SAN JOSE, Calif. and AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Jan. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) and Dental Couture, Ltd., the Company's distribution partner for non-core country markets in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions, today announced that Align has received a Product Registration Certificate for the Invisalign system from the Federal Service of Health Care and Social Development Control of the Russian Federation. This regulatory approval allows Align to train doctors and to sell Invisalign Full, Invisalign Lite, Invisalign Teen, and Vivera Retainers throughout Russia. Align also announced that in addition to the commercialization activities started early last year in Turkey, it is also launching Invisalign in the Middle East. To date, Align's distribution partner Dental Couture has already trained more than 30 orthodontists in Russia and more than 200 doctors in Turkey, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.

"We are pleased to have obtained approvals for the Invisalign system in Russia, Saudi Arabia and other key countries in the Middle East during the latter part of 2011. A number of training sessions were held in these markets during the last quarter of 2011 in preparation for a full commercial launch in the first quarter of 2012, and we are excited about the long term growth potential in these country markets," said Richard Twomey, vice president of International for Align Technology. 

"Russia, Turkey and the Middle East are among the most important markets in our developing region. They represent a substantial opportunity for growth and a perfect fit for both patients and doctors," said Gil J. Laks, chief executive officer of Dental Couture. "Patient demand is on the rise for orthodontic procedures and doctors are demanding the most advanced orthodontic solutions utilizing the best technologies. The timing is right for us to invest and launch in these markets, and we intend to bring the latest in Invisalign innovation and the most advanced and accessible support services to orthodontists in these regions."

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.  

About Dental Couture LTD

Dental Couture Ltd. is the exclusive distributor of Invisalign in 88 countries across Europe, Middle East, Russia, Turkey and Africa. It primarily provides sales, marketing and support services to all dental professionals through regional and local presences in 27 countries to date. Dental Couture offers dental professionals a suite of premium support services that include multiple solutions and options tailored to customers' specific needs.

For any questions or inquiries please contact info@dentalcouture.com or visit www.invisalignemea.com

For more information on Invisalign in Russia - www.invisalign.ru; Middle East - www.invisalignGCC.com; Turkey - www.invisalign.com.tr

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