SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today announced Invisalign^® G4, the next generation of SmartForce^® clinical innovations, designed to address some of the most significant treatment challenges doctors encounter. The new and improved SmartForce features in Invisalign G4 are engineered to help doctors achieve even better clinical results for open bite treatments, more predictable movement of upper laterals, and improved root control for canines and central incisors. "In the year since we launched Invisalign G3, research with Invisalign providers has shown that the SmartForce features increase a doctor's likelihood of prescribing Invisalign and help the doctor to deliver the results they expect in more clinical applications," said Sheila Tan, Align Technology's vice president, marketing and chief marketing officer. "Invisalign G4 expands on the Invisalign G3 foundation which first introduced new aligner and software features that make it easier to use Invisalign when treating Class I and Class II patients."

SmartForce features, such as Optimized Attachments and the Power Ridge® features, are engineered to deliver the forces needed to achieve predictable tooth movements. Based on biomechanical principles, SmartForce features are customized for each tooth using advanced virtual modeling, and are positioned precisely to deliver the proper forces. New Invisalign G4 clinical innovations are engineered to help doctors achieve:

− Better Clinical Outcomes for Open Bites: new multi-tooth approach for open bite treatment and improved Optimized Extrusion Attachments are designed to improve clinical outcomes when treating anterior open bites.

− Improved Predictability for Upper Laterals: new Optimized Multi-Plane Movement features are designed to improve control of upper laterals undergoing extrusion along with rotation and/or crown tip.

− Greater Root Control for Canines and Central Incisors: new Optimized Root Control Attachments provide greater mesio-distal root control for canines and central incisors.

In addition to these new features, Optimized Extrusion Attachments for anterior teeth have been improved to better deliver the force needed for great finishes, and Optimized Attachments that were introduced with Invisalign G3 can now be used in conjunction with Precision Cuts, where applicable, when treating Class II and Class III patients with Invisalign.

The expanded Invisalign G4 product features will be available on Invisalign Full, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express 10 (previously Invisalign Express), and Invisalign Lite (for International markets) at no additional cost to Invisalign-trained doctors worldwide starting November 14, 2011.

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, 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.cadentinc.com.

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