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Sep 03, 2002
Align Enhances Manufacturing Process with HYTEC’s FlashCT Computed Tomography Scanners
Align Enhances Manufacturing Process with HYTEC’s FlashCT Computed Tomography Scanners
Align Enhances Manufacturing Process with HYTEC’s FlashCT Computed Tomography Scanners
FlashCT scans teeth impressions directly, eliminating the need to form plaster molds as an initial step in creating digital models of the teeth. By scanning impressions directly, a more accurate reproduction of the patient’s anatomy and bite occlusion is generated, yielding more effective tooth movements and treatment outcomes. This noninvasive process leaves the original impressions untouched, which provides pristine models for future reference.
“Implementing FlashCT marks another important step in streamlining our manufacturing process in order to improve operating margins. Our investment in Flash CT exemplifies our commitment to using state-of-the-art technology to eliminate costly steps in that process,” said Len Hedge, Vice President, Operations for Align Technology.
FlashCT is used to create a 3D full volume model of the patient’s teeth directly from their impressions. Those digital models are then manipulated as part of virtual treatment planning for the patient. Once the treatment plan is approved by the treating doctor, clear, plastic, removable AlignersTM are created. Each Aligner is worn by the patient for about two weeks, and is designed to move teeth in small increments until the final desired position is achieved.
“With FlashCT, HYTEC is continuing its tradition of innovation by introducing a fully integrated solution for reverse engineering. By reducing cycle times to a matter of minutes instead of hours, this tool is making mass customization economically feasible,” said Tim Thompson, President of HYTEC, Inc.
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About Align Technology, Inc. Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, comfortable and removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-258-0995
About HYTEC, Inc. HYTEC specializes in the design of scientific instruments, and the development of nondestructive sensors and imaging products. From design and development to implementation and support, HYTEC's wholly owned subsidiary HYTEC Engineering, Inc. provides advanced technologies, engineering and innovative product designs to a variety of scientific, government and commercial customers. HYTEC’s wholly owned subsidiary HYTEC Sensors and Imaging Group, Inc. (HYSIG) provides a full product line of FlashCT industrial computed tomography systems used in nondestructive inspection, electro-mechanical forensics and reverse engineering. HYSIG’s line of PRISM real-time holographic imaging systems is used for deformation and vibration analysis and the measurement and analysis of residual stress. A leader in the field of data visualization and imaging solutions, HYSIG has a proven record of outstanding performance. To learn more about HYTEC please visit www.hytecinc.com or call 505-661-3000 Ext. 13.
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on Align Technology’s current expectations. Forward looking statements in this release include, without limitation, references to improvements in Invisalign quality and accuracy, more effective Invisalign tooth movements and treatment outcomes and reductions in Invisalign manufacturing time and cost which are expected to result from Align’s adoption of FlashCT. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include Align Technology’s ability to achieve profitability, the ability to control costs and continue to achieve efficiencies, the adoption by orthodontists, dentists, and consumers of Invisalign, Align’s successful enforcement of its intellectual property and avoidance of infringement on third party patents, Align’s ability to establish and maintain reliable, high-volume manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and internationally and Align’s ability to manage its significant growth and retain its key personnel. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Align Technology’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on From 10-Q, as well as in other reports and documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
New Scanning/Modeling Technology Improves Invisalign® Quality While Reducing Manufacturing Time and Costs
Santa Clara, Calif. and Boulder, Colo. —September 4, 2002—Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), makers of Invisalign, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires or brackets, announced today the addition of HYTEC, Inc.’s FlashCT to its manufacturing process. FlashCT is an advanced industrial computed tomography (CT) system for high-speed 3D imaging. Implementing this new equipment will enhance the quality of Invisalign, while eliminating a time-intensive step in the manufacturing process and reducing overall manufacturing costs.FlashCT scans teeth impressions directly, eliminating the need to form plaster molds as an initial step in creating digital models of the teeth. By scanning impressions directly, a more accurate reproduction of the patient’s anatomy and bite occlusion is generated, yielding more effective tooth movements and treatment outcomes. This noninvasive process leaves the original impressions untouched, which provides pristine models for future reference.
“Implementing FlashCT marks another important step in streamlining our manufacturing process in order to improve operating margins. Our investment in Flash CT exemplifies our commitment to using state-of-the-art technology to eliminate costly steps in that process,” said Len Hedge, Vice President, Operations for Align Technology.
FlashCT is used to create a 3D full volume model of the patient’s teeth directly from their impressions. Those digital models are then manipulated as part of virtual treatment planning for the patient. Once the treatment plan is approved by the treating doctor, clear, plastic, removable AlignersTM are created. Each Aligner is worn by the patient for about two weeks, and is designed to move teeth in small increments until the final desired position is achieved.
“With FlashCT, HYTEC is continuing its tradition of innovation by introducing a fully integrated solution for reverse engineering. By reducing cycle times to a matter of minutes instead of hours, this tool is making mass customization economically feasible,” said Tim Thompson, President of HYTEC, Inc.
# # #
About Align Technology, Inc. Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, comfortable and removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.
To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-258-0995
About HYTEC, Inc. HYTEC specializes in the design of scientific instruments, and the development of nondestructive sensors and imaging products. From design and development to implementation and support, HYTEC's wholly owned subsidiary HYTEC Engineering, Inc. provides advanced technologies, engineering and innovative product designs to a variety of scientific, government and commercial customers. HYTEC’s wholly owned subsidiary HYTEC Sensors and Imaging Group, Inc. (HYSIG) provides a full product line of FlashCT industrial computed tomography systems used in nondestructive inspection, electro-mechanical forensics and reverse engineering. HYSIG’s line of PRISM real-time holographic imaging systems is used for deformation and vibration analysis and the measurement and analysis of residual stress. A leader in the field of data visualization and imaging solutions, HYSIG has a proven record of outstanding performance. To learn more about HYTEC please visit www.hytecinc.com or call 505-661-3000 Ext. 13.
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on Align Technology’s current expectations. Forward looking statements in this release include, without limitation, references to improvements in Invisalign quality and accuracy, more effective Invisalign tooth movements and treatment outcomes and reductions in Invisalign manufacturing time and cost which are expected to result from Align’s adoption of FlashCT. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include Align Technology’s ability to achieve profitability, the ability to control costs and continue to achieve efficiencies, the adoption by orthodontists, dentists, and consumers of Invisalign, Align’s successful enforcement of its intellectual property and avoidance of infringement on third party patents, Align’s ability to establish and maintain reliable, high-volume manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and internationally and Align’s ability to manage its significant growth and retain its key personnel. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Align Technology’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on From 10-Q, as well as in other reports and documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.