© Manop Lohkaew | Dreamstime.com
2010 De Cell P01 5f8de56a4c317

Clear aligners: Change is good, especially with old workflows

Oct. 1, 2020
How about clear aligners with a reasonable lab cost that are properly treatment planned so there’s no need to change course midtreatment? Erin Elliott, DDS, explains how she changed to a workflow that is better for her practice.

I hate change. But so does my team. You can imagine their excitement when I announced that we were changing up some of our workflow . . . again. Why would I do this, especially when we were already successfully using aligner therapy in our practice? Good question.

With a little reassurance and support from our local rep, we made the switch to Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmile Clear Aligners. And we made that change for several reasons. 

Refinement

First, refinement is a four-letter word in our office, and we seemed to be saying it a lot. We have a family practice, so not only is it an inconvenience for us if there are glitches, but we know what patients are envisioning as far as the investment they’ve made. I like the reassurance we get in the material of the aligners (Essix ACE), the confidence in the treatment plans we get back, and the variable trim line that can reduce the number of buttons while still adhering to the esthetic advantage that clear aligners can bring. 

Digital workflow

Second, the digital workflow makes it easy to use any digital scanning system. As long as you can create an STL file, then you are good to go with your digital scanner. Analog impressions work as well. You can set your detailed preferences and work with orthodontic professionals to make the treatment plan as seamless as possible. The big takeaway here is that we don’t have to rely on an algorithm. Everything goes through a treatment planning process with trained orthodontic technicians, so there is less need for refinement. To fully utilize the technology, you have an option of combining 3-D cone beam information for your patient. Also, if you have a 3-D printer, you can even request the files so you can print and make your own aligners in-office. 

Lab cost

Third—and probably the biggest reason you’ve been waiting for—is lab cost. By having a lower price point on the lab end, I can lower my prices too. This way, even more patients will be able to move forward with the treatment they want or need. 

Cost to patients

We as a dental community need to offer a menu of financial arrangements for our patients. The whole reason direct-to-consumer aligners are doing so well is due to marketing their monthly fee. Can you tell me what the total fee for direct-to-consumer aligners is? I’ll bet most of the aligner users can’t either.

Let’s meet our patients where they are, speak their language, and offer them the comprehensive treatment they may need but didn’t think they could afford. I can tell you right now that most patients immediately say “no” to aligners, because in their mind orthodontics is like what their children went through. What adult wants two years of metal braces that come at a substantial fee? How about clear aligners with a reasonable lab cost that are properly treatment planned so there’s no need to change course midtreatment? This sounds like just the change we need.  

Erin Elliott, DDS, a practicing dentist in Post Falls, Idaho, has successfully integrated dental sleep medicine into her practice. She lectures extensively and leads a hands-on workshop focusing on practical strategies for successful implementation of sleep medicine into the general practice. She is active in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and she is a past president and diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. Contact her at [email protected]

About the Author

Erin Elliott, DDS, DASBA

Erin Elliott, DDS, DASBA, is a native of Southern California. She left for Western New York to play collegiate soccer at Houghton College, where she graduated summa cum laude. After graduating from Creighton University School of Dental Medicine in the top five of her class, she began her general dentistry career in North Idaho. Dr. Elliott has a special interest in dental sleep medicine, which comprises a large part of her practice. She has lectured extensively on this topic and loves to help general dentists extend this lifesaving service to their patients. She is an active member of the Idaho State Dental Association, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and is the past president and a diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. In addition to speaking to study clubs and at dental meetings, Dr. Elliott teaches a two-day sleep apnea course at 3D Dentists in Raleigh, North Carolina, with Tarun Agarwal, DDS, as well as privately coaches practices about sleep medicine. You may contact Dr. Elliott at [email protected].

Read Dr. Elliott's DE Editorial Advisory Board profile here.

Sponsored Recommendations

Resolve to Revitalize your Dental Practice Operations

Dear dental practice office managers, have we told you how amazing you are? You're the ones greasing the wheels, remembering the details, keeping everything and everyone on track...

5 Reasons Why Dentists Should Consider a Dental Savings Plan Before Dropping Insurance Plans

Learn how a dental savings plan can transform your practice's financial stability and patient satisfaction. By providing predictable revenue, simplifying administrative tasks,...

Peer Perspective: Talking AI with Dee for Dentist

Hear from an early adopter how Pearl AI’s Second Opinion has impacted the practice, from team alignment to confirming diagnoses to patient confidence and enhanced communication...

Influence Your Boss: 4 Tips for Dental Office Managers

As an office manager, how can you effectively influence positive change in your dental practice? Although it may sound daunting, it can be achieved by building trust through clear...