Align extends Clear Aligner research award program

Align Technology has extended its funding of the Clear Aligner research award program for North America and international universities.

The annually funded program is designed to promote clinical and scientific research in clear aligner therapy, according to the company. For 2012, four one-year awards of $25,000 for North America universities and four one-year awards of $15,000 for international universities will be available, for a total award of $160,000, the company noted.

In 2011, three research awards were issued in both North America and internationally. They included proposals for periodontal and dental health evaluations of teenagers and adults treated with Invisalign aligners, several Invisalign treatment evaluation studies, a biomechanical evaluation of clear aligners, and a color stability study of Vivera orthodontic retainers.

Eligible applicants include full- and part-time university faculty involved in orthodontic research or scientific work that may contribute to the improvement of clear aligner therapy. All applications are reviewed by an independent academic committee that forwards its recommendations to Align Technology for final selection.

Proposals and applications must be received by 5 p.m. PDT, March 1, 2012. Award recipients will be notified by May 1, 2012. For more details, visit the Align Technology website.