How to Pay an Associate for Invisalign
Introduction
● Brief introduction of Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions
● Overview of the topic: Paying associate dentists for Invisalign cases
Common Mistakes in Paying Associates
A. Improper Payment Methods
● Many owner doctors and practice owners pay associates incorrectly.
● Focusing on the payment method rather than just the amount is crucial.
● Creative payment solutions can improve practice efficiency and associate satisfaction.
B. Factors to Consider
● Lab fees: Associates should know the lab fees involved in Invisalign cases.
● Quality of treatment plans: Ensuring associates can properly plan treatment.
● Liability and insurance considerations: Understanding the risks and responsibilities involved.
Oversight and Accountability
A. Owner Doctor’s Responsibilities
● Owner doctors should review every treatment plan to ensure it’s appropriately planned.
● Poor treatment planning can lead to irreversible damage to patients.
B. Associate Classification
● Difference between W-2 and 1099 associates: Each classification has distinct responsibilities and financial implications.
● Ensuring associates understand their classification and responsibilities.
Payment Strategies for 1099 Associates
A. Full Lab Fee Payment
● 1099 associates should pay their own lab fees and manage their patients independently.
● This ensures that the patient follows them if they leave, maintaining continuity of care.
B. Benefits for Owner Doctors
● Advantages of higher volume through a single account.
● Eligibility for volume discounts.
● Simplified management with staff logins.
Payment Strategies for W-2 Associates
A. Partial Lab Fee Payment
● Depending on the practice’s policies, W-2 associates might pay up to 50% of lab fees.
● Production-based payment ensures associates are compensated based on the work done.
B. Deferred Payment
● Deferred payment strategy: Pay a portion at the start and the remainder upon treatment completion.
● Ensures associates are motivated to see cases through to a successful conclusion.
Ensuring Treatment Quality and Completion
A. Monitoring and Accountability
● Use a “Congratulations” form for patient and doctor sign-off at treatment completion.
● This ensures both parties agree on the treatment outcome and maintain accountability.
B. Motivating Associates
● Proper incentives encourage associates to plan treatments effectively and maintain patient compliance.
● Long-term benefits of high standards in treatment and patient care.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
A. Adherence to Laws
● Ensuring associates are classified correctly as either W-2 or 1099.
● Misclassification can lead to legal and financial repercussions.
B. Ethical Patient Care
● Prioritizing patient care and treatment continuity.
● Owner doctors must oversee and ensure the quality of associate work.
Long-Term Benefits of Structured Payments
● Encouraging quality treatment planning and patient compliance.
● Avoiding the burden of unfinished cases for owner doctors.
● An example scenario is an associate leaving before finishing cases.
Conclusion
A. Recap of Key Points
● Summary of correct payment methods, oversight, and legal considerations.
B. Final Thoughts
● Associate Motivation: Proper payment methods encourage associates to maintain high-quality treatment and compliance.
● Long-term Success: Invisalign treatments require consistent monitoring and accountability to ensure successful outcomes.
● Owner Responsibility: Proper oversight and payment structures prevent owner doctors from being burdened with poorly managed cases.
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions insight aims to help practices optimize their payment strategies for associate dentists, ensuring quality patient care and financial efficiency

