Costco members in the in the U.S. can purchase an Invisalign treatment e-card and Invisalign Essentials Bundle+ on Costco.com for $99.99 to receive a $400 discount off Invisalign treatment with participating U.S. Invisalign providers. (Photo: Business Wire)

An Invisalign treatment e-card and Invisalign Essentials Bundle+ are now available for Costco members to purchase on Costco.com for $99.99, which provides a $400 discount on Invisalign treatment with participating Invisalign providers. Costco members who purchase the e-card will receive a kit that includes the Invisalign treatment e-card with a redemption code and an Invisalign Essentials Bundle+ valued at $105.00. The bundle includes an Invisalign Aligner Case, new Invisalign Cleaning Crystals+, Cleaning Foam, Cleaning Spray, Invisalign Aligner Seaters, and an Invisalign travel pouch.

“We are excited to offer this pilot program and connect Costco members and their families with Invisalign-trained dental and orthodontic practices,” said John Morici, Align Technology executive vice president and chief financial officer. “The Invisalign treatment e-card program represents a key priority at Align: to give patients of all ages access to better smiles through Align’s innovations and doctor-directed Invisalign treatment.”

The Invisalign System is prescribed to patients through Invisalign-trained orthodontists or general practitioner dentists. Over 18 million⁽¹⁾ patients worldwide, including more than 5 million⁽¹⁾ teenagers, have been treated with the Invisalign System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world.⁽²⁾ Invisalign clear aligners are more comfortable⁽³⁾ than braces and Invisalign treatment is as effective⁽⁴⁾ as braces⁽⁵⁾ for a wide range of clinical situations to address simple to complex cases and post-treatment retention. Multiple studies have found that Invisalign treatment completed 5 months faster, on average, than treatment with fixed appliances.⁽⁶⁾

For more information or to purchase an Invisalign treatment e-card, please visit https://www.costco.com/invisalign-400-e-card-with-essentials-bundle.product.4000292600.html.

Upon purchase, Costco members in the U.S. will be directed to register their e-card through my.Invisalign.com/Costco and access a specialized site to find a participating U.S. Invisalign provider.

REFERENCES

1. Data on file at Align Technology, as of June 30, 2024

2. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 23, 2020

3. *Study sponsored by Align Technology and based on adult Class I, nonextraction, mild to moderate crowding cases with SmartTrack material. *David W. White, Katie C. Julien, Helder Jacob, Phillip M. Campbell and Peter H. Buschang, Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist Nov 2017, Vol. 87, No. 6 pp. 801-808

4. Comparable outcomes for majority of treatment types

5. Based on a blind review of the outcomes of 60 adult and teen cases (30 treated with Invisalign aligners and 30 with braces) with similar complexities by a panel of 3 orthodontic professors. Data on file at Align Technology as of July 12, 2017.

6. Gu, J et al. Evaluation of Invisalign treatment effectiveness and efficiency compared with conventional fixed appliances using the Peer Assessment Rating index. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop February 2017;151:259-66, and Buschang, P et al. Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthodontist, Vol 84, No 3, 2014

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 266 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 27 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 18.2 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Students from Operation Smile’s global network of over 13,500 student volunteers across 40-plus countries are invited to ISLC to develop and strengthen their leadership skills and character, support patients with cleft conditions around the globe, and connect with other participants from different cultures and countries.

“At Operation Smile, we are so fortunate to have a network of student volunteers that spans the globe, but such rich geographic diversity often makes it difficult to connect in person. We are grateful for Align’s continued partnership with Operation Smile and shared commitment to leadership and service,” said Brigette Clifford, AVP Global Student Programs, Operation Smile. “Align’s generous support in providing life-changing scholarships for our student volunteers across the globe removes prohibitive economic barriers to expand access to this impactful event.”

“Align Technology is proud of our longstanding support of Operation Smile as they deliver on our shared purpose of transforming smiles and changing lives,” said Stuart Hockridge, Align Technology executive vice president, Global Human Resources and the keynote speaker at this year’s ISLC. “This is the fourth time that Align has been the title sponsor of ISLC, and I am excited to have this opportunity to connect directly with student leaders from around the world as they learn, collaborate, and inspire positive change in themselves and their communities.”

