7 clear aligner updates in 2021

Four companies launched clear aligner systems, and SmileDirectClub became a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. 

Here are seven updates on clear aligners from this year:

1. A November Grand View Research report projected that the global clear aligners market will reach $17B by 2028.
2. The American Academy of Clear Aligners retracted statements in its November journal edition it said contained misinformation about Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub. It then added the teledentistry company as a member.
3. Smile Doctors launched its Smile Express treatment plan for patients using Invisalign clear aligners.
4. St. Paul, Minn.-based innovation company 3M launched its Clarity Aligners Flex + Force clear aligner system in July.
5. In June, 123-Align debuted its Smiles for All system clear aligner system.
6. Orthodontic solutions company Ormco Corp. received FDA clearance for its Spark Clear Aligner System. 
7. The Aspen Group, formerly known as Aspen Dental Management, launched Motto, a clear aligner system available at Aspen Dental's 900 locations.