Russia Develops Its First Platform for Aligner Production
A breakthrough from Perm Polytechnic University could make orthodontic treatment up to five times cheaper and accessible to millions of patients.
Scientists at Perm Polytechnic University are developing Russia’s first universal technological platform for the full-cycle production of dental aligners — transparent trays used to straighten teeth. The project aims to reduce treatment costs fivefold and enable clinics to produce precise and comfortable aligners within just 5–7 days. The introduction of this technology will meet the unmet demand for high-quality, aesthetic orthodontic care for 40–50 million Russians, while demonstrating the country’s innovation potential in a global market that is growing by 20–25% annually.
Currently, only about 15% of Russian patients who need bite correction use aligners, compared to 35–40% in Europe and the United States. The main barrier remains cost, starting at around 250,000 rubles (approximately $3,000). The new platform is designed to change that.
According to the university’s press office, the key advantage of the development lies in its versatility. The platform can work with both modern 3D jaw scans and traditional dental impressions — a major benefit for clinics in remote regions where the digital transformation of dentistry is still in progress.
The manufacturing process is fully automated. Once a digital jaw model is uploaded, the system generates a 3D design, which is reviewed by a technician and sent for printing. At the university’s pilot site, 3D printers are used to create prototypes, and a vacuum-forming machine fabricates the finished aligners from transparent plastic.
