By Unnamalai L

Feb 4 (Reuters) - Align Technology ALGN.O reported quarterly results above Wall Street expectations and forecast first-quarter revenue in line with estimates, driven by strong demand for its dental aligners.

Shares of the company were up more than 10% in after-hours trading.

Demand for dental products has been sluggish in the past few quarters due to uneven dental visits. Analysts expect 2026 to see more stable demand, although they remain cautious about a full recovery in the broader market.

Align, which makes teeth retainers, dental scanners and software for dental laboratories and practitioners, expects its first-quarter global revenue to be between $1.01 billion and $1.03 billion, compared with analysts' estimates of $1.02 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

"Align finished off 2025 on a high note," said Evercore ISI Elizabeth Anderson, noting that the initial 2026 revenue outlook appears both encouraging and prudent.

First-quarter revenue outlook is broadly in line with analysts' expectations, though stronger pricing and mid‑single‑digit case growth could lift results, Anderson added.

The company expects volume growth for its flagship product, Clear Aligner, to be up mid-single digits on a year-over-year basis in 2026, compared to growth of 4.7% in 2025.

It expects annual revenue growth to be up 3% to 4% year-over-year.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned a profit of $3.29 per share for the quarter ended December 31, beating analysts' estimates of $2.97 per share. Revenues of $1.05 billion were above estimates of $1.03 billion.

(Reporting by Unnamalai L in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)

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