A revolutionary approach to orthodontics is on the horizon with PureAlign, an innovative company that leverages AI-powered, sustainable, 3D-printed clear aligners. Yorkshire AI Labs, co-founded by technology entrepreneur David Richards, has recently thrown its support behind this promising start-up.
PureAlign aims to transform orthodontic treatments with its advanced AI technology, which employs deep neural networks to meticulously analyze dental scans, predict individual tooth movements, and generate their ideal positions. This data is then used to produce a series of clear aligners directly through 3D printing, eliminating the need for traditional manufacturing models.
The Minds Behind PureAlign
The company is helmed by executive directors and founders Joe Leek and Will Wraithwood, both of whom bring a wealth of experience from their backgrounds in commercial dental laboratories. Their expertise has been instrumental in the development of PureAlign’s cutting-edge technology.
The Role of Yorkshire AI Labs
Yorkshire AI Labs, a new venture capital firm based in Sheffield, has led the initial fundraising round with an investment from its £10m fund. David Richards, managing partner of Yorkshire AI Labs and former CEO of WANdisco, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the significant reduction in waste that PureAlign’s technology promises.
“We are delighted to be backing Joe and Will and their team. We are very excited by PureAlign and its clever technology which can cut out the waste caused by orthodontic treatments,”
Richards said. He pointed out that under current methods, the non-recyclable plastic used to treat just 250 patients could exceed the height of the Emley Moor television tower, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
The ecological benefits of PureAlign’s technology are supported by company adviser Jack Slaymaker, a general dental practitioner from Cambridge. Slaymaker co-authored a research study titled “The Ecological Impact of Resin-Printed Models in Clear Aligner Treatment,” published in Orthodontic Update in January 2024.
“There has been rapid development and advancement in dental technology in the past decade, improving patient outcomes, but with a heavy environmental toll,” Dr. Slaymaker noted. “The growing demand for clear aligner therapy has resulted in millions of models and aligners being discarded yearly. There is an urgent need for a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution.”
He further explained that direct 3D printing would drastically reduce material wastage since millions of models would no longer need to be printed. Additionally, producing aligners in-house would reduce the environmental impact associated with transporting and posting aligners over long distances.
The Future of Orthodontics
With the backing of Yorkshire AI Labs and the innovative vision of its founders, PureAlign is poised to set a new standard in orthodontic treatment. Their sustainable, AI-driven approach not only promises to enhance patient outcomes but also significantly mitigate the environmental footprint of dental practices.
As PureAlign moves forward with its product launch, the support and investment from Yorkshire AI Labs underscore a shared commitment to pioneering advanced, eco-friendly dental solutions.