Anterior Openbites in Non-Growing Patients
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions provides valuable insights into treating anterior open bite cases in non-growing adults. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying cause of the open bite before attempting treatment.
❖ Dr. Amanda outlines four main factors that can contribute to an anterior open bite and stresses the need for a comprehensive evaluation involving various specialists, such as orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, and ENT professionals. Her approach highlights the interdisciplinary nature of addressing this complex issue effectively. Take the time to do it right for successful, long-lasting results.
Key Considerations for Non-Growing Adults
● Determining whether the patient is still growing or not growing is crucial before treating an anterior open bite case.
● For non-growing adults, identifying the root cause of the open bite is essential before attempting treatment.
● Dr. Amanda categorizes the common causes into four main buckets:
1. Habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, etc.)
2. Myofunctional issues (improper tongue posture, swallowing patterns, etc.)
3. Airway/sleep issues (mouth breathing, sleep apnea, etc.)
4. Skeletal/anatomical issues (jaw discrepancies, pathology, etc.)
Playing Detective: Uncovering the Cause
● Ask detailed questions about the onset, duration, and potential causes of the open bite.
● The patient’s self-reporting may not be accurate, so further investigation is necessary.
● Recommend a comprehensive sleep screening and myofunctional evaluation (in-office or referral).
● Utilize diagnostic tools like CBCT scans, cephalometric analysis, and functional assessments.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration is Key
● Involve a myofunctional therapist (in-house or referral) for habit elimination and muscle retraining.
● Collaborate with an ENT specialist for airway evaluation and treatment if needed.
● Consider cervical chiropractic care for posture and muscle imbalances.
● Orthodontic treatment alone is often ineffective without addressing the underlying causes.
The Importance of Proper Sequencing
● Treat the cause(s) first, or at least concurrently, before attempting orthodontic treatment.
● Myofunctional therapy and habit elimination should precede or occur alongside orthodontics.
● Ensure patient commitment to the full interdisciplinary treatment plan for successful outcomes.
Caution: Informed Consent Isn’t a Fail-Safe
● Having patients sign informed consent forms does not absolve responsibility for relapse.
● Insurance companies and legal proceedings may still penalize relapse, even with signed consent.
● It’s better to decline cases that don’t follow the proper treatment sequence to avoid potential disputes.
Dr. Amanda’s Advice: Do It Right the First Time
● Invest the time and effort to identify and treat the root causes properly.
● Decline cases unwilling to follow the recommended interdisciplinary treatment plan.
● Prioritize long-term stable results over quick orthodontic fixes that are likely to relapse.
● Follow Dr. Amanda’s comprehensive approach for successful anterior open bite treatment in non-growing adults.
Conclusion
❖ Treating anterior open bite cases in non-growing adults requires thoroughly investigating the underlying causes before orthodontic treatment. Ruling out habits, myofunctional issues, sleep disorders, and pathologies are crucial.
❖ Collaborating with specialists like OMTs, ENTs, and periodontists may be necessary for comprehensive treatment. Without addressing the root causes, orthodontic treatment alone is unlikely to achieve stable, long-lasting results.
❖ A multidisciplinary approach is often required to correct anterior open bites successfully and prevent relapse in non-growing patients.

Should You Pull Baby Teeth Before Braces and Invisalign?

When it comes to braces and Invisalign in young patients, knowing how to tackle baby teeth is hugely important. Of course, this is something of a controversial topic, and every orthodontic team or provider will have their own preference, and this may change over time. Nonetheless, today, we’ve looked at several key things you should know about whether to pull baby teeth before braces or Invisalign/clear aligner cases as follows.
Should You Pull Baby Teeth Before Braces or Invisalign?
Whether you should pull baby teeth before braces or Invisalign will depend on personal preference. And, from a traditional perspective, it was often common to pull any baby teeth as soon as they came up before doing braces or Invisalign. However, some arch expansion can occur as the baby teeth come through, so taking out these baby teeth can be problematic and traumatic.
Generally, for baby front teeth, we here at Straight Smile Solutions allow these to come out on their own, potentially by encouraging them to bite into chewy or hard foods such as apples. However, for baby canines, whether they should come out should be based on a panoramic x-ray, looking for signs of impaction; if there is impaction, you may want to remove these baby canines and do arch expansion concurrently
Remember: if you need more space to work with, doing expansion after pulling teeth is essential, as pulling alone will only shift the problem posteriorly down the line. In addition, you should always consider the health of the baby tooth; if there is an infection, abscess, or any topic eruption of the permanent tooth, pulling will likely be necessary.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Ortho Virtual Consults and Aligner or RPE Check-In Appointments
I. Introduction
A. Dr. Amanda’s expertise with virtual consults
B. Emphasis on synchronous vs. asynchronous approaches
C. Extensive content on YouTube and other platforms
II. Understanding Virtual Orthodontic Consults
A. Importance of choosing the right approach for your practice
B. Varied options available for implementing virtual consults
C. Tailoring strategies based on the nature of your dental practice
III. Insights from the Invisalign Orthodontics Summit
A. Dr. Amanda’s attendance and key takeaways
B. Advantages of virtual components in dental conferences
C. Emphasis on virtual consult strategies by industry leaders
IV. Exploring Synchronous and Asynchronous Consults
A. Advantages and considerations of asynchronous approach
1. Utilizing HIPAA-compliant communication channels
2. Streamlining the process for both patients and practitioners
3. Flexibility in responding to patient inquiries within 24 hours