Now in its 32nd year, the annual week-long conference continues to evolve and innovate to drive maximum impact. This year, thanks to Align’s generous support, over 300 ISLC participants from more than 20 countries will come together during the Day of Caring to support Georgia families receiving care at the Craniofacial Center at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, which has the highest volume of treating cleft lip and palate in the country.

“We are very excited to hold this year’s conference at Emory University, a renowned institution known for its excellence in shaping the next generation of health care leaders – and in close proximity to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where Operation Smile Champion and medical volunteer Dr. Joseph K. Williams serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery,” said Operation Smile’s Co-Founder, President, and CEO Kathy Magee. “Thanks to the continued support of Align, this year’s ISLC will impact hundreds of students from 40 countries, and Operation Smile is better equipped to reach young people, our future leaders in driving health equity.”

Operation Smile aims to empower children and young adults to create a more compassionate world through education, advocacy, and action. Align is a generous supporter of Operation Smile’s Student Programs and a steadfast partner in Operation Smile’s extensive surgical programs. The company has worked alongside Operation Smile for over a decade toward the shared vision of transforming smiles, changing lives, and achieving surgical excellence in 37 low- and middle-income countries and counting.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 261 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide.

Align has helped doctors treat over 17.6 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab partners.

Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign System or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is a leading global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and health care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, mentorship, research, and care through our dedicated staff and volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and supported by our generous donors and corporate partners.

For more information about Operation Smile, please visit: https://www.operationsmile.org.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: NicoElNino/Shutterstock.com.

Following the press release, Align will host a conference call to discuss its financial results. The conference call will begin at 4:30 PM ET (1:30 PM PT) and will also be available as an audio webcast live via the Internet. Participants may pre-register for the call by clicking here. The call will also be accessible via webcast on the investor relations section of Align Technology’s website or by visiting http://investor.aligntech.com. An archived audio webcast will be available two hours after the call’s conclusion and will remain available for one month.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 261 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 27 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 17.6 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign System or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, and Align Digital Platform are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.

“Align is delighted to announce the awards for research that leads to insights and evidence that advance the applicability of treatment for patients of all ages. We are pleased to support university research around the world in the orthodontic and dental fields,” said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align executive vice president, chief clinical officer, global treatment planning and clinical services. “We are excited to learn about the findings from all of the awarded research and any future publications.”

The Americas research award recipients for 2024 are:

• University of Washington (Seattle, WA) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Sanghee Lee
• University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Sarah Hisham Abu Arqub
• University of California San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Christine Hong
• University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Mohamed Bazina

The European research award recipients for 2024 are:

• UniCamillus International Medical University (Rome, Italy) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Chiara Pavoni
• University of Insubria (Varese and Como, Italy) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Luca Levrini
• UniCamillus International Medical University (Rome, Italy) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Roberta Lione
• University of L’Aquila (L’Aquila, Italy) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Silvia Caruso

The Asia Pacific research award recipients for 2024 are:

• Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Hu Long
• Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies (Kadrabad, Ghaziabad, India) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Vikas Thakur
• Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok, Thailand) – Primary Investigator, Dr. Sirichom Satrawaha
• Ragas Dental College and Hospital (Uthandi, Tamil Nadu, India) – Primary Investigator, Dr. N.R. Krishnaswamy

“This year the number of applications to the program is one of the largest since its initiation fourteen years ago,” said John Morton, Align vice president, technical fellow. “The publications and lectures resulting from these research endeavors advance the science of dentistry and aim to improve the dental care of the global community. We are proud to provide this opportunity to these excellent university researchers throughout the world.”

The funded research studies cover a wide range of topics including: maxillary molar distalization in adult aligner patients, comparing the oral microbiome between fixed orthodontic treatment and compared it to individuals undergoing orthodontic interventions utilizing removable clear aligners, evaluating early mixed dentition treatment, evaluating the effects of different interproximal reduction (IPR) systems on enamel surfaces, comparing the smile esthetics including both objectives (smile arc, buccal corridor and incisor exposure), and evaluating the efficacy of different types of probiotics on biofilm formed around clear aligners.

All award applications received were first reviewed and prioritized in a blind evaluation by an independent academic committee. The final recipients were then determined by Align Technology.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 261 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide.

Align has helped doctors treat over 17.6 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com.

For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, senior vice president, global clinical, will assume responsibility for global treatment planning in the newly created role of executive vice president, chief clinical officer, global treatment planning and clinical services. Jitse Marree, vice president, global aligner manufacturing, will continue to lead global clear aligner manufacturing operations and assume responsibility for Mr. Wright’s remaining global operations functions.

