StraightSmile Solutions®
How Much Should You Charge for that Invisalign or Clear Aligner Treatment?
How Much Should You Charge for that Invisalign or Clear Aligner Treatment?
I. Introduction
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions shares insights into dental pricing strategy changes, particularly in Invisalign treatment. The discussion covers considerations for both doctors and patients, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive treatment plans, clear communication of fees, and the potential benefits of virtual tracking. Dr. Amanda advises patients to ask specific questions about the treatment process, provider experience, and post-treatment care. She recommends offering fair pricing, understanding various Invisalign products, and implementing clear financial policies for doctors. She aims to educate both parties for a transparent and satisfactory dental experience.
II. Addressing Patients: How to Compare and Evaluate
A. Changes in Prices Over the Years
B. Invisalign Treatment Types and Red Flags
1. Comprehensive or Unlimited Case
2. Avoid Limited Cases (Go, Express, Moderate, Light)
C. Doctor’s Invisalign Hierarchy
1. Consider discounts based on the doctor’s level
D. Negotiating Prices and Payment Options
1. Discounts for upfront cash or credit card payments
2. In-house financing vs. third-party financing
E. Doctor’s Experience and Annual Case Count
1. Importance of experience in Invisalign cases
2. Asking about the number of cases per year
III. Questions Patients Should Ask
A. Importance of informed decision-making
B. Questions to ask when shopping for an Invisalign provider
1. Type of case being offered (comprehensive vs. limited)
2. Inclusions in the treatment plan
3. Additional fees and what’s covered
4. Doctor’s Invisalign hierarchy level for potential discounts
5. Negotiation possibilities for upfront payments
6. Financing options and associated fees
7. Doctor’s experience and annual case volume
8. Use of interoral scanners and CBCT
9. Virtual tracking options
10. Doctor’s approach to revisions and refinements
11. Retention plan and associated costs
IV. Addressing Doctors: Considerations for Offering Invisalign
A. Down Payment Requirements
1. Third down payment to cover lab fees
2. Use of third-party financing for patients
B. Offering Limited Products
1. White Label Aligners for more affordable options
2. Assessing suitability for limited products
C. Discounts and Promotions
1. Consider offering discounts for virtual appointments
2. Special promotions for commitment to Virtual
D. Relapse Correction Packages and Warranties
1. Handling cases of relapse and associated fees
2. Clearly communicating the relapse correction process
E. Importance of Transparent Pricing
1. Ensuring patients understand what’s included
2. Avoiding hidden fees or ambiguous terms
V. Additional Tips for Doctors
A. Clear communication on potential relapse and associated costs
C. Encouragement of fair pricing and transparency
D. Establishing clear expectations and understanding with patients
VI. Recommended Prices
A. Prices have come down a lot; $ 4-5K is reasonable now
B. No need to charge more than $5,500, even at high Invisalign tiers
C. Additional fees, if needed, should be minimal for compliant patients
D. Offer discounts for paying upfront/in cash
VII. Conclusion
Dr. Amanda discusses aspects for patients and doctors to consider, including treatment plans, fees, additional costs, and the significance of virtual tracking. She emphasizes the need for patients to be well-informed, ask relevant questions, and ensure they understand the treatment terms. For doctors, she suggests offering fair pricing, options like virtual tracking, and transparency about fees and treatment plans. Dr. Amanda encourages a collaborative and informed approach between orthodontists and patients for successful Invisalign treatments.
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Jan 11th, 2024
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Using Hybrid Treatment to Reduce Invisalign / Ortho Lab Fees and Costs
Using Hybrid Treatment to Reduce Invisalign / Ortho Lab Fees and Costs
Many people feel concerned about hybrid treatment plans, but this can be a good way to potentially reduce your Invisalign ortho lab fees and costs. In line with this, we’re looking at several key things you need to know about using hybrid treatments to help cut costs and keep things more affordable for your patients.
How to Use Indirect Bonding
Generally speaking, if you’ve been looking to reduce your ortho or Invisalign lab fees and costs, you may want to consider indirect bonding. However, before going any further, make sure the company you choose uses a digital treatment planning center such as DIBS.
