SAN JOSE, Calif., May 13, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced that it has qualified Cadent's orthodontic full arch scanning process for use with Invisalign treatment. Interoperability with Invisalign will be available on the OrthoCAD iOC system with the latest software version iOC 4.0. Invisalign customers with iOC systems can begin submitting 3D digital scans in place of physical impressions beginning May 16, 2011. Align is in final beta testing with the Cadent iTero 4.0 scanning software and expects to announce interoperability for iTero scanner customers this summer.

"We are excited to provide customers with the option to submit digital scans for Invisalign treatment," said Sheila Tan, Align Technology chief marketing officer. "Integration with Invisalign has been one of the most widely requested enhancements by orthodontists who use the iOC system and by general practitioners who use the iTero system. It provides doctors with enhanced accuracy of digital impressions and greater treatment efficiency, and improves the overall patient experience."  

Over the past few years, Align has worked with several manufacturers of intra-oral scanning (IOS) systems to evaluate interoperability of these systems for future use with Invisalign treatment. Rigorous standards for scan quality and accuracy have been defined by Align to ensure a specific scanning technology can successfully replace the physical impressions currently used in an Invisalign case submission. OrthoCAD iOC and iTero capture the contours of the patient's dentition, gingival structures and the bite, without the use of powder, resulting in an accurate digital orthodontic scan in minutes. The new iOC 4.0 software features a simplified graphic user interface and application tools including connectivity to the Invisalign Doctor Site, providing orthodontists with expanded features to ensure accurate digital impressions for Invisalign treatment. Current OrthoCAD iOC customers can upgrade to iOC 4.0 and begin submitting 3D digital scans in place of physical impressions through the Invisalign Doctor Site as part of the Invisalign case submission process.  

For more information about OrthoCAD iOC 4.0, please visit www.cadentinc.com.

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, 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 OrthoCAD iOC scanning systems, OrthoCADiCast, OrthoCAD iQ and OrthoCAD iRecord. For additional information, please visit www.cadentinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Align's expectation that interoperability for iTero scanners will be available this summer. 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. These and other risks 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 24, 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