The company will introduce a 3D printed attachment system, integrated buttons, and palatal expander updates for mid-2026 release.
Align Technology plans to preview three new Invisalign innovations expected for mid-2026 release at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) 2026 Annual Session in Orlando, Florida. The upcoming updates are designed to bring digital precision to procedures traditionally executed manually at chairside.
“Supporting the orthodontic specialty with tools that work better together is what drives us and we’re excited to connect with the orthodontic community at AAO as we continue partnering to shape the future of orthodontic care,” says Frank Quinn, evp and managing director, Americas, in a release.
Invisalign Specifix Attachment System
The Invisalign Specifix Attachment System is a 3D printed solution that combines attachments matched to the doctor’s treatment plan with a bonding accessory. It is designed to reduce the variability of attachment size and placement while streamlining the workflow.
“The 3D printed Specifix attachment system represents an exciting step forward in making attachment delivery more predictable, efficient, and team-friendly,” says Dr Marta Baird, of Baird Orthodontics in Pleasanton, CA, in a release.
The system also aims to improve the patient experience during the removal stage.
“Attachment removal does not require a high-speed handpiece, which makes the process simple, efficient, and much more comfortable,” says Dr Manal Ibrahim, of Innovative Orthodontic Center in Naperville, IL, in a release.
Integrated Buttons for Elastics
Align will also preview Invisalign integrated buttons, which incorporate button planning directly into the ClinCheck treatment planning workflow. This digital approach replaces standard manual planning and placement, determining button type and position during the planning phase to improve accuracy and support bite correction.
“It is a game changer for our patients and gives us another option for our patients wearing elastics,” says Dr Don Spillers, of Spillers Orthodontics in Warner Robins, GA, in a release.
Palatal Expander with Integrated Hooks
The Invisalign Palatal Expander will now feature forward and backward facing integrated hooks compatible with elastics. The addition aims to provide flexibility for treating a broader range of complex cases, including skeletal Class III malocclusions.
“The device is retentive and stable even when hooked up with elastics to a protraction facemask. The backward-facing hooks are discreet, extremely comfortable, yet robust enough to engage an orthopedic elastic for skeletal growth modification,” says Dr Sandra Khong Tai, of Astra Orthodontics in British Columbia, Canada, in a release.
A recent clinical study by researchers at the University of Insubria found that the Invisalign Palatal Expander effectively widens the upper jaw, delivering controlled and predictable results compared to a traditional metal Hyrax expander.
Custom Trimline Limited Release
Independent of the AAO showcase, Align has initiated a limited-market-release of a custom trimline option. Integrated into the ClinCheck digital workflow, this feature allows doctors to personalize aligner design based on patient anatomy. It offers an extended scalloped trimline for cases requiring additional retention, such as short clinical crowns, erupting dentition, or instances of gingival recession.
Photo: Align Technology
