Align Technologies ALGN has made waves in the orthodontic industry by unveiling the commercial availability of the Invisalign Palatal Expander system in Australia and New Zealand. This cutting-edge system, now sanctioned by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and the New Zealand Web-Assisted Notification of Devices Database, caters to a broad patient demographic, including children in their growth phase, teenagers, and adults requiring surgical or alternative interventions.
Expected to revolutionize ALGN’s Clear Aligner segment, the system’s debut in Australia and New Zealand marks just the beginning, with plans to extend its reach to other APAC markets once it secures regulatory green lights commencing in 2024.
Exploring the Impact of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System
The Invisalign Palatal Expander system, a masterpiece derived from ALGN’s exclusive 3D printing technology, is a game-changer. Designed to promptly expand and stabilize narrow upper jaws in patients with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition, this innovative device heralds a new era in orthodontic treatment.
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Crafted as a sequence of removable, incrementally adjusting devices, this system aims to widen a patient’s narrow upper jaw following a personalized digital scan using the iTero intraoral scanner. The process involves the expertise of the patient’s treating doctor and the application of ALGN’s distinctive AI-enhanced orthodontic software.
By combining forces with the Invisalign First aligners, the Invisalign Palatal Expanders enable practitioners to provide a holistic early intervention framework, catering to roughly 20% of annual orthodontic engagements – the Phase I or early interceptive treatment sphere, a domain predominantly addressed using arch expanders or partial metal braces before a complete set of permanent teeth emerges, generally slated for ages six through ten.
The tandem use of Invisalign Palatal Expanders and Invisalign First aligners equips practitioners with a potent armamentarium to tackle prevalent skeletal and dental misalignments in budding individuals. Moreover, the incorporation of mandibular advancement functionalities into Invisalign aligners presents a diverse array of options for rectifying jaw anomalies and bites as adolescents progress through their formative years.
Delving Deeper into Recent Developments
Amidst palpable excitement, ALGN heralds the arrival of its latest innovation in digital orthodontics to the venerable practitioners in the Australasian belt. With a surge in demand for orthodontic solutions aimed at youths and adolescents in these regions, the rollout of the Invisalign Palatal Expander system bolsters the company’s arsenal, offering a comprehensive early interceptive treatment gamut that seamlessly integrates with Invisalign First.
This avant-garde system addresses peculiar dilemmas associated with palatal expansion while ensuring an unparalleled patient experience, blending comfort with an unwavering emphasis on oral hygiene.
Outlook on the Industry
According to a research projection, the 3D printing market is currently valued at $15 billion in 2023 with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.1% until 2028.
Key Advancements in the Clear Aligner Domain
In a significant move in January 2024, Align Technologies finalized the acquisition of Cubicure GmbH, a pioneer in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing. The integration of Cubicure bolsters ALGN’s strategic innovation pathway and fortifies the Align Digital Platform. Additionally, Cubicure’s expertise will amplify the company’s printing, materials, and manufacturing capabilities for its 3D printed product spectrum, including the Invisalign Palatal Expander system.
Moreover, in December 2023, ALGN garnered the coveted FDA 510(K) clearance for the Invisalign Palatal Expander system, unlocking a broad patient base encompassing children in their growth stages, teenagers, and adults necessitating surgical interventions or alternative methodologies.
Financial Performance Snapshot
Over the past six months, ALGN shares have surged by 10.7%, defying the industry’s downtrend of 2.5%.
Zacks Rank and Promising Options
Presently, Align Technologies boasts a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Among the standout performers in the broader medical landscape are DaVita DVA, Stryker SYK, and Cardinal Health CAH. While DaVita clinches a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), both Stryker and Cardinal Health flaunt a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). For an exhaustive list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks, refer to the complete list here.
DaVita’s stock has witnessed a remarkable 63.2% surge in the past year. Noteworthy advancements include an upward revision of earnings estimates from $8.97 to $9.23 in 2024 and from $9.77 to $10.01 in 2025 within the last 30 days.
The Pulse of the Medical Sector: Insights into Stock Analysis and Company Updates
The Unveiling Analysis
Delving into the intricate world of stock analysis and company updates in the medical sector unveils a myriad of insights.
Leading Players in the Limelight
Amidst the flurry of reports and recommendations from Zacks Investment Research, Stryker Corporation (SYK), DaVita Inc. (DVA), Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN), and Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) emerge as key players commanding attention and scrutiny.
Strategic Moves and Expansion
Recent developments such as Align Technology, Inc.’s debut of the Invisalign Palatal Expander in new markets symbolize a strategic stride towards market expansion and innovation, shedding light on the dynamic nature of the sector.
Unraveling Insights
As investors and stakeholders navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the medical sector, the importance of staying informed and seizing opportunities becomes paramount.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