Following today’s announcement, Joe Hogan, Align Technology president and CEO, provided the following comments:

“Emory has had an enormous impact on Align and the orthodontic industry as a whole, and I am thrilled he will continue to provide his extensive knowledge and experience to help us accelerate our plans and further extend our leadership in 3D printing. Until his retirement in 2026, Emory will take on a new role, and in addition to helping with the transition of his existing duties, he will lead the development of our direct 3D printing capabilities and focus on building a world-class direct fabrication operation that can scale to support the global demand for our next-generation products and services—including the Invisalign Palatal Expander and future orthodontic and dental appliances.

“Srini just crossed his 25th anniversary with Align, and he is one of the most revered innovators of clear aligner therapy in the world—and his contributions to the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, the Invisalign system, are unprecedented. With our recent acquisition of Cubicure, Srini and his team are now pioneering the next generation of 3D printing technologies that will radically change clear aligner therapy in the future. I am pleased to have Srini continue to lead our next phase of innovation, working closely with Emory in his new role, and I want to congratulate Srini on his promotion to executive vice president, research & development.

“I am excited that Mitra will create an end-to-end global treatment planning and clinical services organization by combining both of our world-class teams: Global Treat Operations and Global Clinical. Mitra has been with Align for over 23 years and has tremendous experience and insights into the Invisalign system, our product portfolio, treatment planning protocols, and clinical software advancements. She holds more than 55 granted patents, as well as 35 pending patent applications covering appliances and devices, treatment planning, attachments and features, treatment decisions, and digital workflows. Mitra and our clinical team have played a pivotal role in developing our products and software validation as well as driving adoption of the Invisalign system through our clinical education, digital education, new doctor onboarding and growth programs, as well as research programs and evidence activities. Combining their expertise with the operational and clinical competencies developed in our Treat Operations over the years will create a new global organization with the critical capabilities needed to drive increased confidence and adoption of the Invisalign system globally.

“I am pleased to have Jitse expand his existing position as vice president, global aligner manufacturing operations to include our global clear aligner operations, reporting directly to me. Over the past seven years, Jitse has been responsible for building out and leading both treatment planning and aligner fabrication operations in the EMEA region, and more recently across our global aligner manufacturing operations. With more than 20 years of experience working in the medical device, healthcare, and food industries in various positions in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and customer experience, I am confident that Jitse will bring his extensive knowledge and experience, and best practices to further extend our world-class global operational leadership.”

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 261,000 doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 27 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 17.6 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, Align Digital Platform, and iTero Lumina are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.

An archived replay will remain on the website for approximately three months.

“Today’s announcement of Align’s $150 million open market repurchases reflects the strength of our balance sheet and cash flow generation, as well as management’s and the board’s continued confidence in our ability to capitalize on our large and untapped market opportunity while allowing us to provide value back to our shareholders,” said John Morici, Align CFO and executive vice president, global finance. “As the leader in clear aligners, we have made strategic investments in technology and scalability to enable a new phase of growth to transform the orthodontic industry, and we remain confident in our ability to make the Invisalign system the standard of care in orthodontics through our doctor-centered model.”

The open market repurchases of Align’s common stock will be executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The timing and number of shares repurchased will be based on an evaluation of market conditions and other factors, including stock price, trading volume, general business and market conditions, and capital availability. The repurchases are expected to be completed by the end of July 2024 and will be funded with Align’s cash on hand.

As of March 31, 2024, Align had approximately 75.3 million shares outstanding and $902.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term marketable securities.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 261 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 27 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 17.6 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, Align Digital Platform, and iTero Lumina are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected completion date of the open market repurchases, the number of shares of common stock that will be repurchased, Align’s expectation that it will finance the repurchases with cash on hand, and that the repurchases will provide value to our shareholders, as well as other statements regarding the open market repurchases along with our confidence in our business model. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release relating to expectations about future events or results are based upon information available to Align as of the date hereof. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

The foregoing and other risks are detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2024. Align undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

The “Better Way” campaign to showcase how the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System is a more positive patient experience and is just as effective as traditional metal expanders, but with less stress for kids and parents caused by having to manually crank open the metal expander every day. (Photo: Business Wire)

The “Better Way” campaign, launched today across the United States and Canada, will inform parents that there is a new and better option for expanding a child’s narrow palate that is safe, clinically effective, and without the pain and anxiety of traditional appliances. The integrated campaign will include targeted messages and materials for consumers and for doctors to drive awareness of early orthodontic intervention and that “Invis is for Kids.”

