Align Technology Celebrates 6 Million Invisalign Users Globally, Accelerates Expansion in China, Its Second-Largest Market

Dec 20, 2018 19:26 CST Updated 19:26

VCBeat (WeChat: vcbeat) has learned that Align Technology (NASDAQ: ALGN), a global leader in medical devices, announced on the 19th that the number of users of the Invisalign system worldwide has exceeded 6 million to date, including 1.4 million adolescent users (as of Q3 2018). A teenager from China became the 6 millionth user.

This represents a significant milestone for Align Technology and the more than 150,000 doctors trained in Invisalign treatment, reflecting the growing adoption of Invisalign clear aligner therapy among adults and adolescents.

“We are delighted to celebrate another significant milestone with our Invisalign-trained doctors and their patients. This achievement underscores the growing international demand for Invisalign clear aligners. This is particularly evident in China, Align Technology’s second-largest global market, where annual demand has nearly doubled since the Invisalign system was introduced to the Chinese market in 2011. I would like to thank all Invisalign doctors around the world for their unwavering commitment to helping patients achieve straighter, more attractive teeth and confident smiles,” said Joe Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Align Technology.

Julie Tay, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Align Technology, emphasized the significance of the 6 millionth user coming from China: “I am delighted and proud to announce that the 6 millionth Invisalign user is from the Asia Pacific region. China is our fastest-growing market, with an annual growth rate of approximately 70% (as of Q3 2018). I believe there are still tremendous opportunities in the Asia Pacific region to provide clear aligner treatment to millions of young patients.”

Align Technology is the fourth-largest dental company globally and the pioneer of clear aligners. Recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s most promising high-tech enterprises, the company holds 795 patents worldwide and achieved global sales exceeding $1 billion in 2016. Its flagship product, Invisalign, is currently the most advanced clear aligner system available on the market.

In 2011, Align Technology established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Shanghai, marking its entry into the Chinese market, which has become its second-largest market globally (after North America). Previously, on June 1, 2017, Align Technology officially launched its China Solution Design Center in Chengdu. This center is the second solution technology center of its kind worldwide and the first of its kind introduced in China, featuring advanced production and manufacturing technologies for solution design. Moving forward, Align Technology plans to establish an assembly plant in Chengdu for digital medical devices—specifically, the iTero intraoral digital scanner.

Its launch underscores Align Technology’s commitment to long-term development and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Building on the success of its first technology center in North America, the China Design Center will better support dental hospitals, clinics, academic institutions, and practitioners in China by providing orthodontists with faster treatment planning and technical support. It will also promote the company’s innovative initiatives in products and technologies, delivering customized solutions tailored to Asian facial characteristics for Chinese users, thereby meeting the rapidly growing demand for orthodontic care in the Chinese market.

On November 9, 2017, the Ziyang Municipal People’s Government and Align Technology officially signed an investment agreement. Align Technology will invest $140 million to establish a manufacturing facility in Ziyang for intraoral scanners and clear aligners (commonly known as “invisible braces”), positioning it as the company’s second-largest production base globally, after its Silicon Valley headquarters.

According to reports, Align Technology’s Ziyang factory will be located in the Ziyang Dental Equipment and Materials Industry R&D and Innovation Entrepreneurship Center. The first phase of the project covers an area of 14,000 square meters. Align Technology’s investment in building a factory in Ziyang means that high-end clear aligner products like Invisalign will achieve “Made in Ziyang” status and domestic production.

On September 20, 2018, Alibaba Health and Align Technology jointly announced the official launch of a dedicated oral care service zone focused on innovating consumer experience. Going forward, consumers can conveniently use the Mobile Taobao and Tmall apps to book online consultations for “invisible teeth alignment,” and receive follow-up oral health services at nearby offline clinics.

It is reported that Align Technology’s Invisalign brand has established a dedicated dental care section on the Alibaba Health medical service platform, providing Chinese consumers with oral health information, expert video demonstrations, and interactive Q&A experiences to enhance their understanding of healthy oral hygiene practices, such as regular dental check-ups.

Furthermore, consumers can directly book digital 3D oral examinations at dental clinics partnered with Ali Health, and visit the selected nearby clinic based on their chosen location to enjoy O2O services.

To commemorate the milestone of over 6 million users of the Invisalign system, Align Technology will continue to support Operation Smile and its global mission of providing free surgical care to children and adults born with cleft lip and palate. Align Technology will make a donation to Operation Smile.

To date, Align Technology has donated nearly $1 million to Operation Smile, a program that has provided surgical treatment to hundreds of thousands of people since 1982, transforming their lives.