Singapore, June 19, 2014 - (ANTARA) - Align Technology Inc., creators of the Invisalign clear aligner system, today announced a partnership between its Singapore subsidiary and the local non-profit organization Operation Smile Singapore in a campaign to raise public awareness around children born with cleft lip and cleft palate, and to fund treatment and outreach activities. Officially launching on 25 June, the campaign will call for public donations of "Smiles" in the form of photographs submitted through digital channels and roadshows. For each Smile received, Align will donate S$1 to Operation Smile Singapore to help transform the lives of children suffering from cleft lip and palate problems[1].
Mr Khing Go, Operation Smile Singapore Founding Board Member, said, "Every three minutes, a child is born with cleft lip or palate problems and are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. Children born with a cleft are often shunned or rejected by their communities in some places. In many cases, these children and their families are often unable to afford or receive the necessary medical attention needed for them to lead a normal life."
"Our team of medical professionals, full time staff and volunteers has given more than 700 children new smiles last year. However, there are still many children and families who are denied a normal childhood," Mr Khing Go added. "We are very grateful for the financial support provided by Align Technology and its help in raising awareness for our mission. We look forward to transforming the lives of more children together with Align Technology."
This partnership is part of the Invisalign Better Smiles Movement - a platform set up and championed by Align Technology to effect positive change to society in Asia Pacific through partnerships and investments in the community.
"We strongly believe that everyone should be given equal opportunity to harness the power of smiles as a universal language of kindness, and a catalyst of confidence and joy," said Julie Tay, Asia Pacific Vice President of Align Technology. "Through this partnership with Operation Smile Singapore, we hope to change the lives of children in Asia and put a smile on their faces. Align Technology is a firm believer of giving back to the community, and working with Operation Smile Singapore was an obvious choice for us."
Beginning 25 June through 31 December 2014, members of the public can donate photographs of their Smiles through Facebook and Instagram. In addition, Align Technology and Operation Smile Singapore have planned roadshows where the public can learn more about the daily challenges faced by children suffering from cleft lips and palates, and the work done by Operation Smile Singapore. The public can also donate their smiles at the Smile Machine photobooth during the roadshow.
[1] Align Technology will donate up to S$8,000 to Operation Smile Singapore through the campaign, excluding any other funds raised through Operation Smile Singapore's partners and clinics.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology is the leader in modern clear aligner orthodontics that designs, manufactures and markets the Invisalign system, which provides dental professionals with a range of treatment options for adults and teenagers. The Company also offers the iTero 3D digital scanning system and services for orthodontic and restorative dentistry. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information. For additional information about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign provider in your area, please visit sea.invisalign.com. For additional information about iTero, please visit www.itero.com
About Invisalign
Adults and teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. No more wires and brackets required - the Invisalign system is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time. The benefits include: being removable, no food restrictions, minimal interference with sports or other activities, and teeth get straightened without most people knowing they are in treatment. Learn more and find a provider at sea.invisalign.com. All Invisalign products are designed, manufactured and marketed by Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN).
About Operation Smile
Operation Smile, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an international children's medical charity with a presence in more than 60 countries, whose network of more than 5,400 medical volunteers from over 80 countries is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children. Since its founding in 1982, Operation Smile has provided more than 220,000 free surgical procedures for children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. To build long-term self-sufficiency in resource poor environments, Operation Smile trains doctors and local medical professionals in its partner countries so they are empowered to treat their local communities. Operation Smile also donates medical equipment, supplies and provides year-round medical treatment through its worldwide centers.
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