As Invisalign continues to gain immense popularity, more and more
dentists are becoming Invisalign providers, and that includes general dental
practitioners. While this may work out to some people, others patients have run
into problems.
Choosing the right Invisalign dentist is a very essential decision
to make. You want to pick an Invisalign dentist who not only understands and
offers the outcome you are looking for, but who you are in accord with.
In addition, you want to consider their specialization. Keep in
mind that not all Invisalign dentists are orthodontists, some are general
dentists. Since Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure for straightening teeth,
it may be a more prudent choice to have an orthodontist handle your case.
Orthodontics is a specialization that requires added years of training and
additional certification.
When working with each patient, a good and experienced orthodontist
has a wealth of expertise and knowledge to draw from; whereas an Invisalign
dentist who is a general practitioner does not have the same set of skills
and specialized training an orthodontist have.
The Invisalign system is indeed a notably easy way to straighten
teeth. However, it may not be ideal for everyone. Although orthodontists and
general dentists alike undergo a one-day certification course to be accredited
Invisalign providers, some dental professionals just do not have the necessary
expertise, or knowledge base when the treatment plan is not going as
anticipated. Qualified orthodontists, on the contrary, do.
So if, for instance, the plan did not progress as expected, these
dentists will then refer their patients to an orthodontist for corrections.
That is why it is wiser to start off the treatment with an Invisalign dentist
who is also an orthodontist. Additionally, this way you are not just saving
time and money, you are also saving yourself a load of stress in the process.
Getting Invisalign is a major decision to consider, so aside from
specialization and good rapport, you should also look into the Invisalign
dentist’s experience with the system. Align Technology has three levels of
Invisalign provider status, namely:
Preferred: Invisalign dentists that fall under this roof are
typically the rookies. They treat about 10 or more patients each year.
Premier: A Premier Invisalign dentist has treated more than 50
patients in total, and treats about 25 patients bi-annually.
Elite: Elite providers are the ones who have been working with
Invisalign for a long time. In total, they have treated at least 300, while
they continue to treat about 50 more patients every six months.
As a final point, always remember to investigate further. While
experience and quantity are vital factors, treatment outcomes are equally as
important. Do your homework and do not make assumptions. Meet with several
Invisalign dentists and check for reviews about them online.