Nearing end of Invisalign Express treatment. Can I switch providers for refinements?

Question

I am on my last tray and tomorrow is my final appointment. My lateral incisor is still crooked and not symmetrical in comparison to the lateral incisor on the opposite side. My doctor never disclosed refinement fees, the ClinCheck video was never shown to me, and I was just told that my case was "an easy fix." I am starting to think that I made a big mistake going to a general dentist. Would it be possible to switch providers for refinements? I am thinking of going to an actual orthodontist instead.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,I would be helpful to see some photos of the "crooked" lateral incisor, so I could predict your probable outcome better, but I'll tell you that refinements generally work pretty well.  I would say that refinements may be necessary 5-10% of the time, but depends on the specific patient.  Ultimately, you want your teeth to look great, so what I would do is discuss your concerns with your current dentist.  Tell him/her that you were never told about a possible refinement fee and thought that when your trays were finished, your teeth would be finished.  I would think that a rational dentist would reason with you and find a solution that makes his/her patient happy.  It is unfortunate that Invisalign charges the doctor a huge refinement fee, which other clear aligner companies, simply do not.As far as going to an orthodontist vs a general dentist, I can tell you this.  Most orthodontists that you ask will tell you that orthodontists are the best at correcting your teeth, and cosmetic dentists will say that they're the best because they are better at the overall appearance of your teeth, not just making them straight, but making them straight, white, and free from other imperfections.  I can tell you that if you had a case that qualified for Invisalign, then it probably did not require an orthodontist.  Orthodontists are great with traditional metal braces that are in your mouth and the ones that go around your head and then in your mouth, but when it comes to Invisalign, it's more about a doctor's experience with Invisalign.  I did my first Invisalign case 10 years ago and my patients love the results.  Many orthodontists can tell you that they have 20 or 30 years at practicing orthodontics, but less than a third of that time using Invisalign.  Option 1) Stay with your current dentist; ask him to reduce or remove the fee; complete the refinement; have beautiful teeth.Option 2) Go to an orthodontist; pay a lot more than what a refinement at your current dentist will cost; complete the refinement; have beautiful teeth.

Gerry Curatola, DDS · Answer

While is is your prerogative to switch to another Invisalign provider  prior to completing your treatment, it may not be in your best interest. I can understand your frustration with your current provider who did not communicate adequately with you. Refinements are often necessary if tooth movements become protracted, such as a canine not rotating completely, according to the original ClinCheck plan. When this occurs and it not due to patient compliance or a change in the patient's desired results, we do not charge an additional amount for treatment. If that patient has additional aesthetic requests, and their are compliance issues, an additional fee can be incurred. My advice is to communicate with your current provider first regarding the refinement and come to an understanding. Switching to another provider, especially an orthodontist, will result in significant additional cost, which may be unnecessary.

Tanya Vaysman, DMD · Answer

It’s your right as a patient to switch doctors at any point
of the treatment, but you will certainly incur additional expenses when you do
switch.

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

Some general dentists can do a good job with simple cases but, as a specialist, I feel that we do a better job!Fees for Invisalign treatment usually break down to about 1/3 for the cost of the appliances and 2/3 for the doctor's fee.Sometimes refinements are included in the original fee (to the doctor), other times it is added on...but the patient should never be billed for refinements unless they were told up front when and if this will occur.You certainly can switch doctors, but expect to pay additional fees for the new doctors time and expertise!

Nearing end of Invisalign Express treatment. Can I switch providers for refinements?

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Answer: Switching invisalign treatment

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Nearing end of Invisalign Express treatment. Can I switch providers for refinements?

Answers (4)

Answer: Switching invisalign treatment

Answer: Switching invisalign treatment

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