Align Technology awarded twelve research grants to universities worldwide as part of its fifteenth Annual Research Award Program, supporting studies that explore key clinical questions in clear aligner therapy and digital orthodontics.
Align Technology awarded twelve research grants to academic institutions around the world through its 2025 Annual Research Award Program. Now in its fifteenth year, the program supports studies that aim to build clinical evidence around clear aligner treatment and digital orthodontic workflows.
Grants Awarded Across Three Regions
This year’s recipients span the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. Institutions in the Americas include the University of Alberta, University of Florida, University of Rochester, and State University of Rio de Janeiro. In Europe, grants were awarded to researchers at the University of Liège, Link Campus University, and UniCamillus International Medical University. In the Asia Pacific region, funding went to Sichuan University and Sydney Dental Hospital.
“This year the number of applications to the program is the largest since its initiation 15 years ago,” said John Morton, Align Technology vice president, technical fellow. “The research endeavors funded by this highly competitive program may advance the science of dentistry and aim to improve the dental care of the global community.”
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Research Focus Reflects Clinical Priorities
The funded projects address a broad range of clinical questions, including:
- Adolescent adherence to clear aligner treatment
- Attachment bonding precision
- 3D imaging’s role in reducing periodontal recession
- Bone remodeling analysis using 3D assessment tools
- Periodontal health comparisons between aligners and fixed appliances
- Predictability of outcomes in open-bite and skeletal class II patients
Other topics include consultation methods, occlusal and mandibular plane rotation, and interceptive treatment for displaced canines.
According to the company, all applications were reviewed and prioritized in a blind evaluation process by an independent academic committee. Final selections were made by Align Technology.
“We are excited to support university research around the world, and we continue to learn about the findings from the awarded research and their publications,” said Dr Mitra Derakhshan, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Align Technology. “These projects will lead to insights and evidence that advance the science and applicability of treatment for patients of all ages.”
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