How to Choose an Invisalign® Provider

Unless you need a correction for a severe malocclusion (teeth misalignment), you likely don’t need traditional braces. Today, your dentist can correct most dental alignments with the significantly less invasive alternative: Invisalign®.

Not all practitioners are created equally. Some offices may offer Invisalign® treatments but aren’t the best fit for you and your overall dental needs. There are some signs to look for when choosing an Invisalign® provider.

Read here to see how Invisalign® ranks their dentists, the differences between orthodontists and dentists, and other signs to find the best dentist for you.

Orthodontist Vs. Dentist

Some sources may say you must visit an orthodontist to straighten your teeth because of the specialization and training needed to align your teeth safely. This may be true for traditional metal braces, which completely alter the ecosystem and dynamics of your mouth. Invisalign® does require special training and certifications but is significantly less taxing on the dentist and patient.

Invisalign® makes it simple for your dentist to become an expert in aligning your teeth. Using the latest inventions in dental technology, your dentist can provide teeth straightening with Invisalign®, general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and specialties like TMJ treatment and tooth extraction, all under one roof.

Invisalign Certification and Ranking

To use Invisalign®, your dentist must become a provider by taking a course through Invisalign® proper. Once they’ve completed the course, a ranking system is in place for patients to quickly identify their provider’s success with Invisalign®.

These rankings are from bronze (four patients in a year) to diamond (200+ patients in a year). They are based on the amount of Invisalign® cases your dentist handles within 12 months. More patients mean your practitioner has seen more cases and will provide better service overall. 

Diamond or Diamond Plus would be the most sought-after, but they comprise a tiny percentage of dentists nationwide. Gold ranking and above will reach a balance of the number of patients your dentist sees and the amount of care and time you receive with your dentist.

Traditional Impressions or Digital Impressions?

The technology used in dental offices reflects the dentist in charge. Are they still using traditional, inaccurate, almost obsolete dental impression material? Or are they in the modern epoch of dentistry and using digital impression tools?

Digital impressions provide your dentist with the most accurate view of your mouth and teeth and a 3D picture of how the mouth fits together and the overall structure of your face. These scans are precise and fast. Unlike traditional impressions that may need to be repeated and take three to five minutes each time, a digital scanner can have completely accurate visuals in five minutes with no need to repeat the scan.

Accurate and fast scans are paramount for Invisalign®. With incorrect scans or impressions, your Invisalign® may not sit flush over your teeth, be ineffective at aligning your teeth, or not fit at all. Ensure your dentist uses current technologies to align your teeth quickly and effectively.

Check Online Reviews

Tried and true, reading online reviews might help you choose the dentist for you. Looking for a track record of positive reviews and satisfied patients is a reliable way to scope out your potential dentist. Check reviews on your dentist’s website and third-party review websites like Yelp and Google. 

Read various reviews to get a good idea of the overall patient experience.

Need Invisalign® Guidance in Point Pleasant, NJ?

If you still have questions about Invisalign® and how to secure an Invisalign® provider, contact Dr. Zicchino to get in touch with an expert. With over two decades of experience delivering perfect smiles, Dr. Zicchino and our excellent team will provide you with the dental care you’ve been looking for! Contact us here to schedule your Invisalign® consultation!