Align Technology recently reached an important milestone: Ten million patients treated with Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
To recognize this milestone, the company recently donated $10 million to the Align Foundation, with the contribution going to organizations that transform smiles and support and educate teens, according to a press release.
The company also kicked off the “10 Million Smiles. 10 Million Thanks” campaign, which is centered around the transformative power of Invisalign treatment through the eyes of patients. Patients can tag themselves on social medial with #10MInvisalignSmiles when they share a smile selfie, story or video.
Gabriela Silva is the 10 millionth Invisalign patient, and said she selected the clear aligner treatment because “I could improve my smile with minimal impact to the way I look or how I speak,” according to the release. She was impressed with the before and after Invisalign images she saw via the iTero scanner, and that she was able to get a new smile in eight months, increasing her self-confidence without disrupting her daily routine.
“Invisalign treatment is totally revolutionary and the ability to anticipate the results and share visuals with patients before treatment has even started gets them really excited,” Silva’s dentist Dr. Eunice Blind said, according to the release. “When patients see a simulation of themselves and what can be achieved with Invisalign aligners, they get even more motivated to commit themselves to treatment — something that is not possible with traditional orthodontics. As an orthodontist practicing in São Paulo, Brazil, for the past six years, I know first-hand how digital technologies like the Invisalign system and the iTero scanner are revolutionizing orthodontics.”
In addition to the Align Foundation donation, the company is also partnering with Brazilian NGO Por 1 Sorriso (“For 1 Smile”), sponsoring the organization’s mission of better health and well-being through access to dental and medical care in underprivileged communities. As part of the sponsorship, Por 1 Sorriso will develop doctor-engaged events over the course of a year starting on May 29 in São Paulo, with dental and medical assistance to homeless residents and the local community of São Paulo city.
“Latin America represents a tremendous growth potential for Align and celebrating this major milestone reflects the significant investments we have made in commercial operations, clinical education and training, and sales and marketing,” said Ritesh Sharma, Align vice president and general manager, Latin America, according to the release. “At the same time, oral health and overall health conditions continue to be a challenge in certain regions across Latin America, especially in underserved areas. We are committed to making a difference in the communities where we work and live and we are inspired to be partnering with an organization like Por 1 Sorriso that is dedicated to helping doctors improve the lives and smiles of people throughout Brazil.”
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