Align Technology Releases Align X-ray Insights in EU, UK

Align Technology Inc. has launched Align X-ray Insights in the European Union and United Kingdom. The new software-based (CADe*) computer aided detection solution uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically analyze 2D radiographs.

As part of the Align Digital Platform, Align X-ray Insights software helps doctors diagnose dental and oral health conditions, standardize analysis, streamline workflows, and improve patient engagement. A recent survey among early doctor users of the technology showed it helped 95% of them in communicating patient oral health conditions. Furthermore, 91% agreed that, when shown to patients, it improved patient trust and treatment acceptance of restorative procedures.¹

“Align X-ray Insights represents a significant advancement in our digital restorative dentistry solutions with broader patient applicability,” said Simon Beard, Align Technology executive vice president and managing director, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). “By integrating AI into radiographic analysis, we are empowering doctors with more precise diagnostic capabilities to improve their patient outcomes. This launch underscores our commitment to innovation and our ongoing efforts to expand our digital platform.”

After confirming diagnosis, doctors can use the Align X-ray Insights detailed report, automatic tooth charting, and color overlays of radiographic abnormalities for patient education and treatment planning. The AI detection functionalities include caries, periapical radiolucencies and periodontal bone loss and other conditions.

Align X-ray Insights—alongside Align Oral Health Suite, a comprehensive digital suite providing a clinical framework to empower engaging oral health conversations—provides dental practitioners an X-ray diagnostic digital solution that can enhance NIRI (Near Infra-Red Imaging) technology with iTero intraoral scanners and Oral Health Suite’s capabilities, to support and advance doctor treatment planning decisions and priorities based on available patient records.

“It is fantastic to see Align X-ray Insights being integrated into Align’s digital platform—bringing diagnostic AI capabilities to dentists all over the world. When we started our journey towards AI in dental diagnostics, we had hoped to improve patient outcomes via better diagnostics and treatment decisions,” said Professor Falk Schwendicke, director of the Dental Clinic at University of Munich. “Since then, we learned that further value lies in Align X-ray Insights by fostering patient communication, and facilitating comprehensive, systematic reporting. Combining this with the products and services already available to Align users is a leap forward for digital dentistry.”

Align Technology acquired dentalXrai GmbH in 2022 and has since worked on integrating its flagship product into the Align Digital Platform. Align X-ray Insights, a cloud-based software, can be accessed either from any desktop or tablet or through an integration with iTero. The desktop/tablet version becomes generally available in the European Union and United Kingdom as of March 25. The integration of Align X-ray Insights with iTero intraoral scanners is underway and will commence limited market release soon. Align X-ray Insights received regulatory clearance in Europe, the U.K., Canada, and New Zealand, with further availability in other countries planned, pending approvals such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign System, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for more than 271,600 doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 28 years, Align has helped doctors treat approximately 19.5 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, its integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners.

*CADe = computer-aided detection

Reference
¹ Based on a survey of n=24 doctors (19 GP / 5 orthodontists) using Align X-ray Insights in Europe (FR, UK, IT, DE, ES, NL, DK and LV) who were part of a limited market release. Doctors indicated their agreement with different statements using a 4-point scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Statements included “Align X-ray Insights, when shown to patients, increased treatment acceptance of restorative procedures.” (91% agreement), “Align X-ray Insights streamlines the dental diagnostic workflow, helping me save valuable time.” (70% agreement), “Align X-ray Insights contributes to higher trust when shown to patients during treatment option discussions.” (91% agreement) and “Align X-ray Insights helps me communicate patient oral health conditions and treatment options.” (95% agreement). Align X-ray Insights is intended to be used in conjunction with an evaluation by the doctor and should not be solely relied upon to make or confirm a diagnosis. Data on file at Align Technology as of January 2025.