What’s Happening in Brussels?
The European Commission has opened an in‑depth investigation into Align Technology, the U.S. company behind the popular Invisalign clear aligners. Brussels suspects the firm may be using its strong position in the aligner market to force dental professionals to buy its intraoral scanner, the iTero device.
The Accusation Against Align Technology
Regulators claim Align could be abusing a dominant position by linking the sale of its iTero scanners to the availability of Invisalign aligners. In other words, dentists who want to offer Invisalign might be pressured to purchase the iTero scanner, even if they prefer another scanning system.
Why the iTero Scanner Matters
The iTero scanner creates detailed 3‑D images of a patient’s teeth and jaw. Those digital scans are then sent to Align’s software to design custom Invisalign trays. The scanner is therefore a key step in the Invisalign workflow.
How the Alleged Tying Works
According to the Commission, Align may have:
– Refused to approve competitor scanners for automatic submission of scans to its Invisalign ordering system since 2017.
– Rejected scans produced by other intraoral scanners, even when the files follow industry‑standard formats.
– Made it difficult or impossible for dental offices to use alternative scanning equipment while still offering Invisalign treatment.
What the EU Is Looking At
Investigators are examining whether these practices breach EU competition rules that prohibit companies with significant market power from imposing unfair conditions on customers. The probe will look at internal documents, communications, and feedback from dental professionals across Europe.
Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
There is no set deadline for concluding an antitrust investigation. The length will depend on:
– The complexity of the case.
– How quickly Align and other parties cooperate.
– The ability of each side to present its defense.
If the Commission finds wrongdoing, it could order Align to change its business practices, impose fines, or require the company to offer fair access to its Invisalign platform for scans made by any approved scanner.
Why This Matters for Dentists and Patients
For dental clinics, the investigation could mean more freedom to choose the scanning equipment that best fits their budget and workflow. Patients might benefit from lower costs and wider access to Invisalign treatment if clinics are no longer locked into a single scanner brand.
Conclusion
The EU’s move signals a commitment to keep markets fair, even in specialized sectors like dental care. While the investigation is still ongoing, its outcome could reshape how aligner companies and scanning technology interact, potentially giving dental professionals more choice and encouraging innovation across the industry.
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