Since 2000 we have lived in the digital age. In digital dentistry – particularly in orthodontics – the first digital orthodontic treatment procedure included tooth movement with newly developed software techniques and the production of removable splints. Based on these techniques, the production of removable aligners began in the USA. Now, digital treatment has spread and these new aligner treatment techniques are used in orthodontics worldwide.

Today, several companies offer a complete digital workflow, from scan via software-controlled tooth movement to robot-controlled aligner manufacturing. To date, precision has been constantly improving, and future developments, such as the print technology for aligner production, will inevitably lead to further improvements.