Invisalign are transparent orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth. Invisalign came about when a Stanford student named Zia Chishti made the discovery that a set of retainers can function similarly to traditional braces. Chishti gathered partners, developed the Invisalign system, and drew the interest of large companies. Align Technology was founded in 1997, and Invisalign was brought out to the market in 1998. Due to its many benefits over braces, Invisalign has grown immensely popular over the years and is now a widely used and well-received orthodontic treatment.
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Who Is the Inventor of Invisalign?
In the middle of the 1990s, a Stanford student named Zia Chishti created the fundamental idea for the Invisalign system while undergoing orthodontic treatment himself. While a student at Stanford, Chishti obtained a retainer and had his braces taken off. Then it occurred to him that a set of retainers might serve the same purpose as metal braces while also having the advantage of being removable. Within a few years, Chishti founded Align Technology in collaboration with Kelsey Wirth, a fellow Stanford student, and technical co-founders Apostolos Lerios and Brian Freyburger.
How were Invisalign Aligners Developed?
The four founders began developing the technology underpinnings of the Invisalign system in a garage in Menlo Park, California, after formally establishing Align Technology and attracting investors. After a lot of effort that involved conducting in-depth research in CAD modeling and employing cutting-edge computer imaging as well as 3D printing technology to produce the aligners, the necessary computer programming was developed owing to a campus lab that the four early developers had access to. Align Technology had received FDA approval for Invisalign by 1998, marking the revolution of a new innovative way to straighten teeth. They developed the ground-breaking series of removable clear aligners that would become Invisalign’s trademark through the use of an original system of “incremental retainers.”
Did Orthodontists Accept Invisalign Braces?
Orthodontists were doubtful when Invisalign first entered the market because the founders lacked orthodontic training or certifications. Additionally, braces have long been the go-to orthodontic procedure for years. The majority of orthodontists were skeptical about the plastic Invisalign aligners’ effectiveness. But in 2000, Align Technology launched a remarkable $31 million TV ad campaign, which successfully brought Invisalign to public attention. As a result of the media attention, there was immediate approval of Invisalign treatment as a standard orthodontic procedure. Approximately 75% of orthodontists in the US received Invisalign training in 2000 alone, according to a research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics.
What Has Changed in Orthodontics Since Invisalign?
The fact that Invisalign is removable while still being just as effective as conventional braces is the biggest advancement in orthodontics to date. For the patient’s convenience and comfort, Invisalign aligners can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing. In addition, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign offers a less conspicuous way to straighten teeth. Thanks to Invisalign aligners, patients who never want to wear visible metal braces can now straighten their teeth. Many of the most frequent problems that occur with metal braces have been solved by Invisalign. Another development made by Align Technology is the creation of Invisalign Teen, a set of clear aligners built specifically for teenagers. Clear Aligners can now be used by younger patients and not only adults, for whom the system was initially intended.
How Popular Is Invisalign Today?
Today, Invisalign is a popular and well-liked orthodontic procedure for treating malocclusions and efficiently straightening teeth. More than 3,000 people work for the thriving company Align Technology, which brings in about $560 million in yearly revenue. When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign is very popular, especially among adult patients whose workplace requires frequent client meetings. In addition, since celebrities receive more attention than the majority of people, they have used Invisalign to discreetly straighten their teeth. Zac Efron, Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, Khloe Kardashian, and Oprah Winfrey are a few famous people that have worn Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign’s popularity is primarily because of the several advantages it offers compared to traditional braces. Learn more about the 7 Impressive Advantages of Invisalign Treatment and know why millions of individuals are using Invisalign clear aligners.