# Align Technology

**Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/align-technology  
**Vertical:** Healthcare Tech  
**Subcategory:** Enterprise  
**Tier:** Leader  
**Website:** aligntech.com  
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-14

## Summary

San Jose clear aligner orthodontics inventor (NASDAQ: ALGN) at $3.23B 2024 revenue; 20 million Invisalign patient milestone Q1 2025 across 280,000+ doctors with iTero Lumina scanner competing with 3M Clarity for orthodontic clear aligner prescriptions.

## Company Overview

Align Technology, Inc. is a San Jose, California-based global medical device company — publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ: ALGN) as an S&P 500 component — operating as the inventor of the Invisalign System and the world leader in clear aligner orthodontics, reaching 20 million Invisalign patients treated worldwide in Q1 2025 through a network of 280,000+ Invisalign-trained doctors across 100+ countries. In fiscal year 2024, Align reported $3.23 billion in total revenue with Q4 2024 revenue of $995.2 million (+4.0% year-over-year). Align's product portfolio comprises the Invisalign System of clear aligners, iTero intraoral digital scanners (including the iTero Lumina with 3X wider field of capture in a 50% smaller wand), and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital dental workflows. Manufacturing is based in Mexico with treatment planning performed in Costa Rica. CEO Joseph Hogan joined from GE Healthcare in 2015. Founded 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose.

Align's Invisalign system addresses the patient experience and clinical accuracy limitations of traditional wire-and-bracket orthodontic treatment: metal braces (requiring steel brackets bonded to teeth and archwires adjusted every 4-6 weeks) create dietary restrictions (no hard/sticky foods), oral hygiene challenges (plaque accumulates around brackets), aesthetic concerns (visible metal hardware during 18-24 months of treatment), and monthly clinical appointment requirements that reduce treatment compliance and patient satisfaction. Invisalign's custom clear aligner series (a new set of aligners worn 20-22 hours/day, changed every 1-2 weeks to incrementally move teeth through 3D-designed treatment trajectories) removes the dietary, aesthetic, and hygiene constraints — while Align's AI-powered iTero scan-to-ClinCheck software workflow (scanning the patient's teeth, generating a 3D digital model, and automatically planning the treatment trajectory) improves case outcome predictability versus bracket-and-wire systems for moderately complex malocclusion cases.

In 2025, Align competes in the orthodontic appliances, clear aligner, and digital dentistry market with 3M Unitek/Clarity (clear aligners from 3M's orthodontic division), SmileDirectClub bankruptcy-exited (direct-to-consumer clear aligners, closed 2023), and Ormco/Envista (NYSE: NVST, orthodontic products) for orthodontist and general dentist prescription of clear aligner treatment. The 20 million patient milestone (reached Q1 2025) demonstrates the mainstream adoption of clear aligner orthodontics over 28 years since Invisalign's launch — with the incremental patients now weighted toward adult orthodontic treatment (where Invisalign's aesthetic advantage is most valued) and pediatric cases where parents choose clear aligners for children's treatment. The iTero Lumina scanner's ergonomic improvement (50% smaller wand reduces patient discomfort for full-arch scans) addresses the scan quality and speed requirements for growing the dental practice digital workflow adoption. The 2025 strategy focuses on growing doctor utilization of Invisalign for complex adult cases (where bracket-based treatment has historically been recommended), expanding the Invisalign First program for pediatric treatment, and building the AI-assisted outcome prediction tools that improve case acceptance rates.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Align Technology?
Align Technology is a global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign System of clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry. The company has helped treat approximately 20 million patients through more than 280,000 Invisalign-trained doctors worldwide.

### When was Align Technology founded?
Align Technology was founded in March 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose, California. Chishti conceived the idea while he was an adult orthodontics patient, realizing that a series of clear retainers could straighten teeth incrementally without traditional metal braces.

### Where is Align Technology headquartered?
Align Technology is headquartered in California, USA. The company operates globally with manufacturing in Mexico, treatment planning in Costa Rica, and software engineering and administrative functions at the California headquarters.

### Who is Align Technology's CEO?
Joseph M. Hogan serves as President and CEO of Align Technology, a position he has held since June 1, 2015. Prior to Align, Hogan was CEO of GE Healthcare where he more than doubled revenues from $7 billion to $16 billion.

### What is Align Technology's revenue?
Align Technology reported 2024 full-year revenue of $3.23 billion. Q4 2024 revenues were $995.2 million, up 4.0% year-over-year. The company projects 2025 year-over-year revenue growth in the range of 3.5% to 5.5%.

### What makes Align Technology different from competitors?
Align pioneered clear aligner orthodontics in 1997 and has treated 20 million patients through 280,000+ doctors, far exceeding competitors. The company's integrated digital platform combining Invisalign aligners, iTero scanners, and treatment planning software creates a seamless ecosystem. Align also holds 164 U.S. patents granted in 2024 alone, protecting its innovations.

### Who are Align Technology's main competitors?
Align's main competitors include 3M, Dentsply Sirona, Ormco (Envista Holdings), ClearCorrect (Straumann Group), and Henry Schein Orthodontics. SmileDirectClub was a direct-to-consumer competitor but filed for bankruptcy and shut down in December 2023. The global clear aligners market is projected to reach $32.35 billion by 2030.

### How many doctors use Invisalign?
More than 280,000 doctors worldwide are trained to provide Invisalign treatment. These include orthodontists and general practitioner dentists across 47 different countries where Align operates.

### Is Align Technology hiring?
Yes, Align Technology employs approximately 1,051 people globally as of December 2022 and continues to grow. The company has been recognized as one of Forbes America's Best Employers for Engineers and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024, indicating active hiring.

### What are Align Technology's recent developments?
Recent developments include reaching 20 million Invisalign patients treated (Q1 2025), launching iTero Lumina scanner with 3X wider field of capture, announcing Patrick Mahomes as brand ambassador (January 2025), receiving EMEA approvals for Invisalign Palatal Expander (2025), and being granted 164 U.S. patents in 2024.

### What is Align Technology's market position?
Align is the clear global leader in clear aligner orthodontics with 20 million patients treated and 280,000+ trained doctors. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ (ticker: ALGN) and is recognized as a pioneer and innovator in digital dentistry with a comprehensive platform of products and services.

### How can I contact Align Technology?
You can contact Align Technology through their website at www.aligntech.com. For doctors interested in offering Invisalign, the company provides training and support through its global network. Patients should consult with Invisalign-trained orthodontists or dentists in their area.

## Tags

b2b, healthtech, manufacturing, saas, public

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*Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*