LONDON, August 22 /PRNewswire/ --     One in four British women admits to not looking after her teeth,
including brushing and flossing, on a daily basis, according to a new survey
released today by Align Technology, makers of Invisalign(R).

The survey asked women how important a good smile was; nearly two thirds
(65%) of the women surveyed believe that a good smile results in a more
confident individual, followed by 18% who said that someone with a good smile
would be more likely to be successful in regards to romance and attracting a
partner.

Teeth are clearly important in making an impression, but Brits are still
living up to the stereotype of having bad teeth, as over one third of the
women surveyed (36%) reported that they are embarrassed by their teeth. When
asked what they would improve about their smile 49% of the participants
stated 'very white teeth', followed by 29% wanting even and straight teeth.

The main problem is investing time and money in looking after our teeth.
Nearly two thirds (64%) highlighted cost as a factor that deters them from
getting their teeth straightened, with 73% only prepared to spend up to
GBP1,000 on correcting their teeth. Yet when you compare how much women spend
per year on their beauty regime, the survey revealed that the average woman
happily spends GBP1,500 every year. Cosmetic dentistry, or correcting the
smile with Invisalign costs between GBP3,500 and GBP5,000*, and when compared
with the cost of cosmetics over the course of a lifetime, (and in light of
the importance of an attractive smile), it is a small price to pay for a
straight smile.

Dr Paul Humber, a leading dental practitioner commented, "The results of
the survey demonstrate that women understand the importance of a healthy
smile, but worryingly, they are not prepared to spend the time and money
looking after their teeth. Fear of the dentist is an age old problem (24% are
not willing to undergo corrective treatment based on fear), but new
treatments such as Invisalign, which is a non-invasive procedure using a
series of clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth, have been popular,
as they are discreet, and because they are removable, patients can brush and
floss as normal. Invisalign gives me the chance to straighten teeth but
without many of the treatment barriers that cause my patients to shy away
from with traditional metal dental braces. The cost for treatment is a
lifetime investment so when you compare this to how much women spend on
beauty treatments, it is minimal."

Respondents were also asked which features they are most likely to notice
when they meet a potential partner: eyes came top with 59%, followed by smile
at 32%. When asked the same question about other women, the smile was
considered their most noticeable feature (43%), followed by hair (39%).
Seeing as teeth are important to women, it is surprising to consider how
little attention they pay to them, especially when women are prepared to
spend up to 30 minutes a day washing and styling their hair (69%),
moisturising their body (60%) and applying cosmetics (49%).

Invisalign uses a unique, advanced computer technology which can show you
a personalised virtual progressive 3D model of how your teeth will move into
place over the course of the cosmetic dental treatment and the expected end
result. As with other types of braces and orthodontic treatment, the cost of
Invisalign treatment is determined by your dental practitioner and will
depend on the complexity of your case and course of treatment. However, the
cost is generally comparable with the prices of traditional metal or
invisible braces, making it an ideal treatment option for common orthodontic
problems in adults and teens**. Whether your smile needs minor improvements
or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can help give you the smile you've
always wanted, often in as little as 9 to 18 months (also comparable to
treatment times for fixed metal braces)***.

*Treatment fees are set by the treating doctor, but the average cost
ranges from GBP3,500 to GBP5,000 or EUR 4,000 to 6,000 (depending on
treatment needs)

** Invisalign is effective on a broad range of cases. However, all
permanent teeth must be present before treatment becomes an option. During
your initial exam, an Invisalign-certified dental practitioner can determine
whether you are suitable for the treatment.

*** Duration of treatment may vary and is dependent upon the condition of
your teeth.

Summary: One quarter of UK women admit to careless dental care, as
reported in a survey published recently by Align Technology. Despite the
belief that an attractive smile results in personal confidence, British women
are reluctant to invest in correcting their smiles. Invisalign Technology
seeks to solve the "British stereotype" of bad teeth, using non-invasive,
discreet and removable dental technology.

Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology(R) designs, manufactures and markets the Invisalign(R)
technique, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or misalignment of
teeth. The Invisalign technique uses advanced 3D imaging and computer
graphics technology, to deliver precise, customised treatment. 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
was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in
1998.

http://www.invisalign.com