Established workflow
A widely used approach in clear aligner production, familiar to laboratories and clinicians alike.
Thermoformed Aligners
A proven approach, precisely executed.
Thermoforming remains an established method for producing customized clear aligners: a digital treatment plan becomes a physical model, and precision thermoforming shapes the final aligner over it.
Why thermoformed
Predictable, familiar, well understood.
Precision fit
Each aligner is fabricated to the patient's planned tooth positions for that stage of treatment.
Clear and discreet
Designed to provide an aesthetic alternative to traditional fixed braces.
The thermoforming route
Four stages, one planned outcome.
01
Digital plan
The approved virtual setup defines each stage of tooth movement.
02
Model production
Each planned stage is produced as a physical model of the arch.
03
Precision thermoforming
Sheet material is formed over the model under controlled heat and pressure.
04
Trimming and finishing
The aligner is trimmed to the planned margin, polished and checked.
In the laboratory
Formed, trimmed, checked.
Forming
Heat and pressure, under control
The sheet takes the shape of the planned arch.
Sheet material is drawn over the printed model under controlled heat and vacuum, so the aligner records the planned tooth positions for that stage exactly.
Finishing
Trimmed to the planned margin
The edge decides how it feels to wear.
Each aligner is cut to its gingival margin and polished by hand. A rough edge is the difference between an aligner a patient wears 22 hours and one they take out.
Neither technology is the "better" one. The right choice is the one the case calls for — which is why we run both.
Ready to begin?
Let's Create Better Smiles.
Take on a laboratory as a dental professional, or begin treatment as a patient.