B. Incorporating synchronous consults for real-time interaction
1. Coordination required for Zoom-based consultations
2. Capturing patient interest and engagement effectively
3. Combination strategies for optimal results
V. Leveraging Technology for Virtual Consults
A. Utilizing platforms like GPU Ortho Tracking for asynchronous consults
1. Benefits of embedding the widget on practice websites
2. Simplifying patient image submissions and follow-ups
3. Ensuring HIPAA compliance throughout the process

B. Empowering patients with easy-to-use tools for image capture
1. Providing guidance on capturing relevant images
2. Enhancing patient experience through user-friendly interfaces
3. Streamlining administrative tasks for staff members
VI. Maximizing Conversion and Revenue
A. Real-world examples of successful virtual consult implementations
1. Demonstrating significant revenue potential from virtual consults
2. Case studies highlighting successful patient conversions
3. Importance of strategic follow-up and patient engagement
VII. Conclusion and Resources
A. Dr. Amanda’s commitment to supporting dental practitioners
B. Offerings of scripting, verbiage, and resources for consults
C. Encouragement to explore virtual consults for practice growth and patient convenience

Stone Age Orthodontics: How To Tell If Your Provider Offers Progressive Ortho

When it comes to orthodontics, making sure you have chosen a provider who offers progressive ortho – or optimized, modern solutions – is highly important. In line with this thought, we’ve outlined some of the key things you should know about modern vs progressive ortho to help you choose which category your orthodontist falls into.

Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist

Before you begin working with a new orthodontist, there are several key things to check. This can help you ensure your chosen orthodontist is progressive, rather than a traditional ortho provider (which may provide less effective solutions).

First, always check the orthodontist is willing to see young patients. Progressive orthodontists will often see a patient at a very young age, even before starting ortho work, to help identify the need for early interventions when they are needed. This can help improve the patient’s orthodontics results accordingly.

In addition, ask about the orthodontist’s goals for the treatment plan. A progressive ortho provider will usually focus on improving the airways and facial aesthetic after treatment; in contrast, traditional ortho may simply focus on matching the bite.

Finally, always ask the orthodontist about the different options available. They should be able to explain clearly the different options, which can allow you to choose the method that will best match your needs and lifestyle.

Keeping these points in mind can help you decide whether your chosen orthodontics provider is practicing progressive, modern ortho. In turn, this should allow you to choose a more appropriate orthodontist for your (or your patients’) cases.

Have you ever wondered about whether you should take on 7-up orthodontics referral cases? Often, it can seem a little difficult to know whether 7-up orthodontic cases will be appropriate for your practice. However, our experts are on hand to help you learn more, and today, we’re looking at whether you should take on 7-up orthodontics referrals.
What are 7-Up Orthodontics Referral Cases?
7-up orthodontics cases are generally those referrals for children aged 7 and over. It’s often common practice for general dentists and the like to use a 7-up policy for orthodontics referrals. However, it’s not always straightforward to take on 7-up cases.
When Ortho Starts with Another Provider for Young Patients
With 7-up cases, it’s important to consider that the patient will be seven years old when ortho starts with the other orthodontist or dentist. However, by the time that all of the paperwork has been completed, ortho may not start with you until the child has gotten to eight or nine years old, potentially. Unfortunately, depending on the problem being faced, this could be too late to be just starting treatment. After all, by the age of six, 60% of a patient’s facial growth has already finished, meaning that you’ll have a much harder time tackling certain cases. This can leave you in a difficult orthodontics position where you are only able to prevent an issue from getting worse (as opposed to actively fixing it).
Some important considerations to keep in mind are that, as a child grows up, their skeletal age will also increase (and, notably, there’s nothing to prevent even an eight year old of having a skeletal age far older than their chronological age). This can further limit the amount of change you can achieve. Additionally, it’s also worth noting that children often get busier as they get older, making it harder for them to come in for appointments.

