Align Technology Opens Second Training Center in Shanghai, China, with Industry Leaders Discussing Trends in Clear Aligner Therapy

The orthodontics industry is undergoing a digital transformation. As an industry leader, Align Technology (NASDAQ: ALGN) is co-leading the advancement of digital dental care with clinicians, leveraging its fully integrated end-to-end digital workflow.

Orthodontists play a pivotal role in the course of orthodontic treatment, and to a certain extent, directly determine its outcomes. Since the explosive growth of private clinics in 2016, the scarcity of dental professionals has become their most significant weakness, thereby constraining their own development.

Establishing physician training systems and mechanisms, as well as building a talent pool of physicians, often takes years, yet this is frequently overlooked in today’s rapidly evolving competitive landscape.

Taking Align Technology as an example, Align’s Training Center offers numerous highly beneficial programs for physician education and training, helping clinicians better master advanced orthodontic techniques.

“Align Academy” (Shanghai) Training Center is the second training center established by Align Technology in China, following the launch of its Chengdu Training Center in 2017. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the “Align Academy” (Shanghai) Training Center underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to clinical education and its strong support for Chinese clinicians. As Align Technology’s primary training institution, the “Align Academy” (Shanghai) Training Center will serve as a hub for clinician education and training, while also showcasing the company’s innovative products and technological advancements in orthodontic treatment and digital dentistry.

As consumer demand grows, Align Technology aims to provide dentists with innovative products and training support, thereby delivering ideal treatment outcomes for Invisalign users and helping them achieve more beautiful smiles. The Align Academy (Shanghai) Training Center represents another significant investment in China, designed to offer localized training and support for dentists and to help Align Technology continue leading the development of the clear aligner and digital dentistry industries.

Align Technology opened its first office in China in Shanghai in 2011. Since then, Align Technology has made significant investments in the training and development of its China team, establishing nine subsidiaries across the country and growing its workforce to over 1,000 employees.

In August, Align Academy (Shanghai) Training Center hosted a Media Open Day, to which VCBeat was invited. Xiang Jin, Managing Director of Align Technology China; Professor Zhou Yanheng, Professor of Orthodontics at Peking University School of Stomatology and Founder and Chief Consultant Expert of Sailde Sunshine Dental; Yu Jianming, Senior Orthodontic Consultant at Arrail Dental and Visiting Professor at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; and Fang Bing, Director of the Department of Orthodontics at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, shared insights on the latest trends in clear aligner orthodontics, Align Technology’s investment in physician education in China, and the significance of Align Academy in China.

Below are the guest speeches and media Q&A session.

Speaker: Xiang Jin, Managing Director of Align Technology China

Align Technology, hailing from Silicon Valley, has dedicated itself for over two decades since its inception to driving the development and transformation of the entire orthodontic industry through digital dental technologies, providing Chinese dentists with comprehensive end-to-end digital solutions. To date, Align Technology has served more than 7.2 million Invisalign users worldwide, including over 950,000 users in Asia.

China is Align Technology’s second-largest market globally, and its first design center outside North America was established in China (Chengdu, 2017). We aim to be closer to Chinese clinicians and patients, providing them with more convenient services.

Align Academy (Shanghai) Training Center is the second training center we have invested in within China; our first was established in Chengdu in 2017. As Align Technology’s primary training institution, Align Academy (Shanghai) will serve as a hub for physician education and training, while also showcasing the company’s innovative products and technological advancements in orthodontic treatment and digital dentistry.

The Align Academy (Shanghai) Training Center is equipped with advanced technological devices, including iTero intraoral scanners and state-of-the-art phantom head models. The center features three training rooms: a multi-functional training room, a ClinCheck simulation studio, and a hands-on practice room for iTero intraoral scanning and phantom head model exercises. Furthermore, the training center will offer training courses and clinical education programs, along with demonstrations of the tools and processes required for clinicians to adopt innovative technologies and treatment options in their clinical practice.

With growing consumer demand, we aim to provide doctors with innovative products and training support to deliver optimal treatment outcomes for Invisalign users, helping them achieve more beautiful smiles. The Align Academy (Shanghai) Training Center represents another significant investment by us in China, designed to offer localized training and support for clinicians, thereby enabling Align Technology to continue leading the development of the clear aligner and digital dentistry industries.

Speaker: Professor Zhou Yanheng, Professor of the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Founder and Chief Advisory Expert of Sunny Dental

Align Technology was founded in Silicon Valley, United States, in 1997. I first encountered clear aligner orthodontic technology in 2000. From 2000 to 2010, a full decade, the field of orthodontics witnessed two major technological revolutions of the 21st century: one was Invisalign’s clear aligner orthodontic technology, and the other was temporary anchorage device (TAD) technology.