“As part of our ‘Invis is for Kids’ strategy to improve the orthodontic experience for children, we are excited to launch the ‘Better Way’ integrated consumer campaign to drive awareness of how the Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a game-changer for expanding a child’s narrow palate,” said Kamal Bhandal, Align Technology vice president, global brand and consumer experience. “By sharing authentic experiences from parents whose kids have been treated by the Invisalign Palatal Expander System, as well as the first-hand experiences of patients and their doctors, our goal is to explain the benefits of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System as the product of choice for palatal expansion, through professional marketing material for doctors’ offices and digital media content to reach moms across social media, TV, email, and digital.”

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a modern and innovative direct 3D printed device based on proprietary and patented technology.

Invisalign Palatal Expanders are intended for use in rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla (upper jaw) with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition during treatment of patients. Combined with Invisalign First aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a full early intervention treatment solution for Phase 1 treatment, an early interceptive orthodontic treatment for young patients. Phase 1 treatment is traditionally done through arch expanders or partial metal braces, before all permanent teeth have erupted—typically at ages 6 through 10.

The “Better Way” campaign launched on April 8 across the United States and Canada through videos on major digital platforms, a landing page, in-office focused parent collateral, and a targeted “Mom Influencers” social media campaign.

Key “Better Way” consumer messages for the Invisalign Palatal Expander System include:

• Say goodbye to daily screw-turning: Every set of expanders is custom-fit to your child’s mouth and 3D-printed for a sleek design, and a more comfortable¹ and less anxiety-inducing experience¹—for your child and for you.
• Clinically proven to be safe and effective.² The era of traditional expanders is over. The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is the only FDA-cleared, removable palatal expander that’s just as effective as traditional fixed expanders.²
• Removable for better oral hygiene.³ With no metal or wires in the way, your child can easily pop out the Invisalign Palatal Expander to brush and floss as usual.

1. Based on the survey in August 2023 in CAN of 10 Invisalign-trained orthodontists who participated in the Invisalign Palatal Expander System Technical Design Assessment and have treated at least 1 patient ages 6-11 years with IPE. Data on file at Align Technology, as of October 30, 2023.
2. Based on data from a multi-site US IDE clinical study (n=29 subjects, ages 7-10 years) of expansion treatment with Invisalign® Palatal Expanders. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 5, 2023.
3. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 5, 2023.

About the Invisalign Palatal Expander System

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a modern, innovative, direct 3D-printed orthodontic appliance designed based on proprietary and patented technology. The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is indicated for the orthodontic treatment of malocclusion. The system is used for the rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla (upper jaw, dental arch, and teeth, palate) with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition during orthodontic or orthopedic treatment in children or adolescents. In adults, it is to be used in conjunction with surgery or other interventions when necessary. Devices are 3D printed and manufactured based on digital scan data from commercially available iTero® intraoral scanners offered by Align Technology, Ltd. The devices are removable and more hygienic than traditional appliances; manufactured to custom fit each patient’s anatomy for optimal comfort and aesthetics, expanders fit comfortably in the patient’s mouth and are changed daily (no screw required).

The System comprises Invisalign Palatal Expanders (active expansion, each stage comes with a programmed expansion of up to 0.25mm/stage, changed daily or as per doctor’s discretion) and Invisalign Palatal Holders (copies of the last stage of the expansion phase designed to hold the maxilla post-active expansion and changed every 2-4 weeks as directed by the treating doctor), Invisalign Attachment Templates, and proprietary 3D shape generation software.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 256 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide.

Over the past 27 years, Align has helped doctors treat approximately 17 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists, and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Dr. Sandra Tai’s patient independently inserting Invisalign® Palatal Expander. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a modern and innovative direct 3D printed device based on proprietary and patented technology. Invisalign Palatal Expanders are intended for use in rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla (upper jaw) with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition during treatment of patients.