Paperwork and Steps to Debond and Discontinue Braces from another Doctor’s Orthodontic Patient
I. Introduction
StraightSmile Solutions’ Dr. Amanda:
• Navigate orthodontic cases for general and pediatric dentists.
• Guides practitioners through brace removal scenarios.
• Emphasizes legal safeguards and ethical considerations.
• Encourages practitioners to understand patient motives and contractual obligations.
• Ensures practitioners safeguard themselves with proper documentation and liability coverage.
• Comprehensive approach includes patient consultation, fee structures, and post-removal care.
• Provides clarity and confidence in managing diverse orthodontic scenarios.
II. Initial Assessment
● Differentiating scenarios: Regular patients vs. walk-in patients.
● Advising dentists to assess the patient’s true intentions and reasons for brace removal.
● Reminding dentists to consult their dental practice act and liability insurance guidelines.
III. Legal and Ethical Considerations
● Discussing the contractual obligations between the patient and their previous provider.
● Highlighting potential liabilities if proper documentation and informed consent are not obtained.
● Emphasizing the need for thorough communication and clarity regarding treatment decisions.
IV. Clinical Evaluation
● Advising dentists to assess the patient’s orthodontic progress and potential risks.
● Stressing the importance of considering the stability of the patient’s bite before agreeing to brace removal.
● Emphasizing the need for patient autonomy balanced with professional responsibility.
V. Documentation and Consent
● Explaining the necessity of obtaining informed consent and documenting treatment decisions.
● Introducing the Early Debonder Form as a tool for obtaining consent and outlining treatment terms.
● Recommending dentists to customize the form or consult with liability insurance for specific requirements.
VI. Financial Considerations
● Discussing fee structures for brace removal and related services.
● Differentiating fees based on the complexity of the case, type of braces, and additional services like retainers.
● Encouraging dentists to uphold their standard of care despite potential competition from lower-cost providers.
VII. Conclusion
A. Emphasizing adherence to standard of care
B. Encouraging thorough communication and documentation
C. Prioritizing patient safety and legal compliance
D. Acknowledging the potential for patient decision changes
E. Summary of key steps and considerations for dentists handling cases of brace removal for non-patients.

I. Introduction

1. Brief introduction to the concept of airway orthodontics
2. Introducing Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions
3. Purpose of the article: To discuss five crucial questions for dentists and orthodontists to assess if they are practicing airway orthodontics effectively

II. Screening for Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)

1. Importance of screening for SDB in every child
2. Significance of oral habits and SDB forms
3. Timing and accuracy of SDB screening
4. Emphasizing the need for thorough parental involvement

III. Documentation and Referrals

1. Importance of proper paperwork in airway orthodontics
2. Utilizing effective SDB and oral habits forms
3. Establishing referral pathways to Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists
4. Building collaborative relationships with like-minded ENT professionals

IV. Incorporating Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

1. Essential role of certified OMT professionals in the team
2. Importance of routine referral to OMT specialists
3. Emphasizing the need for consistent utilization of OMT in treatment plans
4. Avoiding sporadic or insufficient referrals to OMT specialists

V. Early Intervention and Phase One Treatment

1. Significance of early intervention in airway orthodontics
2. Identifying candidates for phase one or pre-phase one myofunctional therapy
3. Assessing the percentage of patients receiving early intervention
4. Avoiding delayed intervention for better treatment outcomes

VI. Minimizing Premolar Extractions

1. Assessing the necessity of premolar extractions in treatment plans
2. Evaluating the patient demographics and treatment approach
3. Red flags associated with excessive premolar extractions in children and teens
4. Considering alternative treatment modalities for optimal outcomes

VII. Conclusion

1. Recapitulation of the importance of airway orthodontics
2. Dr. Amanda’s insights and recommendations for dental professionals
3. Encouragement to implement changes for enhanced patient care and outcomes
4. Acknowledgment of the evolving landscape of orthodontic practices and the need for continual improvement

VIII. Closing Note

1. Expressing gratitude for the readers’ attention
2. Invitation to engage in further discussions and learning opportunities
3. Wishing success and growth in the journey towards airway-centric orthodontic practices
4. Contact information from Dr. Amanda for further inquiries or consultations

I. Introduction

• A brief overview of Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions‘ perspective on the new Invisalign expander.
• Introduction to the five concerns raised regarding the expander.