In 2010, I served as the Director of the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University School of Stomatology. From 1997 to 2010, I observed that Invisalign clear aligner technology had developed and improved in international markets. I believed it was necessary for China to understand this technology at that time; therefore, the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University School of Stomatology played a pioneering role in China.

Therefore, in collaboration with the Chinese Stomatological Association and its Orthodontics Professional Committee, we co-hosted the “Peking University School of Stomatology Invisalign Symposium,” with the aim of enabling professional orthodontists in China to gain a thorough understanding of this technology. In China, our strategy is to prioritize orthodontists as the primary providers of clear aligner therapy; thus, as clear aligner technology enters the Chinese market, greater emphasis should be placed on engaging orthodontists.

The event was held on April 18–19, 2011. The National Committee of Orthodontics under the Chinese Stomatological Association comprises 150 members, all of whom are renowned orthodontists in China. A total of 120 committee members attended the event, with overall attendance reaching approximately 300 participants. A key point emphasized during the meeting—and a notable strength of Align Technology in China—is its continuous commitment to physician training. I have always believed that the development of the clear aligner industry must be centered around orthodontists; it is essential to cultivate their expertise and enable them to continuously enhance their technical proficiency.

Currently, I also serve as an Executive Committee Member of the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) and President of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS). On various occasions, I have emphasized that orthodontists are the key to successful orthodontic treatment. Whether using traditional fixed appliances or clear aligners, the orthodontist remains the central figure in delivering care. Clear aligner therapy is, first and foremost, a medical procedure that must be performed by qualified doctors. Only orthodontists can accurately diagnose and design treatment plans. During tooth movement, complications may arise, requiring the orthodontist’s expertise to make clinical judgments and necessary adjustments, thereby ensuring safe and effective tooth movement.

Some companies abroad directly conduct intraoral scans for consumers in shopping malls and then fabricate aligners for their use. This orthodontic model poses significant problems and is highly likely to entail various medical risks, such as issues related to tooth roots and periodontal treatment. Therefore, all orthodontic treatments must be conducted under the guidance of a dentist.

When Invisalign entered the Chinese market in 2011, its technology still had significant limitations. I led a doctoral research team at Peking University to conduct specialized studies on this technology, substantially expanding the indications for clear aligner therapy.

As of today, SmileCare Dental has made it possible for every patient to receive treatment using clear aligner orthodontic technology. Only in this way can clear aligner technology be widely promoted and further developed, enabling more patients to benefit from this treatment option.

The global orthodontics market has developed for over a century, with China largely in a follower role for much of that time. Our generation bears the responsibility to drive technological innovation and surpass international standards. Today, we are treating some of the most complex cases worldwide—cases performed here in China that cannot be managed abroad. This is when clinicians transform aligners into a comprehensive orthodontic treatment technique.

Having successfully evolved appliances into a comprehensive orthodontic technology, we are now standardizing orthodontic treatment protocols to facilitate the genuine advancement of this technology within China. I have always emphasized that Chinese orthodontics should aspire to lead the world. This is undoubtedly a formidable challenge; however, clear aligner technology has enabled us to achieve rapid catch-up and surpass competitors through innovative disruption.

For us, whether traditional stainless steel or ceramic brackets, or clear aligners, they are all orthodontic appliances. What matters most is our ability to transform these appliances into a comprehensive technology solution that benefits more patients. Sunny Dental Group has nearly 40 orthodontists, almost all of whom receive training at the Align Technology Institute after graduation.

Our ongoing pursuit has been to popularize the future trends of clear aligner technology—namely, digital orthodontics—across China, thereby genuinely advancing technological development and encouraging more patients to undergo standardized orthodontic treatment. I believe we have largely achieved this goal thus far; however, there is still a long road ahead. We hope that more clinicians will participate in such training programs. Furthermore, a platform is needed to disseminate our professional expertise and foster the growth of young dentists.

This year marks my 30th year in orthodontics, during which I have accumulated extensive clinical experience managing a wide range of complex cases. It is essential for younger dentists to learn from this expertise, thereby enabling more patients to benefit from such treatments.

Some may believe that clear aligner therapy simply involves 3D scanning, AI-driven treatment planning, and 3D-printed aligners, but this is a misconception. I frequently encounter issues during orthodontic treatment, and we are actively helping more young clinicians avoid these pitfalls. Therefore, it is crucial for dentists to undergo systematic Invisalign training.

