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The Case for Combination Treatment

What if you could improve patient satisfaction AND profitability?

What is combination treatment?

Combination treatment is the use of two treatment modalities to achieve the best possible result in the shortest amount of time. Usually this means starting a patient in braces then transitioning to clear aligners. Why is combination treatment better?

Many prospective patients are interested in aligner- only therapy, but often are not ideal candidates. When a patient requiring extrusion, significant rotation and/ or posterior expansion presents, your options are: a. Inform the patient they’re not a candidate, and recommend braces b. Attempt clear aligner treatment, anticipating a long case with multiple refinements, or c. Propose <6 months in braces followed by clear aligners By choosing option C, you balance the patient’s wishes with the treatment requirements. The result? Higher conversion rates, greater patient satisfaction, good clinical outcomes and, generally, shorter total treatment time. uSmile™ clear aligners are available on a pay-per-aligner basis with very rapid delivery, supporting the profitability and timing of these cases. When to switch from fixed to clear aligners?

Start by planning any A/P corrections, significant expansion, extrusion, major torque and significant rotations for the first, fixed phase of treatment. As soon as these major movements are accomplished, scan and transition the patient. Use aligners where they are undeniably superior: finishing, detailing, midline and tooth size discrepancy management and spacing correction. Waiting until fixed appliances stall only serves to prolong treatment time and increase the total number of appointments. How to price combination treatment?

You can offer combination treatment without modifying your fee scale. Pay-per-aligner lab fees—often just a few hundred dollars—are easily offset by the elimination of appointments.

Dr. Eric Wu, Palo Alto and Redwood City, CA

Adjunct Faculty, UNLV and Roseman University Orthodontics Dr. Wu received his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania, Advanced General Dentistry degree from UCLA and his Orthodontic degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a published author, inventor and frequent speaker. He is passionate about clear aligner therapy innovation, additive manufacturing/3D printing and has treated over 4000 patients with aligners.

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