Dentis, an implant-based digital dentistry company, said it completed the automation process of the digital orthodontic clear aligner system "SERAFIN" and began partial operation in July.

Currently, the main manufacturing process of making orthodontic clear aligners includes 3D printing of the model, molding, laser marking and post-processing such as polishing, inspection, and packing which are carried out manually. Dentis has automated the entire process through its subsidiary TNS, and the post-process that requires detailed work continues to be prepared for automation.

Consequently, a total of 1,000 annual alignment cases performed by manual work is expected to triple to approximately 3,000 to 4,000 cases through automation, the company said.

Dentis plans to increase its production size by adding lines to meet the rising demand in the second half of this year.

This automation process is the first in the Korean implant industry, the company said.

SERAFIN is a digital orthodontic clear aligner platform service based on digital workflows that take two weeks from writing prescriptions to registration, design confirmation and approval, and device production. TNS, a subsidiary specializing in orthodontics of Dentis, provides a clear alignment correction service that includes diagnosis of the clear alignment treatment, the treatment plan, and device production.

Together with Dentis' very own 3D printer, Zenith, and the clear alignment correction software developed by its subsidiaries, TNS and Diorco, the company aims to reduce costs and customize services without relying on outsourced production.

Unlike foreign products where clear aligners are made all together, SERAFIN is attracting attention as a "Korean style" clear aligner solution while providing customized devices and solutions depending on the course of treatment. Approximately 400 dentists registered for the service within a year of its launch, and SERAFIN is currently installed at six out of 11 dental universities nationwide.

"This automation process is the first step before moving on to the complete automation stage, and we will increase production efficiency by expanding the automation process as demand increases." a Dentis official said.