Speaker: Yu Jianming, Senior Orthodontic Consultant at Arrail Dental and Visiting Professor at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

The healthcare industry demands prudence and responsibility; therefore, I consider Align Technology to be a responsible company. The orthodontic market in China has been developing rapidly. I recall that in 2014, Invisalign had only 9,000 cases nationwide in China; today, the number exceeds 90,000. Amidst this rapid growth in market demand, technology must keep pace, which requires platform support and assistance. Thus, the Align Academy (Shanghai) Training Center plays a vital role by providing a platform for orthodontists to exchange ideas and discuss technical advancements.

Professor Zhou stated that he aims to elevate China’s Invisalign expertise to the highest global standard. Previously, Invisalign treatment in the United States was primarily limited to simple cases and retreatment of relapsed cases; in China, however, we have successfully managed a large volume of complex cases.

Despite the challenges encountered, we have successfully completed the majority of cases and accumulated substantial experience. We hope to share this expertise globally and ensure that dentists in China providing Invisalign orthodontic treatment receive systematic, scientific, and comprehensive training.

Speaker: Fang Bing, Director of the Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

I would like to share my experience in adolescent orthodontics from three perspectives: first, why adolescents undergo orthodontic treatment; second, how to select appropriate appliances and techniques for adolescent patients; and third, the importance of clinician training.

The first question: Why do adolescents need orthodontic treatment? China has elevated “Healthy China” to a national strategy, underscoring the importance of both physical and mental well-being among its citizens. As the saying goes, “illness enters via the mouth.” The oral cavity serves as the gateway to the body; if this gateway is compromised—allowing air, water, or light to leak through—the home becomes unsafe. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral health.

The prevalence of malocclusion in adolescents is approximately 72%. What are the impacts of malocclusion on physical health?

First, the teeth are misaligned, making it difficult to brush them thoroughly and maintain adequate oral hygiene;

Second, during mastication, the upper and lower teeth undergo occlusal adjustment, during which they should be subjected to uniform vertical forces. If the occlusion is disordered, multidirectional forces will be generated during this process, which is detrimental to the health of the tooth roots and periodontium.

Third, in cases of malocclusion. The oral cavity cannot remain closed, leading to saliva spraying during speech, and the mouth remains open in a relaxed state, among other conditions; these factors adversely affect both general health and oral health;

Fourth, mental health. Many research studies indicate that self-affirmation awareness is established around the age of nine, which corresponds to approximately the third grade. During this period, adolescent psychological health also undergoes development. If a child experiences psychological distress or a blow to their sense of self-affirmation at this age, the impact may persist throughout their lifetime. From the perspective of promoting mental well-being, undergoing orthodontic treatment during adolescence can help safeguard children’s physical and mental health.

The second question: Choosing Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adolescents. In reality, children have little say in the decision; it is primarily made by their parents. Key considerations include: first, the frequency of follow-up visits; second, the child’s comfort level; and third, the frequency of emergency situations.

Traditional orthodontics and clear aligner therapy each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Fixed appliances are bonded to the teeth with adhesive; they may accidentally become dislodged during eating, necessitating immediate follow-up visits, which can be inconvenient for adolescents attending school. Additionally, archwires may irritate the oral mucosa, causing pain and discomfort in the soft tissues. Such issues are less likely to occur with clear aligners, which typically require follow-up appointments every three months or, in some cases, once a month, thereby having a lesser impact on adolescents’ studies and daily lives. Furthermore, regardless of the type of appliance used, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for pediatric patients. Poor oral hygiene control during orthodontic treatment can adversely affect both the periodontium and the teeth.

Adolescents are highly susceptible to peer influence. If a significant number of students in a class use clear aligners, it often triggers a bandwagon effect, with others directly opting for clear aligner orthodontic treatment. In such cases, if traditional braces are recommended, adolescents may perceive them as aesthetically unappealing. Therefore, the selection of orthodontic treatment modalities for adolescents requires comprehensive consideration and careful decision-making.

The third issue concerns the importance of training for adolescent orthodontists. I have also delivered lectures at the Align Technology Shanghai Training Center. Clear aligners are merely a tool; transforming their use into a standardized orthodontic technique requires a structured training process. Clear aligner therapy leverages digital dental technologies to directly present comprehensive, end-to-end treatment solutions. However, critical questions must be addressed: Does the planned treatment adhere to biomechanical principles? Does it conform to the biological patterns of tooth movement? Is it consistent with the principles of bone remodeling? Answering these questions demands that clinicians possess a robust and comprehensive knowledge base for accurate judgment; otherwise, the risk of treatment complications may increase.

