SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN), today announced that two U.S. Patents, Nos. 9,655,691 and 9,655,693, have been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for SmartTrack aligner material, used exclusively for Invisalign aligner treatment. Launched commercially in 2013, Align's proprietary SmartTrack material is an innovative multi-layer polymer that delivers more gentle, constant force to improve control of tooth movements with Invisalign clear aligners. SmartTrack material was designed specifically for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners and more precisely conforms to tooth morphology, attachments, and interproximal spaces compared to other aligner materials.

"SmartTrack material is one of the most impactful innovations that Align has introduced into the Invisalign system over the years, delivering superior treatment outcomes and patient comfort," said Zelko Relic, Align vice president, research and development. "There are more than 4.5 million Invisalign patients to date, and over 2.3 million have used SmartTrack material. Our continued investments in innovations like SmartTrack material deliver better treatment for Invisalign patients, such as weekly aligner change, and help ensure Align's leadership in clear aligner treatment."

When combined with SmartForce® features and attachments, Invisalign clear aligners made with SmartTrack material are clinically proven to achieve greater than 75 percent improvement in overall tooth movement predictability compared to clear aligners made with off-the-shelf single-layer material, commonly used by other clear aligner manufacturers.* Compared to other aligner materials, which relax and lose a substantial percent of energy in the initial days of aligner wear, SmartTrack material maintains more constant force over the duration of patient wear.

* Compared to clear aligners made of off-the-shelf, single-layer 0.30-inch material. Data on file at Align Technology.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, and iTero® intraoral scanners and services. Align's products help dental professionals achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, cutting-edge dental options to their patients. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

About the Invisalign® Clear Aligner System

The Invisalign system is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world. Adults and teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of custom, clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time. No other clear aligner is backed by the data and experience of 4.5 million cases. Learn more and find a trained Invisalign provider at www.invisalign.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Yin Cantor
Align Technology, Inc.
(408) 470-1044
ycantor@aligntech.com

Press Contact
Shannon Mangum Henderson
Ethos Communication, Inc.
(678) 261-7803
align@ethoscommunication.com

Source: Align Technology

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