Digital tools are transforming health care and dentistry is no exception. Align Technology is leading the effort to make digital dentistry a common practice.
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The company creates new products such as Invisalign clear aligners, the Itero intraoral scanner and ExoCAD design software, reflecting the industry's shift toward digital tools.
Angelo Moura, general manager of Africa and the Middle East at Align Technology, discusses the expansion of digital dentistry in Africa, emerging trends and the company's vision for advancing oral health care in South Africa.
Digital dentistry has become more embedded in everyday practice. From your perspective, how has adoption evolved in recent years, and what has been driving that change?
The pace of change has been remarkable.
Across the MEA region, and particularly in South Africa, we have moved from conversations about whether or not digital dentistry is in practice to discussions about how to get the most out of it.
This is a meaningful change. A few things have driven this.
Proprietary technologies and services providing an end-to-end digital treatment solution combine the Invisalign system and treatment planning tools into one seamless workflow, making clinical and practice benefits tangible.
We've also seen a change in patients, who come expecting a digital experience that reflects what's now standard in other parts of their lives.
In South Africa, the profession is highly engaged, patients are becoming increasingly aware of their treatment options, and we are seeing more dentists adopting digital platforms to manage a wider range of cases.
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When dental professionals evaluate new technology, what practical considerations beyond clinical outcomes matter most?
Clinical confidence is the foundation, but rarely the only factor.
Practitioners also look closely at how well a technology fits into their workflow, the expected return on investment, and whether it truly enhances the quality and consistency of care they provide every day.
Training and ongoing support are equally important.
A technology that a practice cannot fully utilize becomes an expense rather than an asset, which is why our approach to clinical education including peer-to-peer coaching, masterclasses and practical guidance is as important to us as the innovation itself.
We want doctors to feel equipped and confident.
How does Align approach supporting practitioners who are at very different stages of digital adoption, particularly across South Africa?
Within South Africa, you have practitioners at very different points in the digital dentistry journey.
We offer a portfolio of solutions to help doctors and their patients deliver a complete visual experience from patient onboarding to treatment plan monitoring.
A practitioner running a high-volume practice in Johannesburg with deep experience in complex Invisalign cases has different needs than a general dentist taking their first steps with clear aligner therapy in a small market.
We will continue to expand peer-to-peer coaching programs, especially for dentists new to the Invisalign system, as well as more advanced engagement for experienced Invisalign doctors looking to increase case complexity or cater to specific patient segments.
These local efforts complement our global initiatives and are intended to demonstrate our dedication to supporting dentists and orthodontists.
Rising patient expectations are influencing how care is delivered and communicated. How is this changing the way physicians think about treatment planning and engagement?
More patients have access to information, many have done their research, and they want to connect with their treatment visually and in real time.
The Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro enables doctors to show patients their potential new smile after Invisalign treatment, using in-face visualization and 3D model views, all in the chair in minutes.
This turns the conversation from abstract to concrete, and patient confidence comes. By adopting this digital approach, the information provided to patients enables them to make more informed decisions about their treatment options and provides greater access to ongoing treatment support and monitoring throughout the process.
For practices, this has both clinical and business benefits.
Looking ahead, what trends do you think will have the greatest impact on the dental profession in the next few years?
Three are standing outside.
- AI plays an important role in advancing oral health care. AI-powered tools can help diagnose misalignment and malocclusion earlier, resulting in better oral health outcomes. That ability will deepen.
- Second, there is a shift toward preventive care. There has been a paradigm shift in health care from merely treating disease to maintaining good health to preventing disease. Digital technology is enabling physicians to more proactively monitor patients and provide more consistent treatment across a wide range of cases.
- The third is access, as digital dentistry tools become more available, more practitioners in markets such as South Africa will be positioned to provide care at the highest standard.
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What are Align’s plans for 2026 across South Africa?
Our plans focus on expanding access to innovation, deepening our engagement with the dental and orthodontic community, and ensuring our doctor customers across the region have the tools and support they need.
These efforts will focus on the core pillars of increasing access to innovation, increasing trust in digital dentistry and, in general, improving the patient and dentist experience by digitalizing the workflow.
We are committed to raising awareness of the importance of doctor-led care for optimal patient outcomes and will continue to collaborate with professional associations across South Africa.