[2] Orthodontic Centers of America, Inc. Enters Into Asset Purchase Agreement With Apple Orthodontix, Inc.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2000

Orthodontic Centers of America, Inc. (NYSE:OCA) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Apple Orthodontix, Inc. (AMEX:AOI) to acquire up to 47 of Apple's service agreements and related practice assets. OCA previously announced on February 22, 2000 that it had entered into discussions with Apple to affiliate with up to 47 selected orthodontic practices presently affiliated with Apple. Apple provides practice management services to orthodontic practices in the United States and Canada. As of September 30, 1999, Apple had service agreements with 58 practices representing 88 orthodontists in 117 offices throughout the United States and Canada.

The transaction is subject, among other things, to review and approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, acceptance by Apple's senior secured creditors, and consent by the orthodontists whose service agreements are being acquired. As previously announced, Apple filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on January 27, 2000.

Orthodontic Centers of America, Inc., founded in 1985, is the leading provider of practice management services to orthodontic practices. For additional information on Orthodontic Centers of America, Inc. visit the Company's web site: http://www.4braces.com.

The forward-looking statements in this release, including closing of the acquisition are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. As such, they involve risks and uncertainties, including superior offers to Apple from competing banks, inability to obtain court approval, and inability to obtain consent from the orthodontists and Apple's senior secured creditors, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. A discussion of other important factors and assumptions regarding these statements and risks involved is contained in the Company's recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.