The company says the new proprietary material provides consistent force and elasticity, giving orthodontists more control during treatment.
Angelalign Technology Inc has unveiled SuperElastic (MC-SE), a new proprietary clear aligner material designed to offer improved performance for treating complex orthodontic cases. The material is the result of seven years of research and aims to provide biologically safe force levels, a larger elastic working range, and increased structural strength.
Polyamide Integration for Elasticity and Strength
While Angelalign’s previous aligners used a soft, multi-layered polymer based on PETG material, MC-SE integrates a medical grade polyamide layer into its structure. Polyamides, a family of materials that includes Kevlar and nylon, are typically used in applications requiring high elasticity and toughness.
According to the company, MC-SE is engineered to deliver continuous force at biologically safe levels throughout the wear cycle. In three-point flexural testing at an 8% strain, the new material returned to its original flat shape, whereas samples of conventional PETG and the company’s previous material remained visibly bent.
“Angel is committed to innovation and never settling for ‘good enough.’ MC-SE is the result of seven years of materials research, testing and manufacturing optimization. The new material aims to create a new generation of aligner material that allows orthodontists to differentiate their treatment from other treatments,” says Fox Hu, CEO of Angelalign, in a release.
Inspired by Archwire Performance
The development of MC-SE was inspired by nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires, which are valued in traditional orthodontics for their low, continuous force. The new material aims to bring those same continuous force properties to clear aligner therapy.
“Angel innovation listens to orthodontists and analyzes case results. Clinicians send us a lot of complex cases. Aligner material is the foundation of every treatment. MC-SE gives orthodontists a stronger foundation to build on. It follows angelButton, A6 Mandibular Advancement and Pressure Points as part of our commitment to continue developing clinical solutions for orthodontists,” says Richard Hirschland, chief commercial officer and senior vice president at Angelalign, in a release.
Future Development and Availability
The company plans to build on the medical grade polyamide integration as a material platform, developing future variations to achieve different force effects.
MC-SE will be available globally once the appropriate registrations are received, and a trademark for the material is currently pending.
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