How Invisalign Was Developed
Orthodontics became the first dental specialty in 1900, according to the American Association of Orthodontics. Although, the technology of braces itself dates back to 1819, with the invention being helmed by French orthodontist Christophe-Francoise Delabarre. In the following 20th century, a number of iterations in tooth correction technology were born, from headgear to the metal braces we are more familiar with today. The most recent technology in orthodontic tooth correction is Invisalign. The convenience and benefits provided by clear braces nowadays are well-known to most needing dental care, though it may be strange to learn that clear aligners are yet another garage success story from the minds of creatives who lacked orthodontic experience. Here's how clear aligners were developed.
The Beginnings of Invisalign
The innovation of clear aligners capped off the technological timeline of 20th-century orthodontics in 1997, when it was founded by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose, CA. It was the prospect of being offered a set of plastic retainers that inspired Zia Chishti to design a tooth correction solution that allowed for removal and easy re-adjustment of a tooth re-alignment technology similar to braces. Designing a solution alike the practicality of plastic retainers was the launch point from which Chishti built the idea around.
The Technology of Invisalign
The innovative technology of clear aligners has been a mainstay in orthodontic practices, but little may know that its concept was born in a garage in Menlo Park, California. Developers Apostolos Lerios and Brian Freyburger joined the homegrown development through the collective founding of Align Technology, who went on to use design software at Stanford University to mold a set of correctional tooth tech that adjusts to someone’s current bite and then naturally evolves through the typical re-alignment stages of retainers. With the help of Standord researcher and computer science professor, Marc Levoy, the invention has become an early example of a 3D printing technology marvel. The 3D printing process effectively recreated the intention of braces altogether.
Invisalign has since changed the world of orthodontics by offering a viable alternative to typical metal braces. The technological evolution of clear aligners has not stopped, with improvements still being made to enhance the elasticity and flexibility of Invisalign for adult and adolescent patients alike. Get in touch with us today at Cuozzo Orthodontics to schedule an initial appointment with our team and see if clear aligners are right for you.
