Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN) and 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced that the 3M True Definition scanner has been qualified for use with the Invisalign case submission, which requires an intraoral scanner that can readily capture an accurate full arch digital impression. This qualification will now enable Invisalign providers with a True Definition scanner to submit a digital impression in place of a traditional PVS impression as part of the Invisalign case submission process. 

The 3M True Definition Scanner is the only third party scanner that has been qualified for use with Invisalign treatment.  Align’s own iTero scanner was qualified for Invisalign case submission in December 2011. Align supports an open systems approach to digital impressions and continues to work with intraoral scanning companies interested in developing interoperability and chair-side applications for use with Invisalign treatment, but they must meet the rigorous qualification standards established for Invisalign.

“We are pleased to provide 3M True Definition customers with the option to submit digital impressions for Invisalign treatment," said John Graham, Align Technology vice president and chief marketing officer. “Integration of digital scans with Invisalign treatment provides greater treatment efficiency to Invisalign providers and a better overall patient experience to their patients.”

“We are happy to collaborate with Align Technology in offering a fully digital workflow for the Invisalign process and are very pleased that the 3M True Definition Scanner was the first third-party system to meet the Align Technology qualification standards,” said David Frazee, general manager and vice president, 3M Digital Oral Care.

Clinicians interested in offering this new workflow to their customers can find the process at: 3M.com/TrueDef/Invisalign.

About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.The Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express 10, and Vivera Retainers.

To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com.

Cadent Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Align Technology and is a leading provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry. The Cadent family of products includes iTero and iOC scanning systems, OrthoCAD iCast, OrthoCAD iQ and OrthoCAD iRecord. For additional information, please visit www.itero.com.  

About 3M Health Care
3M Health Care offers solutions in the medical, oral care, drug delivery, food safety and health information markets. We have an unparalleled ability to connect people, insights, science and technology to think beyond today, solve problems, and make better health possible. Our culture of collaboration empowers us to discover and deliver practical, proven solutions that enable our customers to protect and improve the health of people around the world.  

The 3M Digital Oral Care Department‚ part of the 3M ESPE Division in the 3M Health Care business‚ aims to accelerate and strengthen 3M’s efforts to lead the digital transformation that is occurring in oral care. For more information on the 3M True Definition Scanner, visit the website at http://www.3M.com/TrueDef/  or call the 3M ESPE Technical Hotline at 1-800-634-2249. Products are available for purchase through authorized 3M ESPE distributors.

3M and ESPE are trademarks of 3M or 3M Deutschland GmbH. Used under license in Canada. © 3M 2013. All rights reserved.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Its culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.