SANTA CLARA, Calif., Apr 29, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign®, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets, today announced the integration of HYTEC, Inc.'s SuperScan™ into its Invisalign manufacturing process. SuperScan is the latest iteration of high-speed, 3D computed tomography scanning technology from HYTEC, and is the successor to the company's FlashCT® systems currently in use at Align.

Align Technology is one of the largest manufacturers of mass-customized products in the world. The company employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture custom orthodontic appliances called Aligners as part of Invisalign treatment.

High-speed scanning is an important first step in the Invisalign manufacturing process. Align uses HYTEC's scanning systems to create extremely accurate 3D models of patients' teeth from their dental impressions. Those digital models are then manipulated as part of virtual treatment planning, and used to create a series of clear, plastic, removable Aligners unique to each Invisalign patient. Implementing SuperScan will enable Align to significantly increase scanning speeds and manufacturing efficiency, while maintaining data integrity and accuracy.

"Align's use of our FlashCT scanners, and now SuperScan technology, is a perfect example of how evolving technology can bring new levels of productivity and operational efficiencies to our customers," said Tim Thompson, President of HYTEC, Inc.

HYTEC and Align have signed a 5-year agreement that provides complete in- plant maintenance and engineering support for SuperScan while guaranteeing highly efficient scan time with unsurpassed uptime and data quality.

"HYTEC's scanning systems help us continually improve our manufacturing process and overall product delivery to Invisalign customers," said Len Hedge, Vice President of Operations for Align Technology. "Ongoing enhancements in productivity and automation reflect key corporate goals and help increase revenue and gross margins."

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 older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.

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

About HYTEC, Inc.

HYTEC Inc., an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, has three wholly owned subsidiaries specializing in the design of scientific instruments, the development of nondestructive sensors and imaging products, and providing exceptional scanning services. From design and development to implementation and support, HYTEC Engineering, Inc. (HEI) provides advanced technologies, engineering and innovative product designs to a variety of scientific, government and commercial customers. HYTEC Sensors and Imaging Group, Inc. (HYSIG) provides a full product line of FlashCT industrial computed tomography systems used in nondestructive inspection, electro-mechanical forensics and reverse engineering. HYSIG's line of PRISM real-time holographic imaging systems is used for deformation and vibration analysis and the measurement and analysis of residual stress. HYTEC Scanning Services Inc. (HSSI) offers high volume, high-speed, x-ray scanning service to the orthodontic and NDE markets.

To learn more about HYTEC please visit www.hytecinc.com or call 505-661-3000 Ext. 29.

     Investor Relations Contact:      Press Contacts:
     Barbara Domingo                  Shannon Henderson
     Align Technology, Inc.           Ethos Communications, Inc.
     (408) 470-1204                   (678) 417-1767
     bdomingo@aligntech.com           shannon@ethoscommunication.com



                                      Naomi Engelman
                                      HYTEC, Inc.
                                      (505) 661-3000 x29
                                      Naomi@hytecinc.com

SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.

Investor Relations, Barbara Domingo of Align Technology, Inc., +1-408-470-1204 or bdomingo@aligntech.com; or, Press, Shannon Henderson of Ethos Communications, Inc., +1-678-417-1767 or shannon@ethoscommunication.com, for Align Technology, Inc., or Naomi Engelman of HYTEC, Inc., +1-505-661-3000, ext. 29, or Naomi@hytecinc.com

http://www.invisalign.com