Straight teeth without the stress: The global rise of Invisalign
Posted on 3rd July 2018 at 15:48
Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular over the past decade, especially among adult patients looking for that picture-perfect smile. Although there are numerous options for conventional and invisible brace treatments, one in particular stands head and shoulders above the rest: Invisalign. Developed by two Stanford University graduates in 1997, the company has since gone from strength to strength, treating more than 5 million patients worldwide. Read on to find out why Invisalign is proving so popular among orthodontic patients.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign can help to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including:
• crooked teeth
• overcrowding
• unevenly spaced teeth
The treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to perfectly fit each patient’s mouth. The aligners gradually move teeth into the desired position, and patients switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks until the treatment period is complete.
What makes Invisalign so special?
Continuous innovation – Since 2009, Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign, has increased its research and development spending by nearly 240%, releasing an average of one new Invisalign product a year. For patients, this includes exciting new developments such as ClinCheck, which uses virtual 3D software to show how your teeth will move during the treatment process, and SmartTrack – a more flexible and comfortable aligner material.
Savvy marketing – In 2017, Align increased its advertising spending by 60% in an effort to highlight Invisalign’s lifestyle advantages over conventional braces. With the ability to remove braces for up to 2 hours a day, Invisalign patients are able to eat whatever they want, play a sport or musical instrument, or attend a special event without feeling self-conscious about their braces.
Global availability – With proven results increasing confidence levels in clear aligners among orthodontists, Align’s efforts to train dentists and orthodontists worldwide have proven highly successful. Invisalign is now offered by more than 125,000 orthodontists in 45 countries.
Invisalign facts
• The value of Align almost tripled in 2017, making it the top performer on the S&P 500 – it is worth close to $20 billion!
• Five million people have had Invisalign treatment since it first became available on the market in 2000, including more than a million teenage patients.
• 70,000 teenagers purchased Invisalign treatment in the last quarter of 2017 – in increase of 46% over the previous year.
To arrange a free orthodontic consultation here at Park Dental Care, contact one of our helpful team members today.
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