Things to Consider Before Ordering
When ordering, always check the digital setup before proceeding and ensure you are able to virtually approve with an electronic signature. This helps ensure that the brackets will be suitable for your patient and that they are made in the way you want. Critically, having a digital signature is also important in most states to allow your team members to put the braces on, rather than having to do this yourself.
Transitioning to Aligners After Braces
With hybrid treatments, you will usually only use two or three wire braces for up to three months, to help with the bigger movements; then, you can progress to clear aligners to fi. This is a great way to reduce Invisalign ortho lab fees and keep costs more affordable. Plus, flex, light, and express aligners may be suitable for hybrid treatment plans, and paying per aligner may also become a more practical or feasible option.
In addition to this, depending on the number of aligners you need for your case, it’s worth noting that you can potentially reduce ortho lab fees further by using an off-brand or white aligner company. Altogether, this can help give lab fees of around $400 to $700 for braces and $300 to $500 for aligners, if you use a brand recommended by our team here at Straight Smile Solutions. This can roughly half the price of Invisalign comprehensive, making it one of the best ways to reduce Invisalign fees or costs without compromising on success rates.
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Jan 10th, 2024
12:11 pm
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Bimax Protrusive and Bimax Retrusive Cases: What You Need to Know
Bimax Protrusive and Bimax Retrusive Cases: What You Need to Know
Have you ever come across a Bimax protrusive or retrusive case while creating orthodontic treatment plans? Knowing how to tackle these isn’t always as straightforward as in some cases, which is why today’s guide has outlined some of the main things you should know to help recognize these cases and determine the most effective or appropriate treatment plan.
Bimax Protrusive vs Bimax Retrusive
Bimax cases affect both the upper and the lower jaws, although the exact positioning of the jaws relative to the cranial base will vary depending on the type of Bimax that is present. In a retrusive case, the upper and lower jaws are set back from the cranial base; contrastingly, in a protrusive case, the jaws are set forward.
Retrusive cases are sometimes – but not always – associated with smaller airways. Meanwhile, a protrusive case may increase the chances of flared incisors and may impact the facial profile; however, this can create a fuller look to the face.
Bimax protrusive and retrusive cases can be determined by taking a cephalometric x-ray and comparing the results relative to the norms and the patient’s age and ethnicity.
Are Bimax Protrusive and Retrusive Cases Worrying?
Protrusive tendencies are often genetic, and these may be more common in certain ethnicities than others; fortunately, there is generally no major issue with this, provided that the soft tissue and musculature are able to adapt and the jaw shape does not cause mouth breathing, speech issues, or difficulties with closing the mouth/openbites. As such, while the patient may want to request an orthodontic treatment plan to resolve this, it may not be necessary.
However, Bimax retrusive can be more concerning. This is because it can potentially lead to airway issues and crowding. As such, a treatment plan may be needed to tackle the backward jaw. Sequential distalization typically won’t be suitable, nor will pulling out the premolars; a forward-thinking focus will be best, and expanders can potentially be used to help pop the jaw forward, which can help the airway. However, it may not always be fully fixable.
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Jan 10th, 2024
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The Risks of Long-Term CR-CO Shifts
The Risks of Long-Term CR-CO Shifts
When tackling CR-CO shifts in patients, knowing about the potential long-term risks is important. Fortunately, a research paper by Clujul Med. dived into this in 2016, entitled Effects of CO-CR discrepancy in daily orthodontic treatment planning, and we’ve summarized some of the key findings of this report as follows.
What are the Long-Term Risks of CR-CO Shifts?
When coming up with the most effective treatment plan for an orthodontics patient, considering the consequences of long-term CR-CO shifts is highly recommended. Indeed, long-term shifts (in adults especially) can potentially result in disorders of the temporomandibular joint.
As such, steps should be taken to ensure the patient is put into a comfortable, symmetrical bite position when articulating them. It’s worth noting that adults should have a full CBCT read to check whether there is asymmetry; this may not always be visibly obvious.
