Most Dentists Are Happy to Offer Invisalign
Post your comments about Invisalign to our blog
In our most recent survey, we asked dentists if they offer
Invisalign to orthodontic patients.
The clear majority (75%) report that Invisalign is a part of their
dental practices.
"In my opinion, for an adequate result Invisalign almost always has to be followed up with conventional braces for finishing... I have not been trained to do orthodontic treatment, but what I have observed happening is one set of problems is often traded for another. For example, short term esthetics is often achieved at the expense of stability and function," wrote one dentist. "General dentists are absolutely qualified, some more than others. With the CE offered, the case selection, and appropriate diagnosis, Invisalign is an excellent practice builder, as patients know about it, and they WANT it!" commented another.
Read the dentists' comments for more insight into their thoughts on Invisalign.
The difference between general dentists and specialists was marked. Though over one-quarter (28%) of general dentists choose not to offer Invisalign to their patients, no specialists in this survey reported that. Every single specialist responding to this survey offers Invisalign orthodontics to their dental patients.
Urban dentists are significantly more likely to offer Invisalign than their rural or suburban counterparts. Urban dentists seem somewhat more likely to focus on cosmetic dentistry, and many patients prefer Invisalign to traditional metal braces for cosmetic reasons.
For more insight into what our respondents are thinking, check out their comments!
Invisalign is amazing
- "It is an exceptional product for those who are borderline on their need for orthodontia." (Utah dentist)
- "Very good for most simple tooth movements. I have done some very extensive ortho with Invisalign." (Utah dentist)
- "All the work for the most part on simple cases is done by the Invisalign computer." (Michigan dentist)
Invisalign's results leave some dentists disappointed
- "Qualified, yes. But the technique has so many limitations that I no longer offer it to my patients." (Louisiana dentist)
- "I use it but rarely as it doesn't move teeth as efficiently as fixed brackets." (New York orthodontist)
- "Good product, but lab costs are too expensive (should be about half of what it is). Dentists should have no problem as long as they use good case selection. There are limitations with all orthodontics, and patient expectations must be established before cases are sold." (Missouri dentist)
- "Dentists can do Invisalign. They will stay out of trouble if they know their own limitations as well as the limitations of Invisalign braces." (California dentist)
Invisalign is great for dental practices
- "Absolutely GDs are qualified, some more than others, as is usually the case. With the CE offered, the case selection, and appropriate diagnosis, Invisalign is an excellent practice builder, as patients know about it, and they WANT it!" (Ohio dentist)
- "Invisalign is convenient and attractive to patients. We've had some issues with getting results, but have worked with Invisalign on this." (Oregon dentist)
- "General dentists are fully qualified. It is great for patients and the dentist." (Massachusetts dentist)
- "You are crazy not to offer this service. As a dentist we do simple cases and refer out to an orthodontist the complex cases. Align give you minimal training at first, but lots of CE opportunities to beef up your skill sets. I also make use of the flat fee consulting services when I get stuck." (Rhode Island dentist)
Invisalign's success has to do with how complicated the case is
- "Excellent service. Dentists are qualified. It is like any other procedure. Do the simple cases first."
- "For simple to moderately difficult cases." (New York dentist)
- "It needs to be a simple case." (New Jersey dentist)
- "General dentists are qualified if they take all the required courses. If they lack in a certain area, the results don't come out as nice." (Illinois dental office worker)
Invisalign demands certain expertise
- "Invisalign is just a tool to help achieve an end result. I refer patients to an orthodontist because there are some goals that we want to achieve. Sometimes Invisalign is an appropriate tool to achieve those goals. In my opinion, for an adequate result Invisalign almost always has to be followed up with conventional braces for finishing. If this isn't done some restorative treatment will be needed to fine-tune the occlusion. I am not qualified to do the fine tuning with braces. I have not been trained to do orthodontic treatment, but what I have observed happening is one set of problems is often traded for another. For example, short term esthetics is often achieved at the expense of stability and function. This will lead to other problems down the road such as wear and TMD." (Oregon dentist)
