Everyone envisions fully straight teeth. Invisalign braces are being used by over 2.5 million patients worldwide, with more joining in to experience this cosmetic orthodontic solution.
Invisalign treatments include using invisible teeth aligner trays into the mouth to shape and straighten crooked teeth, restoring the patient’s smile. The Invisalign procedure is non-invasive and painless. Many individuals do not have the perfect bite, and teeth tend to underbite or overbite due to gaps or overcrowded teeth. Thus, Invisalign treatment is the best solution to achieve the right bite techniques.
The adoption of Invisalign treatment in orthodontics has sought to add many benefits to the dental practice. Invisalign treatments’ success and popularity have heightened profit margins, adding value to the dentist’s practice. These reasons and many more are why this type of clear aligner has become the first that comes to mind when patients are doing research and dentists become aligned with the offering.
Invisalign dentists do not have to follow up with long follow-up visits or chair time as common in the conventional braces. This gives the dentist enough time to work on patient case files, enhancing productivity.
Align Technology, the proprietors of Invisalign treatments, offer discounts to orthodontists who have many Invisalign procedures cutting the lab costs immensely. This ensures the treatment technique remains highly profitable as compared to traditional braces. Invisalign dentists also earn points on every procedure they complete, which reflects on their level of expertise level. Thus, Invisalign dentists who have more points are more experienced, therefore attracting more customers. Invisalign also offers dentists and orthodontists free discounts according to their tier, in that, the higher the tier, the higher the discount. Therefore, becoming an Invisalign dentist has greater perks and responsibilities as compared to a general dentist.
What does an Invisalign dentist do?
Before the Invisalign treatment, the dentist examines and scans the patient’s teeth for infection or other dental complications. Ready for aligner placement, the treatment commences.
After the consultation, the Invisalign dentist will take general and lateral X-rays and pictures of the patient’s mouth, teeth, and face to develop a dental structure map. These pictures help the dentist formulate the perfect alignment by considering the teeth and jawbone placement.
An Invisalign dentist seeks to develop clear aligners by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth and using computer-generated images to create the perfect aligners. These aligners are then fastened into the teeth to create straight teeth. The aligners, therefore, gradually move the teeth for the gums to re-evolve around the new positions. This treatment takes about twelve to eighteen months with bi-weekly mold changes on the aligners, depending on the patient’s treatment scope.
However, some patients may require composite patches, which help the Invisalign braces to attach to the tooth. The Invisalign dentist should be able to attach and remove the patches at the end of the treatment process.
An Invisalign dentist should also create several molds for the patient to choose from and adjust them accordingly in the patient’s mouth. Having the know-how on the right recommendations for sensitivity will aid the patient towards proper alignment care.
How to become an Invisalign dentist
In the journey towards becoming a professional Invisalign dentist, the dentist should embrace continued education all through their practice to stay ahead of developing market trends and expand their clinical expertise. This education also seeks to help them realize their competencies, which will guide them in becoming one of the best in practice.
One can become an Invisalign dentist when they are already a licensed dentist and fully understand the dental practice. Therefore, complete mastery of the dental course should be taken beforehand.
The Invisalign program is available in universities and available as part of the mainstream orthodontic system. Align Technology has made the program accessible to all universities with kits and materials accessible to the ClinCheck software readily accessible.
Licensed dentists are required to start and complete Invisalign training through a post-graduate course to perform the procedure in their clinics. This training can be online or offline and conducted by a trained professional. As dentists are aware of the dental structure and mechanics, the training is relatively short and precise.
Invisalign certification requires an introduction to orthodontics and clear alignment therapy. This is followed by practical and theoretical training in inpatient cases to build confidence and protocols. At the end of the training, the dentist will select and examine Invisalign candidates, ensure treatment planning and monitoring, and maximize profitability and efficiency by successfully incorporating the treatment process into their practice.
General dentists versus orthodontists
A general dentist receives a basic specialization of dental practices to be able to further their practice. On the other hand, orthodontists receive additional education by attending an orthodontic residency program for two to three years for a more intensive approach to orthodontics.
The additional years of education make the orthodontist more qualified to handle complex dental procedures or any other oral care beyond cosmetic general dentistry. However, with Invisalign training and certification, both the general dentist and orthodontist can conduct treatment and follow-up procedures.
The Invisalign treatment is costly compared to other cosmetic procedures due to the dentist or orthodontist’s personalized care and expertise. Access to in-person care offers the patient a chance to ask frequent questions regarding the treatment process. Thus, Invisalign treatment offers modern solutions to common dental problems making the treatment process necessary in most dental practices.
Additional tips on Invisalign dentists
Aside from the required professional qualifications, a good Invisalign dentist should be calm and empathetic. The dentist should assure the patient, especially when trying out molds, and not tire until the right one is created.
Customer service is also necessary. The dentist should always communicate with the patient before and during the treatment process to make them feel comfortable. This reassures the patient to come back for further treatment or even refer the clinic to friends or family.
Lastly, experience as an Invisalign dentist requires practice to develop expertise. Invisalign dentists should also strive to learn new and innovative methods of practice to incorporate them in their practice. By joining regulatory boards, different specifications and certifications are made possible due to the additional influence and wider reach in the industry.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