In children with a CR-CO shift, you will usually notice the midline deviation skeletally, causing them to be asymmetric. This can result in asymmetric growth, which likely isn’t treatable down the line; as such, catching and treating these in Phase 1 is crucial.
Tackling CR-CO Shifts with Orthodontics Cases
Unfortunately, many people start orthodontics cases in a shift; however, unraveling the shift first may be all that’s necessary to correct the bite. As such, before starting on these cases, make sure the shift is resolved initially before taking further steps.
Sometimes, you may alternatively want to consider doing initial alignment before fixing the bite, CR, sagittal, transverse, or vertical until you have unraveled the shift. Trying to do everything upfront will likely only lead to complications or unpredictable progression.
It’s worth noting that you may need to redo your ClinChecks and initial articulations in CR, to ensure that midlines are correct. Always take scans and photos in CR as well to help with treatment planning.
At the end of the day, though, some cases may not be fixable with orthodontics alone. If you are unsure, contact our experts here at Straight Smile Solutions for support; we can help you ascertain whether you should take the case or if you should be sending the patient to a professional orthodontist or an oral surgeon.
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Jan 8th, 2024
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$12999 Cloud Based Intra Oral Scanner, with NO Disposable Tips or Monthly Fees
$12999 Cloud Based Intra Oral Scanner, with NO Disposable Tips or Monthly Fees
I. Introduction
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions. She discussed an alternative to the ClearCorrect offer, presenting a flexible scanner deal for aligner treatments. Unlike other options, this affordable first-class scanner is loosely connected to an aligner company, providing the freedom to choose any lab or aligner. With no monthly software fee and reusable tips, it stands out in the market. Dr. Amanda highlights two bundle options that offer significant savings compared to competitors. The plug-and-go setup, minimal onboarding hassle, and compatibility with various aligner brands make it an appealing choice for those seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution.
II. Features of the First-Class Scanner
A.
- Benefit for three shape users
- Eliminates potential hassles
- No monthly software fee
- Contrast with other scanners
- Cost-saving advantage
- No unsustainable tips
- Advantage for iTero users
- Includes five tips with significant scan capacity
III. Bundle Options
- Laptop version
- Components included
- Five scanning tips
- Cradle
- Power cord
- Cost: $13,000
- Cart version
- Additional components
- Scooter
- Computer
- Touch screen, mouse, and keyboard
- Cost: $20,000
- Discounts for buying more than one
IV. Cost Comparison
- Affordability of the First-Class Scanner
- Laptop version compared to other scanners
- Cart version cost analysis
- Factor in the absence of monthly fees
- Savings over time compared to other options
- Consideration of the total cost of ownership
V. Personal Experience
- Mentioning personal experiences with iTero
- Advocating for the new scanner’s affordability and flexibility
- Encouraging those interested to contact for further information
VI. Ease of Onboarding
- Reduced onboarding headache
- Four to eight weeks delivery time
- Plug and go functionality
- Minimal training required
- Elimination of the need for external training
- No calibration hassles
VII. Use Cases
- Recommended for practitioners doing significant volume with alternative aligners
- Appeals to those using iTero for alternative aligners but seeking a more cost-effective solution
- Suggested for restorative purposes, especially for those dissatisfied with iTero for restorative work
VIII. Target Audience
- Dentists not completely tied to a specific technology
- Dentists already using iTero but seeking alternatives
- Dentists doing high volume with alternative aligner brands
- Appeal to those looking for a cost-effective restorative solution
IX. Amanda’s Recommendation
- Personal endorsement for those considering an introduction
- Offer to introduce interested parties to the scanner team
- Acknowledgment of the scanner’s potential benefits for restorative work
X. Conclusion
Dr. Amanda presents a compelling option with its first-class scanner, offering a cost-effective solution for dental professionals seeking an alternative to pricier options in the market. The flexibility to work with any aligner company and restorative lab, coupled with the absence of a monthly software fee and unsustainable tips, makes it an attractive choice. The straightforward onboarding process and the affordable price point, especially compared to competitors, further enhance its appeal.
