SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires or brackets, today announced that it ranked number 354 on Deloitte's 2006 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 2001-2005. Align Technology, Inc. grew 362 percent during this period.

Align Technology, Inc. President and CEO, Thomas M. Prescott, attributes the Company's 362 percent growth over the past five years to innovative technology and clinical education programs for customers. He said, "Our continued growth reflects our commitment to educating customers about an innovative and successful technique -- the Invisalign system -- and providing them with the tools they need to make that technique a successful part of their practice."

"Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 companies have shown the strength, vision and tenacity to succeed in today's very competitive technology environment," said Tony Kern, deputy managing principal of Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications industry practice. "We applaud the successes of Align Technology and acknowledge it as one of the very few to accomplish such a fast growth rate over the past five years."

Overall, companies that ranked on the 2006 Technology Fast 500 had growth rates ranging from 210 to 48,948 percent over five years, with an average growth rate of 2,147 percent.

Fast 500 Selection and Qualifying Criteria

The Fast 500 ranks the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America. It is compiled from Deloitte's 16 regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. Companies are selected based on percentage revenue growth from 2001 to 2005.

Entrants must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues or devote a significant proportion of revenues to research and development of technology. Using other companies' technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify. Base-year operating revenues must be at least $50,000 USD or $75,000 CD, and current-year operating revenues must be at least $5 million USD or CD. Companies must be in business a minimum of five years, and they must be headquartered within North America.

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, nearly invisible, 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 the 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 in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte", "Deloitte & Touche", "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu" or other related names. Services are provided by the member firms or their subsidiaries or affiliates and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein.

Deloitte & Touche USA LLP is the US member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. In the US, services are provided by the subsidiaries of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP (Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP and their subsidiaries), and not by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

    Investor Relations Contact                Press Contact
    Barbara Domingo                           Shannon Mangum Henderson
    Align Technology, Inc.                    Ethos Communication, Inc.
    (408) 470-1000                            (678) 540-9222
    investorinfo@aligntech.com                align@ethoscommunication.com

SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.

Investor Relations, Barbara Domingo of Align Technology, Inc., +1-408-470-1000,
investorinfo@aligntech.com; or Press, Shannon Mangum Henderson of Ethos
Communication, Inc., +1-678-540-9222, align@ethoscommunication.com, for Align
Technology, Inc.

http://www.invisalign.com

Copyright (C) 2006 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

News Provided by COMTEX