Angelalign 2019 A-Tech Conference: Defining the Future and Unlocking Infinite Possibilities in Digital Orthodontics

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that the 6th A-Tech Conference of Angelalign successfully concluded in Shanghai, China, on June 22, 2019. The two-day A-Tech Conference brought together more than 1,500 experts and scholars in the field of orthodontics to jointly witness the cutting-edge trends and development of China’s digital orthodontics industry.

A-Tech Conference

At the conference, Angelalign unveiled several impressive smart innovations, including the new AngelButton traction system, the A8 solution for distalizing molars, the Angelalign KID early treatment strategy for children, and facial management solutions. The main venue featured dedicated sessions on innovation, precision control, and adolescent orthodontics, while the breakout sessions focused on vertical and sagittal dimensions as well as diagnosis and treatment planning. A total of 36 speakers delivered outstanding presentations ranging from basic research to applied innovation, offering an extraordinary feast of innovation that showcased the robust strength of Chinese orthodontics and the limitless possibilities of digital orthodontics.

On June 21, the A-Tech Conference venue was filled with dentists from across China.

On the morning of June 21, Angelalign officially launched the AngelButton, a novel traction system. Professor Zhao Zhihe from the West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University; Academician Dai Jiansheng from King’s College London, UK; and Professor Fang Bing from Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, respectively elucidated the mechanical principles and product features, advanced manufacturing processes, and clinical applications of the AngelButton, thereby unveiling its innovative capabilities.

Professor Zhao Zhihe first introduced the mechanical principles and product features of the AngelButton orthodontic traction system, stating, “AngelButton is a novel traction system capable of defining the future and unlocking limitless possibilities for clear aligner therapy.”

Professor Zhao Zhihe, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University

Five Key Advantages of the New Angel Aligner Traction System: Integrated Structural Design, Free Design on the iOrtho Platform, AI-Powered Precise Positioning, Ergonomic Blunt-Edge Design, and High-Strength Transparent Material. Professor Zhao stated that these advantages collectively define the new clinical performance of Angel Aligners: eliminating tedious chairside procedures for clinicians, providing a safe and effective force-application structure, and delivering superior biomechanical expression. Meanwhile, patients experience enhanced comfort during wear and a significant improvement in treatment efficiency.

Academician Dai Jiansheng, King's College London

Academician Dai Jiansheng from King’s College London introduced how advanced manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing, and robotics technologies can “bridge the gap and cross boundaries” to enable large-scale, mass production of Angel Aligner clear aligners. He provided detailed insights into the design, materials, and manufacturing processes of Angel Aligners. Specifically, the production process of Angel Aligners encompasses four key technological processes: precision injection molding, low-temperature plasma surface treatment, intelligent manufacturing, and reliability assessment technology. These four core technologies collectively ensure the high precision, high reliability, and high consistency of Angel Aligner products.

Professor Fang Bing, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Professor Fang Bing from Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, led the audience on an in-depth exploration of the clinical applications of Angel Buttons. Focusing on three aspects—innovative applications, breakthrough applications, and future prospects—Professor Fang shared insights into the real-world clinical performance of Angel Buttons, demonstrating their flexible design and limitless potential in actual case scenarios. In her concluding remarks, Professor Fang spoke highly of Angel Buttons, stating, “Wherever thought leads, the button follows.” She expressed her anticipation to join hands with all the physicians present and peers across China’s digital orthodontics industry to jointly explore the boundless possibilities of Angel Buttons.

From left to right: Academician Dai Jiansheng of King’s College London, UK; Li Huamin, Founder and CEO of Angelalign Group; Professor Fang Bing of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; and Professor Zhao Zhihe of the West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University.

Professor Zhao Zhihe, Academician Dai Jiansheng, and Professor Fang Bing, together with Ms. Li Huamin, CEO of Angelalign Group, jointly launched the new AngelButton traction system. The new AngelButton traction system will be implemented in clinical practice this November.

The launch of AngelAlign’s new traction system, AngelButton, signifies that AngelAlign has once again expanded the technological boundaries of digital clear aligner therapy, marking a major breakthrough in the field of clear aligner treatment both in China and worldwide. The introduction of AngelButton empowers orthodontists and creates infinite possibilities for the future of the clear aligner industry.

