Keep Your Practice Scanner & Offer Fast Aligner Therapy
ClearCorrect clear aligner therapy offers a fast, efficient treatment workflow with an open platform, allowing practices to use existing scanners for additional cost efficiency
For Arthur Volker, DDS, the decision to use ClearCorrect aligners about 5 years ago came down to a simple fact: he already had an intraoral scanner that was working well in his practice and he didn’t want to make the large investment to purchase another one. With its open platform submission, ClearCorrect accommodates patient records from virtually any intraoral scanner, so for Dr. Volker, it was a smooth, seamless process. In the years since, Dr. Volker, a general dentist in Sunnyside, NY, has found many more benefits to using the ClearCorrect aligners.
“Initially, it really came down to the fact that I needed an open platform clear aligner treatment because I believed my digital scans were very accurate and I wanted to continue to use the same scanner,” Dr. Volker explained.
A Unique Set-Up Program
In addition to an open platform system, ClearCorrect offers a unique setup program called ClearPilot 5.0, a web-based, intuitive treatment planning software. The recent version now includes Bolton analysis tables and charts, tooth movement charts, and collision values monitoring, as well as alerts for more accurate treatment assessments. ClearPilot 5.0 also features 3D editing tools that enable compass editing and group tooth movements, as well as a comprehensive 3D visual interface for enhanced clinical evaluation and digital treatment plannings that help increase patient engagement.
“Initially, it really came down to the fact that I needed an open platform clear aligner treatment because I believed my digital scans were very accurate and I wanted to continue to use the same scanner.”
- Arthur Volker, DDS
“The ClearCorrect software is another benefit of using this system because it’s very intuitive,” Dr. Volker said. “I’ve found that it’s easy to upload files, and the prescription page is also easy to navigate.”
Clear, Flexible, & Durable
ClearCorrect clear aligners have an unscalloped trim line that extends past the gingival margin, a design feature that results in less need for attachments and a tighter, more comfortable fit for patients. The aligners are also renowned for their clarity, flexibility, tear-and stain-resistance and ability to provide sustained force, and are manufactured with a state-of-the-art, tri-layer, third-generation aligner material called ClearQuartz.
“I find ClearCorrect aligner treatment to work best for very simple tipping movements with no change in occlusal scheme,” Dr. Volker explained. “Adult, non-extraction cases also work very well, as well as patients who have lapsed a bit in their retainer-wearing and have had previous orthodontic therapy. But, I have also done some very complex cases with ClearCorrect, and their technicians were able to guide me through cases that involved extensive IPR.”
A Plus for Oral Health
In addition to the obvious benefit of esthetics, Dr. Volker has found an increase in patients who opt for aligner therapy for the inherent oral health benefits—because straighter teeth are easier to maintain and less prone to decay.
“When I first came into dentistry, orthodontics was only about making beautiful smiles, and patient health was almost an afterthought,” Dr. Volker shared. “Today, we’re seeing a trend toward overall health, and patients are pursuing treatment with what I believe is a more effective motivator—they understand they’re getting food trapped in between teeth because they’re overlapped, or they know they are facing possible tooth loss, and if they straighten their teeth, they will be easier to maintain longterm. I’ve always said that esthetics is really the cherry on top. Straight teeth not only deflect food, but they also function better.”
More Efficient Workflow
While a successful patient outcome is always the No. 1 goal, Dr. Volker has also seen firsthand how his general dentistry practice has benefitted financially by offering ClearCorrect clear aligner therapy to patients. He points to 3 aspects that have positively affected his practice’s ROI: the ability to use the scanning system he already had in his practice, the reduced need for impressions, and a faster, more efficient treatment workflow.
“With ClearCorrect, I was able to use my own scanner and get results in a very efficient manner, and that was the biggest benefit to my ROI, because I didn’t have to purchase a scanner. I was also able to save on the cost of impression materials, as well as the time that we used to spend actually taking impressions,” he explained.
Additionally, Dr. Volker has found that the fast timeframe and overall efficiency of a ClearCorrect treatment can pave the way for additional esthetic treatments for many patients.
“Patients sometimes see the availability of doing orthodontics quickly and efficiently with ClearCorrect, and that makes them more prone to then proceed with other, more complex esthetic treatments as well,” Dr. Volker shared.
Multiple Learning Resources
In addition to an online help center, ClearCorrect offers a case gallery where clinicians can browse cases, as well as the Ortho Campus Classroom for webinars and e-learning resources. There is also a Clinic App to help dentists guide the patient conversation and a collaborator tool where dentists can share advice.
“I like the format and interface of the ClearCorrect system,” Dr. Volker said. “It’s very easy to get feedback and reach a technician, and there’s not a long wait time. Customer service was very helpful in terms of making edits to cases and finishing cases. Technicians are there to guide us through cases and provide advice.”
“Overall, the combination of saving on impression material and time, as well as being able to use my existing scanner, made the decision to use ClearCorrect a no-brainer!” he added.