II. Cost: A Major Concern

• Discuss the exorbitant cost of the new expander and contrast it with other available options.
• Exploration of the expectation that it would be bundled with comprehensive plans and the disappointment in the additional fee.

III. Vertical Control: Limitations and Concerns

• Analysis of the expander’s limitations in modifying the vertical aspect, particularly its unsuitability for patients with short faces.
• Comparison with traditional expanders that offer more control over the vertical dimension through acrylic modifications.

IV. Habit Control: The Need for Flexibility

• Examination of the absence of customizable options for habit control in the new expander.
• Critique the potential impact of excessive acrylic on tongue position and its implications for habit correction.

V. Lack of Lower Expansion Integration: Missed Opportunities

• Discussion on the importance of simultaneous upper and lower expansion for optimal results.
• Disappointment in the inability to incorporate lower expansion simultaneously with upper expansion or aligner treatment, without paying an additional fee for Invisalign First Lab Fee. Also, this isn’t offered with Invisalign Comprehensive.

VI. Lack of Multitasking: Efficiency Concerns

• Exploration of the new expander’s lack of multitasking capabilities leads to potential inefficiencies and patient dissatisfaction.
• Advocacy for clearer educational resources and training modules to accompany the release of the expander.

VII. Conclusion

• Recap of the five concerns raised regarding the new Invisalign expander.
• Call for further education and clarification from Align Technology to address these concerns and ensure successful integration into orthodontic practices.

VIII. Additional Comments

• Open invitation for further discussion and insights from readers.
• Acknowledgment the need for ongoing dialogue and clarification regarding the new expander’s functionality and integration into clinical practice.

Are you REALLY an AIRWAY DENTIST?
Introduction:
● Dr. Amanda introduces the importance of airway health in dentistry.
● The significance of being an airway-focused dentist in today’s informed patient population.
● Overview of the five key questions to determine if a dentist is truly airway-focused.
1. Do You Screen for Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) and Oral Habits?
● Explanation of the importance of thorough screening for SDB and oral habits.
● Emphasis on providing parents with screening forms to observe their child’s behavior.
● Recommendation of specific screening tools such as the FARES form.
● Importance of actively engaging parents in the screening process.
2. Do You Routinely Refer to ENT When Needed?
● Discussion on the necessity of collaborating with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists.
● Criteria for determining when referrals to ENT are necessary.
● Importance of building relationships with like-minded ENT specialists.
● Consideration of alternative diagnostic tools such as cephalometric analysis.
3. Do You Have a Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (OMT) on Your Team?
● Explanation of the role of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in airway-focused dentistry.
● Benefits of having a certified OMT on the dental team.
● Alternatives such as working with virtual OMTs.
● Strategies for integrating myofunctional therapy into dental treatment plans.
4. Do You Refer Out or Treat Orthodontics In-House Before Age Seven?
● Explanation of the importance of early orthodontic intervention for airway health.
● Discussion on the limitations of waiting until age seven for orthodontic assessment.
● Strategies for early intervention including monitoring, habit cessation, and referral to specialists.
● The importance of educating parents about the significance of early orthodontic treatment.
5. Do You Provide or Refer for Tongue Tie Releases When Needed?
● Overview of the role of tongue ties in airway health.
● Discussion on the judicious approach to diagnosing and treating tongue ties.
● The importance of offering or referring for tongue tie releases when appropriate.
● Consideration of alternative treatments and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Conclusion:
● Recap of the importance of airway-focused dentistry in promoting overall health.
● Encouragement for dentists to reflect on their practice’s approach to airway health.
● Reminder of the five essential questions to ensure a practice is truly airway-focused.
● Call to action for dentists to prioritize airway health in their practice for the benefit of their patients’ well-being.