Align Technologies hails strong first quarter performance

Align Technologies has expressed confidence in its prospects based on the growth it has experienced in the first quarter of 2011.

The company generated total net revenue of $104.9 million (63.35 million pounds) for the three-month period, which was up from $92.9 million in the final quarter of 2010, as well as exceeding the $90.1 million total reported in Q1 2010.

Thomas Prescott, Align's president and chief executive officer, stated that business is benefiting from industry trends such as increased patient traffic among dental practitioners, which is driving demand for technology such as Invisalign.

As a result, the firm's revenue, case shipments and earnings figures all came in at the higher end of its guidance.

"We had good execution in the business and were able to achieve traction from the new Advantage Rebate program and success with practice development programmes that help customers build sustainable practice growth," Mr Prescott added.

The company is currently in the process of acquiring fellow dental technology manufacturer Cadent Holdings, a deal which is expected to close within the coming weeks.