SANTA CLARA, Calif., Apr 22, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced a strategic change to the Invisalign proficiency program the Company launched last June to help ensure Invisalign providers build a baseline of Invisalign product experience and knowledge through minimum annual case and continuing education (CE) goals. Effective immediately, doctors will no longer be required to start a minimum of ten shipped cases per year to maintain their active provider status. Doctors are still required to complete a minimum of ten Invisalign continuing education (CE) hours per year.

"Despite continued strong efforts by our customers to meet the annual proficiency requirements, many customers remain frustrated with the program, particularly the case requirement," said Dan S. Ellis, vice president, North American Sales. "While we remain deeply committed to ensuring great treatment results for Invisalign doctors and patients, we are equally committed to listening to our customers and responding to their needs."

Align will continue to emphasize the importance of Invisalign professional education in treatment success by maintaining the annual ten Invisalign CE hour requirements. In addition, Align will focus on continued product innovation and performance improvements and customer loyalty and rewards programs to help drive great treatment experiences and results. As part of this focus, Align will continue to promote the benefits of Invisalign Preferred Provider status for doctors who start ten or more cases each year.

Doctors who do not complete a minimum of ten Invisalign CE hours in a calendar year will have their Invisalign accounts temporarily suspended until they complete the minimum CE hours. With more than 200 hours of lecture-based and online learning opportunities, Align's robust educational curriculum makes it convenient for doctors of every Invisalign experience level to stay current with product and clinical advancements.

Doctors whose customer accounts were deactivated or changed to limited status for failing to meet the 2009 proficiency requirements can reactivate their account and start using Invisalign again at any time by completing a Clear Essentials I or Clear Principles training course and thereafter meeting the annual ten CE hour requirement. More information on the proficiency program and related changes are available at http://vip.invisalign.com/proficiency.

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 an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.

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SOURCE: Align Technology

CONTACT: Align Technology, Inc.
Investor Relations Contact
Shirley Stacy
(408) 470-1150
sstacy@aligntech.com
Ethos Communication, Inc.
Press Contact
Shannon Mangum Henderson
(678) 261-7803
align@ethoscommunication.com

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