More adults are treated with clear aligners in general practice every year, and nobody is measuring the quality of the orthodontics. Where the line runs between the cases that belong in your practice and the ones that belong with a specialist, and how the planning gets done when you are not the orthodontist.

Thinking of cutting out the big aligner labs with your own 3D-printer? Beware: treatment complexity, unexpected expenses, and strict medical regulations turn that dream into a logistical nightmare. As the Co-Founder of AlignerService, I’ve advised numerous practices on clear aligner workflows and observed firsthand the pitfalls of attempting to manufacture aligners in-house. At first glance, it seems appealing: buy a 3D printer, add some software, and undercut the big aligner

When planning clear aligner treatments for adult patients, discrepancies between Centric Relation (CR) and Maximum Intercuspation Position (MIP) are often overlooked - but they can significantly affect both functional stability and long-term success. Understanding how to identify, diagnose, and manage CR-MIP discrepancies is essential for any dentist performing clear aligner treatment and caring about the patients functional occlusion (Not just the static occlusion). Failure

Clear aligner therapy is an attractive option for many general dentists looking to expand their services, increase revenue, and enhance patient satisfaction. However, implementing aligners successfully involves more than just signing up with an aligner provider—it requires strategic planning, workflow optimisation, and patient management skills. Many practitioners hesitate to start due to uncertainties about case selection, patient compliance, workflow efficiency, and profita

At AlignerService, we receive daily requests from dentists who say they “just want the teeth aligned nicely.” But as any experienced clinician knows, clear aligner treatment planning requires far more than a simple request. Effective clear aligner treatment planning is a clinical discipline that takes into account the patient’s medical and dental history, facial aesthetics, functional dynamics, and biological limitations. Without this foundation, treatment outcomes become unp

Material and Software Limitations The advent of 3D printing technology has revolutionized various sectors within dentistry, offering unprecedented opportunities for customization and efficiency. In orthodontics, the prospect of directly 3D printing clear aligners promises to streamline production, reduce waste, and enhance patient-specific treatments. However, despite these potential advantages, printable clear aligner materials and the associated design software are not yet

When dentists start offering clear aligner treatments, one of the first challenges they face is selecting the right treatment package from their aligner provider. Most aligner companies offer multiple package options, and the more choices available, the bigger the confusion. This is interesting because, in many industries, confused customers simply don’t buy. Yet, dentists must make a decision—and making the wrong one can be costly. The different Aligner package options Most

Create a Luxury Experience for Your Clear Aligner Patients Have you ever visited a business where everything felt like a perfectly choreographed performance, where everything just clicked? Such experiences leave us feeling truly cared for. You can create the same feeling in your dental clinic – especially when working with clear aligner treatments, where expectations for service are often high. Why Human Contact is Key to Clear Aligner Success In an age where automation is be

Interproximal reduction (IPR) has become a staple in modern orthodontics, especially within clear aligner therapy. This technique, which involves the reduction of enamel between adjacent teeth, is integral to achieving optimal alignment and aesthetic outcomes. However, its irreversible nature requires careful consideration and precise execution. Here, we delve into key considerations general dentists should be aware of when incorporating IPR into their clear aligner treatment

Maximizing Efficiency and Outcomes: The Essential Role of Treatment Planning Service in Clear Aligner Treatment Care

Biologic dynamics The position of the teeth, bone and soft tissue are constantly adapting to the impact of muscle and function. Add to that, that even though you have created a perfect virtual plan and idealised it making it as predictable as possible, the teeth will constantly adapt to their surroundings. Which can be a challenge during a post-orthodontic restorative phase. This blog post is about ortho-restorative treatment considerations in regards to retention in clear al

we'll delve into the various treatment options available for treating gummy smiles with clear aligners

Understanding Causes and Treatment Options Gummy smiles, characterized by an excessive display of gum tissue when smiling, are a common concern among dental patients. Affecting between 10% to 33% of the population, this condition can present in various forms and have multiple causes and treatment options. In this blog, we will explore the causes and diagnostic methods for gummy smiles. Part 2 (coming soon) will discuss comprehensive treatment options, including orthodontic an

Introduction In the realm of orthodontic treatment, clear aligners have revolutionised the dental landscape, offering a compelling alternative to traditional braces. For dentists specializing in clear aligners, navigating the marketing terrain demands a proactive and strategic approach. This guide unveils the intricacies of crafting a robust marketing strategy tailored specifically for dentists working with clear aligners, covering market insights, pitfalls to avoid, and best

Clear aligner treatments have revolutionised orthodontic care, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. While these treatments are suitable for patients of all ages, there are key considerations that make adult patients particularly well-suited for clear aligner therapy. In this blog post I will help you identify the ideal candidates for clear aligner treatment. Keep it simple Unlike children, adults have completed much of their craniofacial growt

Dear colleagues Today, I'd like to delve into a topic that warrants attention in our practice - the potential impact of injectable lip fillers on orthodontic stability. Not only in clear aligner treatments but also on patients with no previous need for orthodontic treatment. While these fillers are commonly sought for cosmetic enhancement, their implications for orthodontic stability merit consideration. Here's a comprehensive look at how injectable lip fillers may influence

In a previous post, I described a procedure for bonding attachments. In this post, I've uploaded a video where I show you how to bond attachments (or engagers, as ClearCorrect calls them). In addition, there are a number of tips and tricks to make it easier to bond attachments to the teeth. Clinical tips As you can see in the video, there are some clinical tips along the way. If you have a sandblaster, use it to clean the tooth surface and remove any aphismatic enamel. This

Choosing the right treatment package from clear aligner companies is crucial, especially when addressing vertical discrepancies such as deep bites. In this blog post, we will explore the various methods and considerations involved in treating deep bites with clear aligners, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach based on the patient's diagnosis and specific requirements. Understanding Deep Bite Correction: Correcting deep bites involves a range of methods, including ant

Once the patient has used their last aligner, we have hopefully achieved ideal occlusion and function. Just like the patient has a beautiful smile. As the oral environment is a very dynamic environment. Now comes the challenge of keeping the teeth in their current position. In this blog post we take a deep dive into retention after clear aligner treatment. Both bonded and removable retention will be addressed. Biological challenges From the delivery of the last aligner an onw

As dental professionals strive to provide the best possible care, the integration of cutting-edge technologies plays a pivotal role in enhancing treatment planning and outcomes. In 2023, one such advancement that holds great promise is the integration of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in clear aligner treatment planning software. In this blogpost I will describe the pros and cons regarding CBCT integration in aligner software as of 2024. Understanding CBCT: CBCT, a tech