University of Melbourne receives Align Technology grant

Align Technology has awarded The University of Melbourne one of four prestigious international research grants for 2012, to seek a better understanding of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.

Align Technology will invest a total of US$220,000 in research grants, worldwide, to fund special projects. The University of Melbourne project will assess the predictability of aligner induced tooth movement within decreased treatment time, by comparing the tooth movement related to differences in linear tooth velocity using Invisalign aligners in a group of teen subjects. "If we can programme treatment movement at a higher velocity, treatment times can be significantly reduced," said Paul Schneider, Associate Professor and Head of Orthodontics at Melbourne University. "The Orthodontic Faculty at The University of Melbourne believe that comprehensive orthodontic care is best delivered by university educated specialist orthodontists and also that aligners are a legitimate tool in providing that care. It is therefore important to us to have a significant component of aligner therapy in our program. We very much welcome the support of Align Technology in providing cases for our students' patients and funding for our research efforts into the understanding of the workings of the Invisalign system." Managing Director of Invisalign Australia, Mark Van Weelde, said that, "With only four international grants being awarded for 2012, it's very gratifying to see that an Australian university be acknowledged on the global stage. Congratulations to Dr Schneider and his team."