Summary: uLab Systems has launched Reva, a new, thinner thermoforming material for clear aligners that offers better force retention and comfort. Reva is now available for uSmile products and soon for in-office use.
Key Takeaways:
- Reva is the company’s thinnest aligner material, designed to improve force retention and patient comfort.
- Clinical evaluation pilots showed that the Reva material enables the use of smaller, less noticeable attachments while maintaining effective tooth movement, even for challenging cases like extrusions.
uLab Systems has introduced Reva, a new proprietary thermoforming material for use with clear aligner products. Reva is 17% thinner than comparable brands, according to the company. Aligners made with Reva also provide improved force retention over time.
The new material is available now for all uSmile aligner, template, and retainer products manufactured at the uLab plant in Memphis, Tenn. Individual Reva thermoforming sheets for in-office use will be available soon on uLab’s new e-commerce site, shopulab.com.
Launch of Reva and Clinical Evaluation
“After several years of research and clinical evaluation, we are proud to introduce Reva to the orthodontic community,” said Charlie Wen, founder and president of uLab Systems. “The material’s long-term force retention, tight interproximal fit to the tooth surface under wet conditions, and excellent attachment engagement have proven to move teeth precisely. The clinical evaluation pilots demonstrated that a thinner material allowed smaller, more rounded, and in some cases, fewer attachments to achieve the same movements compared with other aligner materials tried by doctors.”
More than 2,700 patients from 70 orthodontists’ practices were evaluated during the clinical evaluation pilot studies. Overall satisfaction was very high for the pilot’s patients and orthodontists, according to uLab. More than 90% of the pilot orthodontists surveyed claimed their cases were tracking to plan during patient follow-up visits.
Patient Satisfaction and Material Benefits
Bench studies showed Reva retained more force overtime compared to a leading competitor material. uLab offers bulk purchase of aligner storage cases with a customized logo on the aligner case. The thinner material creates less “bulk” for patients resulting in high patient-satisfaction scores for comfort, compliance, and impact on speech, according to the company. Over 90% of patients surveyed in these pilots indicated the material was as comfortable as or more comfortable than their previous aligners and that the aligners remained clear for the duration of wear.
Availability and Customization Option
All uSmile orders were transitioned to the Reva material in August. Practitioners who want to use the material for their in-office manufacturing will be able to order Reva thermoforming sheets in November from our newly launched e-commerce site. Our shopulab.com website currently offers aligner/retainer storage cases that can be customized with the customer’s office logo or the uLab logo.
Doctors outside of the United States have the ability to create a chairside treatment plan through a licensing agreement it initiated in June.
“uLab’s U.S.-based business remains a robust, stand-alone entity providing end-to-end solutions for aligner therapy to U.S. customers,” said Hal Beckham, chief executive officer of uLab Systems. “The uLab license agreement is only for chairside treatment planning business outside of the United States. We remain laser-focused on the United States market, ensuring we deliver a platform that encompasses state-of-the-art chairside treatment planning, uAssist planning assistance, and full-service uSmile aligner manufacturing.”