In China, there are relatively few orthodontic specialists. Only 5,000 to 6,000 orthodontists are registered with the National Orthodontics Committee, and a large number of practitioners are not necessarily board-certified orthodontic specialists. Therefore, the demand for such training remains substantial.

Many of our institutions are also collaborating with Align Technology, and numerous faculty members have delivered lectures at the Align Academy Training Center. The Align Academy Training Center can transform clear aligner therapy into a technique that clinicians can master. However, how this technique is applied to individual patients constitutes a clinical issue to be addressed by hospitals and physicians—a matter of a higher order. Integrating these two aspects would yield better outcomes.

The following is the media Q&A session.

Xiang Jin:From Align Technology’s perspective, the Invisalign system is a Class II medical device, targeted at professional general dentists and orthodontists. Their needs are entirely consistent: they require professional services and specialized training to understand and master Align Technology’s products and technologies.

In China, we have invested in and established training centers for physicians, design centers, and manufacturing facilities—all to stay closer to Chinese doctors, respond more rapidly, and deliver the best possible service. As Align Technology’s second-largest market globally, we firmly believe that engaging directly with physicians is of paramount importance.

Zhou Yanheng:In fact, orthodontics is the most specialized subspecialty within the field of dentistry. It takes five to six years for an orthodontist to complete their training, progressing from undergraduate studies through master’s and doctoral programs; only then can they be considered systematically trained orthodontists.

I imagine your primary question concerns the time required to master Invisalign orthodontic treatment. For orthodontists, the first step is to undergo training to understand the principles of clear aligner therapy. Based on my experience, it takes approximately one to three years of systematic study and training to truly master this technique. For general dentists who have not received specialized training, I believe the learning curve is considerably longer.

There are still issues with adolescent orthodontic treatment and some complex cases, which require a truly systematic knowledge of orthodontics to effectively utilize clear aligner technology.

Xiang Jin:We are highly optimistic about the development of the Chinese market, as attention to and investment in oral health continue to grow. The spring of China’s oral care market has just begun. Capital and enterprises are starting to focus on and invest in this industry, which will help Chinese consumers prioritize oral health, thereby driving industry growth.

Align Technology is the inventor of digital dental medical technology and a leader in this industry. We offer industry-leading clear aligner products and iTero 3D intraoral scanning technology, and we invest heavily each year in the research and development of new products, such as Invisalign G5, G6, and Invisalign MA for teenage consumers, covering various fields including functional correction and adolescent growth management.

Align Technology also features its exclusively developed SmartTrack material. Over the past eight years, we have tested more than 260 materials and leveraged extensive expertise in biomechanics and materials science to develop the SmartTrack aligner material, which delivers an optimal force system to facilitate gradual tooth movement toward the desired position.

Invisalign aligners are manufactured on a globally advanced, large-scale customization production line. To date, we have produced over 437 million sets of custom aligners, with an average daily output of 332,000 sets.

Yu Jianming:For example, I only treated two patients with fixed appliances in a year, while all other patients underwent Invisalign treatment. However, this does not mean that those two patients were ineligible for Invisalign, nor does it guarantee that Invisalign would be 100% suitable for them; rather, it is suitable for the majority of patients.

While clinicians vary in their technical skills and clinical judgment, certain cases are widely recognized as highly challenging to treat with clear aligner therapy; therefore, we avoid using them in such instances and opt for fixed appliances as an interim solution.

We have the capability to treat all cases using the Invisalign system. However, clinicians sometimes exercise discretion in case selection, taking into account factors such as their proficiency with the technology, patient needs, and the duration of clear aligner therapy.

Fang Bing:Clear aligners are a tool, and we are also exploring how to better tailor this technology to case selection; therefore, we are attempting combined orthognathic-orthodontic treatment. Patients with both dental and skeletal deformities require combined treatment, and such cases are generally considered complex.

We have developed a standardized treatment protocol that has demonstrated excellent efficacy in this patient population. This protocol has been streamlined and promoted for educational purposes, thereby expanding therapeutic options for patients. Ultimately, our core mission is to benefit patients.

Xiang Jin:Align Technology is the first manufacturer to possess both Invisalign clear aligners and iTero intraoral scanning technology. Moreover, Align Technology offers more than just a combination of two products; it enables the exchange of core data underlying these two technologies, thereby providing an integrated solution for digital orthodontic treatment. Currently, in the global market, only Align Technology can provide comprehensive digital solutions in the fields of intraoral scanning and digital tooth arrangement.

iTero is also an open-architecture scanner that can be used for dental restorations and other oral healthcare services, providing intraoral data acquisition to support digital workflows across the entire clinic.

Zhou Yanheng:This guideline was developed by the entire academic community of the Chinese Society of Orthodontics. The timing is apt, as there is a pressing need to standardize the protocols for clear aligner therapy, enabling more clinicians to clearly understand case selection criteria, as well as the treatment approaches and outcomes for different types of cases.

Sunny Dental is also managing various complex cases and operates its own clinical research institute. We have standardized clear aligner therapy through clinical practice and research, establishing a unified treatment protocol that can be promoted and used for training in the future.

Xiang Jin:Experts and professors have consistently emphasized that clear aligner orthodontics is a medical service, encompassing cases of varying complexity and involving specialists and professors with differing levels of experience, as well as general practitioners, including orthodontists and general dentists.

The Invisalign system is a Class II medical device. Our clients are not consumers, but professional orthodontists. We provide specialized services, designing and manufacturing the aligners they require according to their specifications. The choice of orthodontist and the complexity of the patient’s case are the factors directly related to orthodontic pricing.

Zhou Yanheng:In fact, China may have reached a turning point a few years ago. As GDP developed to a certain level, people began to pay attention to oral health, especially many middle-class users who needed orthodontic treatment. Moreover, the state has been advocating for technology to reach grassroots levels, moving from major universities and public hospitals into society, and combining with social capital to establish private medical institutions. This brings professional expertise from universities into private medical institutions, enabling them to provide the most professional medical services to the general public.

If a medical institution employs PhDs and master’s degree holders from prestigious universities such as Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, and Shandong University to carry out these tasks, I believe the medical technology and quality would be well assured. Moreover, private medical institutions tend to deliver superior service and management.

Fang Bing:The optimal timing for adolescent orthodontic treatment depends on the classification of malocclusion. If the issue is merely dental crowding without misalignment between the upper and lower dental arches, treatment can be initiated around age 12, when the second molars (the seventh teeth) erupt, based on the degree of crowding present at that time. However, if there is a discrepancy in the relationship between the upper and lower dental arches, earlier intervention is required. Specifically, correction of such sagittal discrepancies should begin before the onset of puberty—prior to menarche in girls and before voice change in boys—to coincide with the period preceding the peak of pubertal growth.

If the deformity is already pronounced—such as when teeth remain exposed outside the mouth upon closure, or when the mouth remains fully open during sleep (lip incompetence with tooth exposure)—and the child’s facial appearance is visibly distinct from that of their peers, early intervention is warranted. A simple orthodontic treatment may be initiated around age seven or eight to partially correct these obvious deformities, followed by comprehensive orthodontic correction after the eruption of permanent tooth roots. If a child exhibits significant and severe dental health issues, prompt consultation with a dentist is essential. The clinician can determine the optimal timing for intervention based on the classification of the malocclusion.

Currently, there is insufficient attention paid to the development of mental health in China, yet this area warrants significant concern. In our clinical practice, we have encountered parents who, despite their children’s need for treatment, frequently ask a common question: “Can we wait another two years?” This hesitation often stems from the academic pressure associated with the transition from elementary to junior high school. Some children have already lost and replaced three or four primary incisors, yet they are still expected to endure. Addressing this issue requires collaborative efforts from both the media and medical professionals. Mental health is no less important than physical health, and greater public awareness in this regard is essential.

The choice of orthodontic appliance also depends on the patient’s age. For most adults, if clear aligner therapy can achieve an optimal outcome, they will invariably choose it. However, for adolescents, parents often consider factors such as financial affordability and the child’s level of cooperation.

As for the outcomes, there is a prevalent misconception that clear aligners can only achieve limited results. I believe this view is incorrect. Regardless of the type of orthodontic appliance used, teeth should be moved to their optimal position. The industry has established specific scoring criteria; treatment is considered complete only when these standards are met, ensuring there are neither functional nor aesthetic deficiencies.

The duration of orthodontic treatment is not significantly influenced by the type of orthodontic appliance used. Orthodontic tooth movement is not merely about aligning the visible crowns; it requires moving the tooth roots into positions that allow for proper alignment. Since tooth roots are embedded within the alveolar bone, their movement speed is limited to approximately 0.5 mm per month, regardless of the appliance system employed. Therefore, the overall treatment duration is primarily determined by the rate of root movement within the bone. While certain aspects of the treatment plan can affect the timeline—for instance, extraction cases typically require longer treatment than non-extraction cases—the primary determinant remains the distance the tooth roots must travel through the bone.