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Jan 7th, 2024
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Best Restorative Options and Retention for a Missing Lateral Incisor: Maryland Bridge, Implant
Best Restorative Options and Retention for a Missing Lateral Incisor: Maryland Bridge, Implant
I. Introduction
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions delves into the nuanced world of restorative options for missing lateral incisors. Drawing from personal experience with her daughter’s dental challenges, she explores considerations such as canine substitution, implant placement, and aesthetic concerns. Dr. Amanda emphasizes the importance of candid dialogue with families, weighing the financial and practical aspects of various restoration methods. The complexities of orthodontic preparation, bone health, and bite dynamics are carefully navigated. The conversation encapsulates the intricacies of decision-making, offering valuable insights for dental professionals and families facing the restoration of missing lateral incisors.
II. Canine Substitution
A. Explanation of canine substitution for missing lateral incisor
1. Example of using a premolar as a substitute
2. Importance of considering the age of the patient
B. Factors influencing the decision
1. Canine position and alignment
2. Aesthetic concerns and potential imbalance
3. Cost considerations
C. Candid discussion with the family
1. Importance of a heart-to-heart conversation
2. Considering the budget and long-term implications
3. Mention of implant timing for optimal results
III. Implant Considerations
A. Long wait for implant in young patients
1. Discussion on the ideal age for implant placement
2. Challenges of prolonged temporary solutions
B. Cost implications of implant procedure
1. Breakdown of additional expenses
a. Resin bonded bridge
b. Splinted or bonded retainer
c. Implant placement cost
d. Implant crown cost
C. Assessing viability for implant
1. Examination of bone quality
2. Evaluation of root alignment
3. Bite considerations for successful implantation
IV. Canine Substitution Challenges
A. Impact on adjacent teeth
1. Need for recontouring premolars
2. Addressing potential off-balance issues
B. Maryland bridge as an alternative
1. Suitability based on the inclination of incisors
2. Caution regarding potential shearing off
C. Importance of orthodontic collaboration
1. Coordination with a restorative dentist
2. Challenges in finding a restorative dentist for young patients
V. Future Considerations
A. Rapid advancements in dental technology
1. Potential new options in 8-10 years
2. Keeping abreast of developments in the field
B. Tricky nature of decision-making
1. Uncertainty in long-term planning
2. Evolving options for restorative solutions
VI. Retention Concerns
A. Importance of retention in implant cases
1. Preference for bonded retention or Maryland bridge
2. Risks associated with removable options
a. High chance of root relapse
b. Need for orthodontic treatment repetition
VII. Personal Decision-Making
A. Current status of daughter’s case
1. Aligning the canine and closing the space
2. Contemplation of resin-bonded bridge
B. Acknowledgment of ongoing decision-making process
1. Hopeful for space closure
2. Consideration of resin-bonded bridge or future implant
VIII. Conclusion
Dr. Amanda’s discussion on restorative options for missing laterals, particularly in cases of impacted canines, provides valuable insights. Decision-making involves considering age, canine placement, aesthetics, and financial considerations. While options like canine substitution and Maryland bridges may be viable, the long-term implications must be carefully weighed, including potential aesthetic concerns and added costs. The decision to proceed with implant placement requires thoroughly evaluating factors like bone health, root alignment, and bite considerations. Dr. Amanda emphasizes the importance of communication with patients, addressing their expectations, and being mindful of evolving dental advancements. The complexity of the decision underscores the need for collaboration between orthodontic and restorative dental professionals, emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive and informed approach.
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Jan 7th, 2024
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Should I Restore Abfractions Before Starting a Clear Aligner Treatment Plan?
Should I Restore Abfractions Before Starting a Clear Aligner Treatment Plan?
When creating your clear aligner treatment plans, knowing how to approach cases such as abfractions is crucial. Luckily, we’ve outlined a few key things you should know to help with this to help.
Should I Restore Abfractions Before Starting a Clear Aligner Treatment Plan?
Generally speaking, whether you should restore abfractions before starting a clear aligner treatment plan should be based on the opinion of a professional restorative dentist. However, if you do decide to go ahead with clear aligners on an abfractions patient, drawing up a custom, special informed consent document is vital; however, this may not necessarily be enough to cover you if issues arise due to treating an abfractions patient who should have undergone restoration first.
