SANTA CLARA, California – Almost half of American adults (47%) say that crooked teeth leave a negative first impression, according to results of a U.S. survey released today by Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN). Further, almost three quarters (72%) of the survey respondents agree that people with healthy straight teeth are typically treated better in social situations than those with noticeably crooked teeth.

The survey, conducted by Roper Public Affairs, of more than 1,000 American adults (aged 18 and over) found that 84% agree that healthy straight teeth are a sexy physical feature. Contrary to common social stereotypes, nearly six in 10 women (58%) agreed that straight teeth are more important to a man's good looks than a full head of hair.

"We live in a very image-conscious society and impressions are made within a few seconds," said Mark Montano, host of TLC's makeover show, 10 Years Younger. "Straightening crooked teeth makes a difference and can ultimately make or break your chances of getting certain opportunities - especially in the dating scene or workplace."

The study also indicated that despite societal pressures to be thin, adult Americans believe straightening crooked teeth would improve a person's appearance as much as losing those extra ten pounds. In fact, among survey respondents, men were even more likely than women (50% versus 44%) to select "straightening crooked teeth" over "losing those 10 extra pounds" as a means for improving attractiveness.

Other major survey findings include:

• 77% of Americans agree that straightening crooked teeth is one of the best investments a person can make in improving his or her appearance.
• 82% of Americans say straight teeth make a person look healthier.
• More than six in ten Americans (62%) say straightening crooked teeth makes an adult look younger, with 41% saying straight teeth can make a person look up to 5 years younger.
• 86% of Americans believe that people hold back their smiles if they have crooked teeth, and more than half (54%) strongly agree with this statement.
• More than eight in ten (83%) adults think straight teeth make a person look more confident.

Since traditional metal braces are not always a desirable option for adults who want to straighten their teeth, more than a quarter million people have turned to the Invisalign^® system, a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets. The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without anyone having to know. Invisalign also allows those in treatment to remove the aligners for special events and to eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.

"Let's face it, straight teeth are better and can make you look younger," continued 10 Years Younger's Montano. "Fixing crooked teeth doesn't even need to affect your lifestyle anymore and has such a positive impact afterwards, so why wouldn't you?"

The Invisalign system can be used for improvements such as crowding or excess spacing of teeth, or to treat more complex cases such as overbites, underbites and even crossbites. Invisalign treatment combines a doctor's clinical treatment plan with Align's proprietary 3-D, computer-generated software to make each set of unique, custom-made aligners. Patients wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.

Methodology

This study was conducted via OmniTel, the weekly national omnibus survey of Roper, a division of GfK NOP. Interviews were conducted among a nationwide sample of 1,004 US adults (aged 18 and over) during July 15-17, 2005. The data were weighted to be representative of the total US adult population. Each OmniTel study is based on a random digit dialing (RDD) probability sample of all telephone households in the continental United States. The RDD sampling system is totally computer based and provides an equal probability of selection for each and every telephone household. Thus, the sample represents telephone households with both listed and unlisted phones in their proper proportions. All sample numbers selected by this procedure are subject to an original and at least four follow-up attempts to complete an interview.

The margin of error for the entire sample is three percentage points. The margin of error at the subgroup level is higher.

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 Roper Public Affairs

Roper Public Affairs is a division of GfK NOP, a top-ten market research power, uniting some of the most renowned US and European research firms into a single global organization. By unifying our businesses under a common identity, GfK NOP adds even greater value to the leading research and consulting companies you've trusted for decades: Allison-Fisher...Mediamark Research Inc....Market Measures/Cozint...NOP Research Group...NOP World Healthcare...RoperASW...RoperNOP Consulting...and Strategic Marketing Corporation.

SOURCE Align Technology, Inc.

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