About Invisalign and Align Technology, Inc

Houston Cosmetic Dentist Align Technology, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, was founded in March 1997 to develop a next-generation, aesthetic orthodontic product.

Invisalign, Align′s core product, combines proven orthodontic science with 3—D computer graphics and mass customization technology.

There are two primary components to Invisalign:

ClinCheck is the Internet—based application that allows orthodontists to simulate treatment in 3—D by modeling stages of tooth movement.
Aligners are thin, nearly invisible, removable dental appliances that correspond to each stage of the ClinCheck simulation and are used to straighten teeth.

Because it does not rely on metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign offers doctors and patients an aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.

Align has received two industry awards for its design and production of Invisalign:
- the 2002 Medical Design Excellence Award and
- the 2001 Stereolithography Excellence Award

The technology behind Invisalign is cutting—edge, however, using a series of appliances to move teeth is not a new idea to orthodontics. Dr. Kesling first described the concept of moving teeth using a series of planned, individual stages in 1945. Back then, he realized that the lab requirements would be significant, and could not envision a practical way to make the idea a reality. Kesling did have the foresight to state that technology would one day be available to make such treatment possible.

Today, Align is one of the largest manufacturers of mass customized products in the world. More than 100,000 patients have entered treatment with Invisalign, and more than five million unique Aligners have been produced.

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