The Risk of Using Clear Aligners for Abfractions Without Restoration
It is possible to scallop around the abfractions with the trim line, this can alter the way that force is applied to the teeth, thus impacting the progression of the case (and causing more unpredictable movements accordingly). However, if you decide to take on an abfractions case with clear aligners without restoration, keep the type of plastic used for your clear aligners in mind when determining the correct brand to use. Abfraction cases may be more prone to snapping, especially with alternative clear aligners that use a more rigid plastic than Invisalign.
With that being said, overall, we recommend that you restore abfractions before completing the clear aligner treatment plan to avoid being liable for issues that may arise down the line.
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Jan 7th, 2024
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How to Use Invisalign for Cases with Wisdom Teeth
How to Use Invisalign for Cases with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can be somewhat frustrating when doing orthodontics, requiring several specific intricacies to ensure you’re tackling an Invisalign or clear aligners case properly. Following this, today’s guide has summarized some of the core things you should think about before starting to help inform your decision.
However, it’s worth considering here that every dentist will have their own opinions when it comes to doing clear aligners / Invisalign with third molars. As such, this may come down to personal preference – but some approaches may have higher risk attached.
Should Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth) Be Pulled?
When studying orthodontics, you’ll usually be told that third molars don’t matter, provided that they are fully erupted and don’t have a risk of decay or pericoronitis (etc). That’s generally true in braces cases, but for clear aligners, this may be a little trickier.
We should also point out that if you are consolidating spaces and moving the molars, make sure they are fully covered and there is full wrap around the back of the molars. Distilization and elastics also require full coverage.
Fully Impacted Molars
If a patient is under the age of 25 and has third molars that are ⅔ developed or greater (or are mesially erupting), they may need removing before treatment. While a lot of research will say this won’t matter, one-quarter of public opinion is much higher that this is an issue – and doing these cases without removing the third molars first could leave you at risk of complaints to the dental board (etc).
Partially Erupted Molars
If a patient has partially erupted molars, there are two main options to keep in mind. If the patient wants to start Invisalign shortly, removing them is the best bet to prevent complications from arising. Alternatively, you could wait until they are fully erupted, but there’s still no guarantee that they won’t need removal once they have erupted.
Fully Erupted Molars
In the case of fully erupted molars, if these are covered – at least ⅔ – by the tray (which may require a scan), Invisalign or clear aligners may be a safer approach. Make sure they are also fully covered if you are using Essex retainers (this is less important for Hawley or bondeds).
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Jan 6th, 2024
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Tags: 3rd molars, wisdom teeth
Using Overlay and Piggyback Wires in Impaction Patients
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Jan 6th, 2024
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What Retainers Should I Use for Patients with a Posterior Openbite Tendency?
If you have an orthodontics patient with a posterior openbite tendency, you may need to take a more specific approach to retention when finishing cases. As such, we’ve looked at some of the best types of retainers for these individuals to help their orthodontic treatment plans go more successfully.
Causes of Posterior Openbite Tendency During Retention
There are numerous potential causes for posterior openbite tendency. It’s worth noting that this usually won’t happen with bonded retainers and Hawleys. However, it can potentially happen during aligner treatment, and having patients wearing retainers full-time for more than three months can potentially predispose this.
This is especially likely if the patient had issues with a posterior openbite during the treatment itself. As such, if your patient experienced this, you likely won’t want to use two Essex retainers when finishing their case.
With Essex retainers, since they are just plastic and don’t have an articulator and they aren’t equilibrated, the back teeth touch first, which leads to jaw rotation – thus causing the additional pressure that can lead to a posterior openbite tendency.
What Retainers Should I Use?
If your patient has a posterior openbite tendency, you’ll likely want to use either one Essex over a Hawley or one Essex over a bonded. If two Essex retainers are a must, wearing one at night and one in the day may be a potential compromise; this may be better suited after starting full-time with one Essex and one Hawley.
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Jan 6th, 2024
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