SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct 21, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign®, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets, announced today that it ranked number eight on the 2004 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 1999 to 2003. Align Technology grew 29,760 percent during this period.

In addition to ranking on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Align also ranked number five on the Silicon Valley Technology Fast 50, which is a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology firms in Silicon Valley.

Align Technology, Inc. President and CEO Thomas M. Prescott attributes the company's revenue growth to advances in Align's manufacturing processes and increased utilization of the Invisalign system. "Our substantial growth over the past five years is a testament to the growing popularity and efficacy of Invisalign treatment, and to Align's commitment to innovation and efficiency in manufacturing," said Prescott.

"Making the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 is a testament to a company's commitment to technology," said Mark A. Evans, national managing partner of Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group. "With its 29,760% growth rate over five years, Align Technology has proven that its leadership has the vision and determination to grow in difficult conditions."

The 500 list is compiled from Deloitte's 19 regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. To qualify for the Fast 500, entrants must have had 1999 operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD and $75,000 CD for the United States and Canada, respectively; and 2003 operating revenues must be at least $1 million USD or CD.

Entrants must be public or private companies headquartered in North America and must be a "technology company," defined as a company that owns proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues, or that devotes a significant proportion of revenues to the research and development of technology. Using other companies' technology in a unique way does not qualify.

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 Deloitte

Deloitte, one of the nation's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, financial advisory services and consulting through nearly 30,000 people in more than 80 U.S. cities. The firm is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, Deloitte has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For in America" by Fortune magazine for six consecutive years. "Deloitte" refers to Deloitte & Touche LLP and affiliated entities. Deloitte is the US member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein (association), and, as such, neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the name "Deloitte," "Deloitte & Touche," "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu" or other related names. The services described herein are provided by the US member firm and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein. For more information, please visit Deloitte's web site at www.deloitte.com/us.

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

SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.

Investors, Barbara Domingo of Align Technology, Inc., +1-408-470-1204, or bdomingo@aligntech.com; or media, Shannon Henderson of Ethos Communications, Inc., +1-678-417-1767, or shannon@ethoscommunication.com, for Align Technology, Inc.

http://www.deloitte.com/us