofloss’s other oral care products, visit the 

This toothpaste uses powerful nano-hydroxyapatite to whiten, clean, and strengthen teeth.  

New Whitening Toothpaste from Cocofloss Harnesses Nano-Hydroxyapatite 

With swishes of mouthwash as stand ins for cuts and scratches, it’s clear funk iconoclast Thundercat didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for his latest song. He created the relaxed, 2-minute groove as a part of The Whoa Collection, a collaborative art and music project sponsored by LISTERINE with a goal of raising awareness and closing the diversity gap in dentistry within the black community.

While approximately 12% of the US population is black, but just 4% of US dentists are. This is a problem that is compounded by the disparities in access to oral health care. The project’s goal is to expand the understanding of and access to oral health care in black communities by increasing the number of practicing black dentists.

With The Whoa Collection project, LISTERINE is partnering with Compound, a black-owned creative collective and cultural agency. This partnership generated a limited-edition LISTERINE bottle design, the original track from Thundercat, and most importantly, an endowment of up to $150,000 tothe Increasing Diversity in Dentistry pipeline program (IDID).

IDID works to help reduce racial disparities in the dental workforce by providing guidance and mentorship to underrepresented minority pre-dental and dental students. The organization currently includes more than 750 minority students and young dentists from throughout the US.

The limited-edition bottles feature a bottle-wrap designed using art created by King Saladeen, a self-taught artist from West Philadelphia. His limited edition The Who Collection design can be found at Target Stores.

You can check out Thundercat’s mouth-swishing composition here:

Helping to overcome the disparities in minority representation among dental professionals, this collaboration of art, music, and mouthwash.

LISTERINE, Compound, Thundercat and More Come Together to Promote Diversity Among Dental Professionals

Align has a plethora of new product offerings and solutions, all designed to enhance workflows across the dental practice. As a provider of orthodontic and restorative technologies for dentistry, Align is uniquely positioned to optimize the way dentistry is done, and its latest product and technologies offerings are clear indicators of that.

Here is a roundup of the new products and technologies that Align has announced.

Plan Editor for Align’s ClinCheck treatment planning software. ClinCheck is Align’s treatment planning software that is naturally built into the Align Digital Platform, and it provides dentists, orthodontists, and dental labs with a robust digital workflow for Invisalign treatments. Plan Editor will allow doctors to more easily make changes to treatment plans, per Align chief product and marketing office, executive vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific, Raj Pudipeddi. “Align Technology is transforming orthodontic treatment planning with next-generation tools and customized treatment plans based on years of research and intelligence from millions of patients treated with the Invisalign System,” Pudipeddi says in a press release from Align. “Our goal is to enable more control for doctors so that they can efficiently design the best treatment plans for their patients. Plan Editor is one more step in this direction, as it builds on the Live Update with 3D controls feature and enables doctors to quickly change more aspects of the treatment plan and see the effects almost immediately.” Dentists can make changes on a case-by-case basis that will appear in the ClinCheck Live Update. Plan Editor works with the Flex Rx form to make case submission more streamlined. Plan Editor will be commercially available in the first half of 2024.

SmartForce attachment-free aligner activation feature. This new feature is designed to help minimize the amount of attachments and deliver the right force necessary for predictable tooth movements. These necessary forces, which used to rely on numerous attachments, can now be applied through this aligner activation. This eliminates or lessens the need for double attachments, providing an esthetic solution that is desirable for both patient and practitioner, according to Pudipeddi. “After extensive research it was clear to us that our doctors and their patients needed and esthetic solution for an enhanced Invisalign treatment experience,” Pudipeddi says in the press release. “With this game-changing innovation that builds on Align’s aligner activation innovations, we address the needs of doctors and their patients without compromising exceptional Invisalign treatment outcomes.”

Align Oral Health Suite. This new software from Align enables doctors to create custom oral health reports that can be shared with patients through the iTero Element Plus Series. This means that iTero diagnostic and visual aid tools are all channeled into a single interface, making visualization, patient communication, and practice growth easier. “The goal of the patient exam is to diagnose oral and dental health conditions, whereas the goal of patient education is to increase treatment acceptance,” Dr Lovedeep Randhawa, a dentist who participated in the limited market release of the Align Oral Health Suite, says in the press release. “This new framework streamlines and elevates the oral health consultation with the patient in a very efficient and user-friendly way. My team has found patients are responding better during consultations, as we are able to provide a highly visual, patient-centric experience that helps them understand their oral health and builds trust in diagnosis.”

X-Ray Insights. This new clinical assessment tool is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and works to ensure treatment options and visualization are made even better oral health communications. “AI-driven oral health assessment tools, like X-Ray Insights, discern data and enhanced doctor-patient conversations, treatment option evaluation, and shared decision-making regarding oral health conditions and dental treatment options,” Align executive vice president and chief digital officer Sreelakshmi Kolli says in the press release. “It goes beyond digital orthodontics and supports oral health assessments by generating a digital image or oral health findings, improving patient communication and helping increase practice growth.”

Vivera Retainer Subscription. Align has announced a new subscription model for retainers, allowing doctors to arrange direct-to-patient shipment of retainers. This allows patients to save time in not having to pick up retainers and doctors to save space in not having to store retainers in the dental practice. First retainers will still be sent through the doctor’s office to ensure optimal fit and adherence to the patient’s treatment plan. This subscription model is set to begin with a limited number of clinicians in October 2023.

Invisalign Palatal Expander System. This 3D-printed device safely expands skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla for growing patients, eliminating the woes of uncomfortable metal expanders that require a screw to turn. “The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a game changer, as it alleviates the most common challenges with palatal expansion, including maintaining proper hygiene, emergency appointments, turning the screw, and the parent’s fear of causing pain to the child in treatment,” early participant and orthodontist Dr Sandra Tai says in the press release. “It’s removable and supports oral hygiene while delivering a clinically effective and comfortable treatment experience for growing patients that achieves high satisfaction rates reported by parents.” This system is expected to arrive to market in 2024 pending regulatory approval.

On top of new products and technologies, Align has also announced its acquisition of 3D printing company Cubicure, which has a patented Hot Lithography technology to process highly viscous resins. This processing would create temperature-resistant polymers, creating a new type of additive manufacturing.

“As the pioneer and a global leader in clear aligners with the world’s largest 3D printing operations producing over 1 million custom appliances every day, Align is continuing to innovate and invest in technologies that enable the next generation of direct 3D printed products, thus creating more sustainable and efficient solutions,” Joe Hogan, Align Technology president and CEO, Joe Hogan says in the press release. “Our partnership with Cubicure began several years ago as a joint development program and has evolved over time with the potential for significant innovation in scaling our direct 3D printing processes. The agreement toacquireCubicure is a natural next step to bring their talented team and unique cutting-edge technology in-house where they will support our long-term growth strategy by enabling us to scale our 3D printing operations to eventually direct print millions of custom appliances per day.”

Align has announced a slew of new products and technologies as well as the acquisition of 3D printing company Cubicure.  