Actival Revolutionizes Dental Aligners with Innovative Microchannel Technology
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Actival, a Neuchâtel-based startup supported by the CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology), is transforming the dental aligner market with its innovative “Active Aligners”. They incorporate patented 3D-printed microchannel technology, ensuring optimal oral hygiene throughout the treatment period.
Microchannels for Better Hygiene
Traditional aligners, while discreet and comfortable, have been linked to poor oral health due to their tendency to trap saliva and bacteria. Actival’s aligners solve this issue by integrating microchannels directly into the aligners themselves. This unique feature allows saliva to flow freely, which plays a crucial role in reducing bacterial build-up and maintaining fresh breath. In addition, the microchannels release a fluoride and antibacterial fluid, further protecting the enamel and promoting healthy teeth during the alignment process.
Nikola Kalentics, CEO and founder of Actival, explains the significance of this innovation: “Our aligners ensure continuous saliva flow, preventing the issues commonly seen with traditional aligners, such as dental plaque and cavities.”
Actival’s Active Aligners offer a range of benefits beyond just improved oral hygiene. The aligners provide clear, aesthetic treatment and are replaced every week, releasing their antibacterial and fluoride fluid during this time. On average, a full treatment lasts about six months and involves around twenty resin aligners, each capable of adjusting tooth alignment by 0.2 millimeters over ten days.
Born from CSEM’s ACCELERATE Programme
The development of Active Aligners was made possible by CSEM’s ACCELERATE program, particularly through its Innogrant module. This initiative helps startups by providing technical, financial, and managerial support, allowing entrepreneurs like Kalentics to refine their ideas and bring them to market. With the help of a team of CSEM engineers, Actival was able to overcome the technical challenges associated with creating microchannels during 3D printing, ensuring they remained open and functional throughout the production process.
CSEM’s Group Leader, Cyrill Cattin, shared how they overcame these challenges: “Ensuring the microchannels stayed open during the 3D-printing process was critical. Thanks to CSEM’s expertise, we successfully created aligners that are both innovative and effective.”
Bahaa Roustom, VP of Marketing and Business Development at CSEM, highlighted the program’s impact: “Without the technical, financial, and managerial support from CSEM, Actival would not have reached technological maturity so quickly. The program reduces entrepreneurial risks, giving startups access to CSEM’s network, resources, and expertise.”
Thanks to this support, Actival has already become a finalist for the prestigious BCN Innovation Award, which could bring an additional 150,000 Swiss francs in funding, helping the startup further commercialize its product.
A Booming Market
The global market for transparent dental aligners was valued at $6.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow rapidly, reaching $46 billion by 2030. With its innovative technology, Actival is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. However, instead of opting for a direct-to-consumer (B2C) approach, Actival plans to work exclusively with dental clinics through a business-to-business (B2B) model.
Kalentics believes this will set them apart from competitors: “Our technology offers more than just alignment. It combines aesthetics, comfort, and crucial oral health protection, which makes it a more comprehensive and effective solution.”
Future Prospects and Global Expansion
Actival is already conducting clinical trials, and early in vitro results are promising. The startup plans to launch its product first in Switzerland and the United States by late 2025, with further expansion into Europe in 2026 and Asia in 2027. Production will take place in Switzerland, ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards.
Source: CSEM“
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