Invisalign® Clinic Dr. Mariana Sacoto Navia, we have been using Invisalign® since 2002.
Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, two Stanford University students, based on Kesling's principles, devised the idea of progressively moving teeth slightly using a series of removable polyurethane aligners, aided by computer technology. In August, they received $2.2 million in funding and founded Align Technology, Inc. (Santa Clara, California).
The idea of Invisalign, or invisible orthodontics, was originally invented in 1997 by a scientist who completed his treatment with traditional braces and was required to wear clear retainers every day.
While wearing his retainers, he noticed that if he didn't wear them for a day his teeth would shift and as soon as he continued wearing them his teeth would regain alignment.
This is how the scientist came up with the idea of creating a series of aligners, each with a memory, allowing them to be aligned gradually. His idea was professionally developed, and his Invisalign® method, or invisible orthodontics, became a powerful method used in orthodontics.
The beginnings of invisible orthodontics
Since its inception, Align® Technology has consistently set the bar for leadership and change in this industry by constantly innovating to bring new and better solutions to physicians and their patients.
Founded in 1997, Align® received FDA approval in 1998 and began its first commercial sales of Invisalign to U.S. orthodontists in 1999. In 2000, Align® launched its first national U.S. consumer advertising campaign and a year later introduced Invisalign® to the European market, launching the first phase of the company's international expansion. By the end of 2001, Align® had manufactured one million unique, one-of-a-kind clear aligners.
Today, Align® employs hundreds of scientists studying how to improve tooth movement with Invisalign®, developing new Invisalign® materials and new products, all to improve the quality of treatment and the experience of both the orthodontist and the patient. Invisalign® prepares and hosts numerous courses and conferences to train its doctors.
If you're concerned about your smile, we can help. We've been using Invisalign® since 2002. Fill out the following form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
