SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting this week, Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) is previewing the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, the Company's first chair-side application powered by the iTero intra-oral scanner. This interactive application is designed to increase patient acceptance of Invisalign treatment by showing prospective patients — in a matter of minutes — an image of how their teeth will look after Invisalign treatment.

The Invisalign Outcome Simulator is an easy-to-use software application that helps doctors educate their patients about the benefits of Invisalign treatment. The application uses iTero digital scans of the patient's own dentition to create a detailed, highly accurate image of the teeth. Then, within minutes, the application creates a simulation of how the patient's teeth will look after Invisalign treatment. The doctor can use the Invisalign Outcome Simulator's dual view layout to show the patient his/her current dentition next to their simulated final position. Intuitive tools in the Invisalign Outcome Simulator allow the doctor to modify the final position in real time, making it easy for the doctor to show the patient the benefits of Invisalign treatment.

"We believe that the Invisalign Outcome Simulator will be a powerful tool for Invisalign doctors who use the iTero scanner," said Tim Mack, senior vice president of business development for Align. "By providing Invisalign doctors an easy way to show their patients the benefits of Invisalign, we will help more patients get the treatment they need, and help doctors grow their practices."

The Invisalign Outcome Simulator is the first application developed by Align Technology to leverage the iTero intra-oral scanner as a chair-side platform for enhanced communication and patient acceptance of Invisalign treatment. This simulation does not replace a doctor's prescription or a ClinCheck treatment plan, and is not used to create an actual treatment plan or to manufacture Invisalign aligners.

The Invisalign Outcome Simulator is currently being tested in-market, with general availability expected this summer.

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.The Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express 10, Invisalign Express 5, and Vivera Retainers.

To learn more about Invisalign or to find an Invisalign trained doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com.

Cadent Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Align Technology and is a leading provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry. The Cadent family of products includes iTero and iOC scanning systems, OrthoCAD iCast, OrthoCAD iQ and OrthoCAD iRecord. For additional information, please visit www.itero.com.  

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected timing of general availability of the Invisalign Outcome Simulator. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release relating to expectations about future events or results are based upon information available to Align as of the date hereof. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that might cause such a difference are detailed from time to time in Align's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2011. Align undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact

         Shirley Stacy

         Align Technology, Inc.

         (408) 470-1150

         sstacy@aligntech.com

         

         Press Contact

         Shannon Mangum Henderson

         Ethos Communication, Inc.

         (678) 261-7803

         align@ethoscommunication.com