Align Technology Achieves Milestone with Significant Patent Growth in 2023
Align Technology, Inc. has reached a significant milestone in the field of digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry. The company, widely recognized for its innovative Invisalign® system, iTero™ intraoral scanners and exocad™ CADCAM software, has been listed in the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s annual report as one of the top 300 organizations granted U.S. patents. The company received 158 U.S. patents in 2023, a 36% increase over the previous year, placing it 270th on the prestigious list.
The company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Julie Coletti, shared the company’s excitement at being recognized among the leaders in advancing innovation through dedicated research. Align’s unwavering commitment to developing new solutions aligns with its mission to transform smiles and change lives. The innovative products that have emerged from its patient-focused research and development efforts have earned the trust of both healthcare professionals and their patients.
Patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office cover a wide range of technologies that are shaping the future of orthodontics and digital dentistry. These technologies range from advancements in clear aligners to intraoral scanners, direct 3D printed orthodontic appliances, restorative CADCAM software, and the integration of artificial intelligence into treatment planning. A standout innovation is the iTero™ Lumina intraoral scanner, which represents a leap forward in digital scanning technology. It features an expanded field of view, high precision and an extended maximum capture distance, which facilitates an efficient scanning process. The scanner’s photorealistic scans help make better clinical decisions, while its state-of-the-art software delivers a faster and more customizable scanning process with a more compact wand, increasing comfort for patients of all ages.
Another pioneering development is the Invisalign® Palatal Expander, which is Align’s inaugural direct 3D printed orthodontic device. This device presents a comfortable and clinically effective substitute for conventional palatal expanders, removing the necessity for manual screw adjustments for expansion.
Srini Kaza, the senior vice president of product research & development at Align, shed light on the company’s substantial investment in R&D, which amounts to roughly $2 billion over the span of nearly 27 years. The company’s dedicated team of research scientists and engineers has played a crucial role in propelling digital dentistry forward through innovations in 3D computer modeling, material science, and biomechanics. Kaza pointed out that the distinction as a leading patent producer is indicative of Align’s dedication to creating cutting-edge devices and technologies that cater to the requirements of their doctor customers and their patients.
The remarkable increase in patents granted to Align Technology in 2023 is a clear indication of its persistent drive for innovation in the sectors of digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry. The advancements made by the company have not only elevated the proficiency of dental practitioners but have also ameliorated the patient experience. Align’s devotion to research and development is propelling the industry onward, guaranteeing that both professionals and patients reap the benefits of the most recent technological innovations. With a steadfast focus on transforming smiles and changing lives, the company continues to lead the charge in dental innovation.
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