SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec 08, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --

Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN) today announced that it has received regulatory approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). The Company may now begin widespread marketing and promotion of Invisalign in Japan, where it has trained approximately 660 Invisalign orthodontists since launching the product there in October, 2005.

"This regulatory approval in Japan is an important milestone and will enable us to engage in more traditional and expansive outreach activities to educate and support dental professionals with the necessary marketing activities needed to build the market for Invisalign in Japan," said Gil Laks, vice president of International. "In addition, we can now leverage the strength of the Invisalign brand by targeting prospective patients in Japan with consumer demand creation programs."

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 teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998. Today, the Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express, and Vivera Retainers.

To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit http://www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.

     Investor Relations Contact          Press Contact
     Shirley Stacy                       Shannon Mangum Henderson
     Align Technology, Inc.              Ethos Communication, Inc.
     (408) 470-1150                      (678) 540-9222
     sstacy@aligntech.com                align@ethoscommunication.com

SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.

http://www.invisalign.com

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