Professor Hu Wei from the School of Stomatology, Peking University, introduces a novel A8 solution for molar distalization. The A8 protocol advances technical development through three key aspects: a progressive stepwise mode, a matched attachment system, and an optimized force delivery system, enabling more precise control of tooth movement.

Professor Hu Wei, Peking University School of Stomatology

Professor Hu Wei provided a detailed biomechanical interpretation of the four key elements of the A8 protocol: posterior anchorage control, posterior vertical height control, anterior labial inclination control, and anterior overbite control. He demonstrated the precise control achieved by the A8 protocol in cases of molar distalization through clinical case presentations. Finally, Professor Hu summarized the clinical applications of the A8 protocol, emphasizing its significant guiding value for clinical practice.

A8 Molar Distalization Solution: A Further Innovation from Angelalign, Building on Its A6 Clear Aligner Technology and A7 Extraction Treatment Solution. Leveraging the Lianchuang A+ Innovation Platform, Digital Orthodontics, and AI-Powered Algorithms, the A8 Solution Simplifies Complex Cases and Enables More Precise Control in Molar Distalization Treatments.

From left to right: Dr. Li Hu, Chief Physician at the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Professor Ai Hong from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University; and Dr. Huang Xuanru, Founding Chairman of the Taiwan Invisible Orthodontics Society.

From Innovation to Application: At the Precision Control Special Session on the afternoon of the 21st, Professor Ai Hong from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Dr. Huang Xuanru, Founding Chairman of the Taiwan Society of Invisible Orthodontics, and Dr. Li Hu, Chief Physician at the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, delivered compelling case presentations. Demonstrating from a clinical application perspective, they highlighted the remarkable performance of the A8 Protocol in treating various types of malocclusion.

Early orthodontic treatment in children has always been one of the key focuses for orthodontists. At this conference, Professor Ge Lihong from Peking University School of Stomatology shared his insights and clinical practices on early orthodontic treatment in children, covering four aspects: what early orthodontic treatment is, why it is necessary, factors influencing occlusal development in children, and the content and methods of early orthodontic treatment.

Professor Ge Lihong, Peking University School of Stomatology

Professor Ge Lihong emphasized that early orthodontic strategies should be considered from three aspects: teeth, jaws, and muscles, and implemented from the perspectives of prevention, guidance, and interception. Through the presentation of numerous clinical cases and sharing his clinical insights, Professor Ge Lihong provided participating physicians with new focal points and fresh perspectives on early orthodontic treatment in children.

Following this, Dr. Deng Xiao, Medical Director of Angelalign Group, provided a detailed presentation on Angelalign’s Pediatric Facial Management Solution. Dr. Deng introduced that Angelalign KiD, the pediatric facial management solution, addresses the three key dimensions of teeth, bones, and muscles, better aligning with the actual growth and developmental needs of children. Its innovative 3D orthodontic system effectively enables personalized clear aligner therapy for children aged 6–12 during the mixed dentition stage. Angelalign aims to collaborate with all orthodontists in China to explore and lead the new frontier of early orthodontic treatment, helping children “win at the starting line with a confident smile.”

Dr. Deng Xiao, Medical Director of Angelalign Group

On the 22nd, during the adolescent-focused session, the conference featured extensive discussions on early orthodontic treatment for children. Experts including Professor Chen Yuxue, Professor Zhou Li, Dr. Zhang Li, Professor Liu Yuehua, and Professor Shen Gang each presented their clinical cases, addressing comprehensive factors influencing pediatric dentofacial development—such as teeth, bones, and muscles—thereby inspiring attending physicians to engage in deeper reflection on early childhood orthodontics.

At this conference, Professor Pan Xiaogang from the Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine presented new explorations and innovative concepts regarding the Angelalign Multi-Mode Orthodontic System. He validated the precise control of complex tooth movements achieved by the innovative mode of Angelalign Champion Edition through animal experiments and clinical practice, showcasing innovative research on the multi-mode orthodontic system along with outstanding exploratory cases and achievements.