“The Invisalign Palatal Expander is an example of our continuous commitment to innovation by advancing digital orthodontics and delivering products with greater efficiency for doctors and provide better treatment experiences for patients and their parents,” said Raj Pudipeddi, Align Technology chief marketing officer, executive vice president, and managing director, Asia Pacific. “We are delighted to introduce the Invisalign Palatal Expander system, Align’s first directly fabricated orthodontic appliance, to the Asia Pacific region.”

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System consists of a series of removable devices staged in small increments of movement to expand a patient’s narrow maxilla to a position determined by their treating doctor. Each direct 3D printed device is customized to the patient’s unique anatomy based on an iTero intraoral digital scan. A palatal expansion treatment plan and device design are then developed using Align’s proprietary AI-driven orthodontic software.

Combined with Invisalign First aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a full early intervention treatment solution for Phase 1 treatment, an early interceptive orthodontic treatment for young patients. Phase 1 treatment is traditionally done through arch expanders or partial metal braces, before all permanent teeth have erupted – typically at ages 6 through 10. Invisalign First clear aligners are designed specifically to address a broad range of younger patients’ malocclusions, including shorter clinical crowns, management of erupting dentition, and predictable dental arch expansion*.

“Phase 1 or early interceptive treatment makes up 20 percent of orthodontic case starts each year and is growing,” said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align Technology senior vice president, Global Clinical. “Together with Invisalign First aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a solution set to treat the most common skeletal and dental malocclusions in growing children. The addition of mandibular advancement features to Invisalign aligners also provides doctors with more options for treating skeletal and dental jaw imbalances and bite correction for their growing patients during their teenage years.”

“We are excited to present the Invisalign Palatal Expander system, a significant advancement in the field of digital orthodontics, to our doctor customers in Australia and New Zealand,” said Jonathan Primmer, Align Technology vice president, and managing director for Australia and New Zealand. “With the increasing demand for orthodontic treatment among children and teenagers in Australia and New Zealand, the launch of the Invisalign Palatal Expander system allows us to offer a more comprehensive early interceptive treatment solution in conjunction with Invisalign First, alleviating the most complex challenges with palatal expansion while providing an exceptional patient experience that is both comfortable and supports proper oral hygiene.”

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is now available in Australia and New Zealand. It is expected to be available in other APAC markets pending regulatory approvals starting in 2024.

*Data on File at Align Technology, as of June 2021.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 256 thousand doctor customers worldwide and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide.

Over the past 26 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 17 million patients worldwide with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists, and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com.au. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com.au.

For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, and Align Digital Platform are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.

About The Invisalign Palatal Expander System

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a modern, innovative direct 3D printed orthodontic appliance designed based on proprietary and patented technology. Invisalign Palatal Expanders are intended for use in rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla (upper jaw, dental arch, palate) with primary, mixed (primary and permanent), or permanent dentition during interceptive treatment such as Phase 1 treatment and orthodontic or orthopedic treatment in children, adolescents, or adults in conjunction with surgery or other interventions when necessary.

Devices are 3D printed and are manufactured based on digital scan data from commercially available iTero® intraoral scanners offered by Align Technology, Ltd. The devices are removable and make it easier for patients to maintain oral hygiene compared to traditional palatal appliances; manufactured to custom fit each patient’s anatomy for optimal comfort and aesthetics, expanders fit comfortably in the patient’s mouth and are changed daily (no screw required).

The System is comprised of Invisalign Palatal Expanders (active expansion, each stage comes with a programmed expansion of 0.25mm/day, changed daily or as per doctor’s discretion) and Invisalign Palatal Holders (copy of the last stage ​of the expansion designed to hold the maxilla post-active expansion phase, changed every 2-4 weeks as directed by the treating doctor), Invisalign Attachment Templates and proprietary 3D shape generation software. These products are not available for purchase by the general public.

However, the products are available for purchase from Invisalign trained dentists and orthodontists.

Following the press release, Align will host a conference call to discuss its financial results. The conference call will begin at 4:30 PM ET (1:30 PM PT) and will also be available as an audio webcast live via the internet. Participants may pre-register for the call by clicking here.

Once registered, participants will receive an email with the dial-in number and a unique PIN number to access the live event.

The call will also be accessible via webcast on the investor relations section of Align Technology’s website or by visiting http://investor.aligntech.com.

An archived audio webcast will be available two hours after the call’s conclusion and will remain available for one month.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 256 thousand doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide.

Over the past 27 years, Align has helped doctors treat approximately 17 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, and Align Digital Platform are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash.