Align Technology, Inc. is a global medical-device company that pioneered the invisible-orthodontics market with the introduction of the Invisalign® system, a clear, removable orthodontic-treatment option for straightening teeth. Founded in 1997, Align began its first commercial sales of Invisalign to orthodontists in 1999 and soon after launched a U.S. national consumer-advertising campaign. By late 2001, Align had manufactured one million aligners. In 2002, Invisalign was made available to general dentists, and by mid-2003 dental schools began adding Invisalign to their curriculum. Today, Align Technology provides exclusive education events at more than 60 universities worldwide. In 2005, Align introduced Invisalign Express. In the same year, it achieved a manufacturing milestone of 15 million aligners.