Professor Pan Xiaogang, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

In clear aligner therapy, extraction cases particularly test a clinician’s precision in controlling tooth movement. The introduction of the Angelalign A7 Extraction Solution has made extraction cases in clear aligner treatment no longer a challenge. The evolution of the A7 Extraction Solution—from primarily focusing on sagittal control to comprehensively addressing three-dimensional tooth movement—has significantly enhanced the precision of biomechanical control for orthodontic tooth movement in complex extraction cases.

 From left to right: Professor Li Yu of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University; Professor Gu Zexu of School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University; and Professor Chen Song of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University.

Professor Li Yu is dedicated to efficient orthodontics and presented solutions for treating skeletal malocclusions using the Angelalign clear aligner technology with the IMSAS protocol. Professor Gu Zexu reviewed previous sagittal biomechanical analyses of distal molar movement and extraction cases through a case report on molar distalization. He then showcased a successful extraction case, elaborating that biomechanical analysis and critical thinking regarding extraction cases should permeate the entire process of clear aligner therapy. Furthermore, he expressed his hope that an increasing number of Chinese clinicians will adopt domestic brands and products, thereby showcasing Chinese orthodontic products, technologies, and philosophies to the international community.

Professor Chen Song explained the mechanical design principles and applications of the A7 extraction solution, bridging the gap from virtual planning to clinical reality. Through a retrospective study, Professor Chen conducted a multi-indicator analysis of extraction cases using A7 versus non-A7 designs. The results demonstrated that the A7 system, developed based on the MasterForce platform, significantly enhances the precision of tooth movement control in complex extraction cases, thereby reducing the number of refinements and the overall treatment duration. In an interview, he stated, “The Angelalign MasterForce platform is the foundation of all innovation. Since force is the most critical element in orthodontics, every product launch must first undergo rigorous validation of its mechanical efficacy. This is the key distinction between Angelalign and other products. The mechanical validation provided by MasterForce ensures that every outcome is evidence-based!”

Over the past two years, Angelalign has officially partnered with the Training Bureau of the General Administration of Sport of China, becoming the designated oral care provider for Chinese national team athletes in their competition preparations. It also launched the “Champion Smile Initiative” to ensure comprehensive oral health support during daily training and major international competitions, empowering Chinese athletes to compete at their best with optimal oral health.

At the conference, Mr. Chen Guorong, Deputy Director of the Training Bureau of the General Administration of Sport of China; Ms. Wei Qiuyue, 2016 Rio Olympic Women’s Volleyball World Champion; and Mr. Chen Kai, Chief Operating Officer of Angelalign Group, jointly launched the countdown to the Tokyo Olympics—399 days remaining until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games (as of June 21). Angelalign will continue to provide professional dental care services to Chinese athletes, offering its support as they prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

From left to right: Chen Guorong, Deputy Director of the Training Bureau of the General Administration of Sport of China; Liu Yu, CMO of Angelalign Group; Li Huamin, CEO of Angelalign Group; Wei Qiuyue, 2016 Rio Olympics Women’s Volleyball World Champion; and Chen Kai, COO of Angelalign Group.

At the sub-venue on the 22nd, many speakers also shared outstanding clinical cases treated with Angelalign Master.

 Li Huamin, Founder and CEO of Angelalign Technology Inc.

As Ms. Li Huamin, Founder and CEO of Angelalign Group, stated at the outset of the A-Tech Conference, the “Infinite Possibilities” highlighted at this year’s event refer to the boundless potential for innovation and breakthroughs achieved through openness. These infinite possibilities encompass technological innovation, industry-wide innovation, and the individual innovations contributed by every professional in the field.

She stated that connectivity is more important than ownership. Angelalign will work with industry peers to build an intelligent ecosystem for mutual growth and shared success, calling on the entire industry to adopt a more open, inclusive, and cross-disciplinary mindset. She expressed confidence that this collaborative spirit will spark greater innovation, continuously expand the boundaries and possibilities of clear aligner technology, drive the development of China’s orthodontic industry, ensure its enduring legacy, and enable Chinese orthodontics to make a global impact.