SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 6, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN) today provided an update on the settlement of the class action lawsuit brought by Dr. Christopher J. Leiszler against the Company concerning its proficiency requirements. As announced previously on October 21, 2010, Align entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to resolve this lawsuit filed earlier this year in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  On December 3, the plaintiffs' counsel filed an unopposed motion seeking preliminary approval of the settlement. A hearing has been scheduled on this matter for December 17 regarding the request for preliminary approval.

Under the terms of the settlement and as described in the Settlement Agreement, if the settlement receives Court approval, all class members can obtain reinstatement to prescribe Invisalign® treatment following completion of a free 3-hour on-line course. Certain class members will have the option to elect a cash remedy instead of the Reinstatement Benefit.

Doctors who had their Invisalign accounts deactivated or suspended as a result of the proficiency requirements program are included in the settlement class.  If the Court grants preliminary approval of the settlement at the hearing on December 17, all class members will be notified of their options via postal mail within approximately two weeks of the Court's decision.  Doctors who have questions regarding their class status or rights in this matter should visit www.stuevesiegel.com/CM/CurrentCases/Invisalign.asp or call toll free 1-888-816-1761.

In May 2010, Christopher J. Leiszler, a general practice dentist, filed a Complaint against the Company alleging that Align implemented unfair requirements for the prescription of Invisalign through the Company's annual proficiency requirements.  Dr. Leiszler's Invisalign provider status was changed in January 2010 for failing to meet the Company's proficiency requirements.  Dr. Leiszler sued Align on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, seeking a refund of the price paid to Align for Invisalign training.

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. Today, the Invisalign product family includes Invisalign Full, 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 or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.

CONTACT:  Align Technology, Inc.

          Investor Relations Contact

          Shirley Stacy

          (408) 470-1150

          sstacy@aligntech.com



          Ethos Communication, Inc.

          Press Contact

          Shannon Mangum Henderson

          (678) 261-7803

          align@ethoscommunication.com

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