Submitting your first case on the Alignova portal

This walkthrough covers clear aligner case submission on the Alignova doctor portal, from logging in to tracking your case after it has been sent. It is written to accompany the video, so you can follow along step by step or keep it as a reference at the chairside. The aim is simple: give the lab everything it needs to produce a setup that matches your diagnosis, first time.

Before you start

Gather the records before you open the portal. A complete submission avoids delays and back-and-forth messages. You will typically need:

Scans or impressions. STL files from your intraoral scanner for both arches and the bite, or physical impressions sent to the lab.
Clinical photos. Extraoral and intraoral photographs.
Your diagnosis and goals. What you want to achieve, what should not move, and any limitations.
Relevant clinical notes, such as restorations, implants, missing teeth or teeth to avoid for attachments or IPR.

For detail on scan quality, read preparing STL scans and impressions for an aligner lab.

Step 1: log in at alignova.cloud

Go to alignova.cloud and log in with your doctor account. If you do not yet have one, start by contacting Alignova through partner with us. Once you are logged in, you will see your case dashboard, where all your cases and their status are listed.

Step 2: start a new case

Choose to create a new case. Each case is a separate record that holds the patient's details, files, plan versions and messages, so keep one case per patient treatment.

Step 3: enter the patient details

Enter the patient's details as requested. Accurate details help you and the lab identify the case correctly, especially once you have several running at once. Double-check spelling before moving on.

Step 4: upload STL scans and photos

Upload the STL files for the upper arch, lower arch and bite registration. Check that:

Both arches are complete, including the last molars and the gingival margins.
There are no holes or distortions on the teeth that will be moved.
The bite scan reflects the patient's normal closure.

Then upload your clinical photos. Good photos help the reviewing orthodontist understand the soft tissues, smile line and features a scan does not show. If you are sending physical impressions instead, note this on the case so the lab can match them when they arrive.

Step 5: describe your treatment goals

This is the most important part of the submission. The setup can only reflect what the lab knows. Be specific:

Arches to treat: upper, lower or both.
Main goals: for example, resolve anterior crowding, close spaces, correct a crossbite, improve the overbite.
What should not move: implants, bridges, teeth with poor support.
Preferences on space: whether IPR is acceptable, and any limits on expansion or proclination.
Attachment preferences: teeth where you would rather avoid attachments, such as veneers.
Restorative plans: space to leave for build-ups or a future implant.

Clear goals lead to fewer revisions. If you are not sure whether a case is suitable, say so and ask for the lab's view.

Step 6: submit

Review everything on the case, then submit. The lab will check the files and contact you through the case if anything is missing or unclear.

Step 7: track status

Your case dashboard shows where each case is. After submission, the case goes for an orthodontist-reviewed 3D setup, staged with attachments and IPR where needed. When the setup is ready, you review it in the portal, request revisions or approve. Nothing is manufactured until you approve. After approval, the models are 3D printed, aligners thermoformed, trimmed, checked, packaged in sequence and shipped to your clinic. See how it works for the full process.

Step 8: message the lab

Each case has its own message thread with the lab. Use it for questions about the setup, extra clinical information, or changes you want. Keeping communication inside the case means the history stays with the patient record and anyone working on the case can see it.

Common mistakes on a first submission

Missing bite scan or an incomplete distal molar.
Goals written as one line, such as "straighten teeth".
No mention of implants, crowns or teeth to protect.
Photos missing, blurred or taken at odd angles.

A quick pre-submission checklist

Before you press submit, run through these points. They take a minute and save days of messages:

Are the upper, lower and bite STL files all uploaded and the correct way round?
Do the scans show every tooth in the arch, with clean margins?
Are the clinical photos uploaded, in focus and clearly labelled?
Do the goals say what to move, what not to move and what to avoid?
Have you noted restorations, implants and planned prosthetic work?
Have you mentioned whether you want private-label packaging for this clinic, if that is part of your arrangement?

Once the first case is through, later submissions become routine, and the case history in the portal is a useful reference for your team.

Frequently asked questions

Which intraoral scanners can I use?

STL files from common intraoral scanners are accepted. If you are unsure about your scanner's export, ask the lab through the portal before submitting.

Can I send physical impressions instead of scans?

Yes. Note it on the case so the impressions can be matched when they reach the lab.

Can I change my goals after submitting?

Yes. Message the lab on the case. If the setup is already in progress, changes will be reflected in a revision.

Where do I see invoices?

The portal includes invoices and payment history for your account.

Partner with Alignova to plan and manufacture your clear aligner cases in Pakistan.