Dental Asia March/April 2019

Dental Profile
the only fully integrated clear aligner
system - from the beginning with a scan
to the end when the patient finally finishes
treatment. Users don’t have to switch in
between systems or devices. We are the
only one who can offer a smooth workflow
in the market.”
She also emphasised that the Invisalign
System brand is very well recognised and
considered as the top brand in the clear
aligner category. Align Technology has
invested over a billion dollars in research
and development and will continue to do
so in the pursuit of bringing innovation
through beautiful smiles that everyone
can trust.
“I think at the end of the day, people
understand that consumers are getting
sophisticated and they understand
the Invisalign System as a brand. We
invest heavily in product development
to have a product consumers can
trust. When users decide to choose
Invisalign Treatment, they get what
they pay for, value for their money and
the assurance of the brand,” explained
Ms. Tay.
Overcoming challenges
Staying ahead of the pack does not come
without facing some challenges along
the way. Ms. Tay shared that some of
the challenges that the company has
overcome include helping doctors adapt
and understand technology in order to
fully utilise it. Aside from investing in
R&D, the company also spends millions
to provide doctors with the latest training.
“In fact, a very good example is the
Invisalign APAC Summit last year wherein
we showcased what Invisalign Treatment
can accomplish. The event was also a
perfect venue to let dentists learn from
their peers. We believe that dentists learn
best through peer-to-peer learning. A lot
of Invisalign System doctors came and
shared their experiences with Invisalign
Treatment, making it a very successful
event.”
Ms. Tay added that alongside hosting
events, Align Technology has also built
world class training centres. The state
of the art Invisalign treatment planning
facility in Chengdu, China is Align’s first
manufacturing operations in China and
represents the company’s commitment
to geographic expansion and investment
in the Asia Pacific region. The Chengdu
Treatment Planning and Training Centre of
Excellence will provide treatment planning
services for Invisalign providers in China,
which was previously done in San Jose,
Costa Rica. It will also serve as a major
training facility to educate Invisalign
System doctors across the region and
showcase the company’s latest product
and technology innovation.
On the Asian market
In Align Technology, there are three
regions namely: Americas, Asia Pacific
and EMEA (Europe and Middle East).
According to Ms. Tay, the Asia Pacific
region is the fastest growing region for
the company for four consecutive years
now. The company intends to continue
this trajectory in the market and in future,
doubling the business every two years.
“Overall, we are one of the huge drivers in
the market. Like I’ve previously mentioned,
there are enormous opportunities here.
With over 100 million opportunities, we
are barely scratching the surface of the
clear aligner market. I think the ability
of providing solutions and options
to adults, working adults, teenagers
and even kids is monumental for us.
Invisalign System is clear, it works, it is
comfortable and it gives results:
beautiful healthy smiles,” she
remarked.
Moreover, all the innovative launches
in Asia have been very well received
as mentioned by Ms. Tay. In particular,
Mandibular Advancement (MA),
Invisalign First, Invisalign G6,
Asian Protocol and iTero intraoral scanner
are all fully utilised and appreciated
in the region. As a result, both
Invisalign doctors and patients have
been benefitting from Align’s
industry-leading innovative
solutions and services in the dental
industry.
Exciting times
Ms. Tay revealed that it is going to be an
exciting year for Align Technology as they
continue to invest heavily in technology
specific to iTero intraoral scanners and
Invisalign Clear Aligner system. They
want to enable doctors to do so much
more with a scanner and for Invisalign
Treatment to reach more consumers
through experiencing the brand.
“We are looking forward to this year. We
truly believe in the digital workspace and
we want to continue pushing for digital
transformation. Digital is everywhere, it
is around us and the digital dental space
is no different. We as leaders want to
guide, help and reassure consumers who
are hesitant in embarking on the digital
transformation journey. We believe we
have a lot to offer in making their transition
smoother and easier through technology
or experience,” she commented.
Finally, Ms. Tay summarised that the
Invisalign System brand stands for giving
superior results through the world’s most
advanced digital orthodontic treatment
system, Invisalign Clear Aligner system
which is precise, predictable, and gradually
moves teeth while providing beautiful
healthy smiles. All in all, everything the
company does is centred around doctors.
“Align Technology wants to partner with
doctors. They are the centre of everything
we do. We develop innovations for them.
We provide the best training programs
for them. We want to journey this new
digital age together with them,” she
concluded. DA
MARCH / APRIL 2019 DENTAL ASIA 27