Introduction
Clear Aligners are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional braces for teeth straightening. Unlike metal braces, Clear Aligners are made of a clear plastic material that is virtually invisible when worn. For this prime reason, clear aligners have become a popular choice for adults and teenagers who are self-conscious about the appearance of their smiles during orthodontic treatment.
Based on recent industry reports, the global clear aligner market is projected to grow significantly over the next several years. Very clearly, this growth is driven by the growing demand for clear aligners and advancing dental technology. This makes it important for dentists and orthodontists to include aligner treatments in their practice.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of clear aligners, the growing popularity of this treatment option, and why it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with industry trends in orthodontics.
Benefits of Offering Clear Aligners
If you are still contemplating whether you should be offering clear aligner treatment in your practice, here are several benefits that they offer!
- Your patients want it!
Clear aligners have become increasingly popular among patients who desire a more discreet appearance, comfort, and convenient orthodontic treatment option. By offering clear aligners, dental practices can meet the growing demand for this type of treatment and attract patients who are seeking this option.
- Increased revenue potential
Offering clear aligners can also significantly boost a dental practice’s revenue potential. This is because clear aligners typically have a higher profit margin than traditional braces, which can improve your practice’s revenue potential. Since clear aligners are an attractive option for patients who may not have considered orthodontic treatment before, providing an opportunity for practices to expand their patient base.
- Competitive advantage
With a large number of dentists passing out each year, it is not surprising to find one dentist every 300 m to 500 m in the street in India. Offering clear aligners is an excellent way to provide a competitive advantage to dental practices that offer them. So, if you wish to attract new patients by differentiating yourself from your neighbouring dentist or competition, offering clear aligners is a great idea. It can help you attract new patients and retain existing ones.
- Better patient satisfaction and loyalty
Compared to traditional braces options, clear aligners ensure a comfortable and convenient patient treatment experience. They also have shorter treatment times and fewer office visits, further enhancing the patient experience.
By offering this option, you can enhance patient satisfaction and build a strong patient. Happy patients are more likely to return for other dental treatments (giving you repeat business) and refer others.
- Wider range of treatments
Whether you are a general dentist or an orthodontist, offering clear aligners expands your range of services and treatment options. This can help translate into a broader patient base and allow you to expand your practice. Offering multiple treatments ensures your patients get the best possible multidisciplinary approach tailored to their preferences and needs.
How Can You Integrate Clear Aligners into your Practice?
Convinced about introducing clear aligners to your dental practice? Here are some ways to integrate it into your practice!
- Get your team upto speed!
Before integrating clear aligners into your practice, it is essential to ensure that you and your staff are adequately trained on how to use them effectively. Consider attending training courses or seeking guidance from manufacturers to ensure you thoroughly understand the technology, application, and potential complications of clear aligners.
- Invest in technology
You will need to invest in the necessary technology to integrate clear aligners into your practice successfully. This may include software for designing and modelling aligners, 3D printing equipment, and scanners for accurate impressions.
- Marketing
You must have a marketing plan in place to help your team market clear aligners. You can use your clinic website, social media, patient testimonials, brochures, flyers, in-clinic patient leaflets, or education books to spread the word that your practice is now clear-aligner-ready!
- Align the workflow!
While integrating clear aligners in your practice, consider how integrating this treatment in your existing flow will impact your current workflow. This may include appointment scheduling, ordering aligners, and monitoring patients’ progress. A streamlined workflow is required to provide effective clear aligners.
- Pricing decisions
Your newly introduced treatment must be value-for-money for your patients. So, consider how much you will charge patients for clear aligner treatment. Compare your pricing to other practices in your area to ensure you are competitive.
Conclusion
Integrating clear aligners into your practice has several benefits to both your patients and your business. Clear aligners offer a more discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces, making them attractive to your patients. Clear aligners can attract both your existing and new patients, increasing your revenue. However, it is essential to consider the training needs, technology investment, marketing, workflow alignment, and pricing adjustments that come with offering this service.
Did you recently introduce clear aligners in your practice? Share with us below how it benefited your practice!
References
- Dr. Nupur Shrirao. Dr. Nupur Shrirao is a consultant prosthodontist and a grammar Nazi! Besides dentistry (2022) What’s new to explore in dentistry?, DentalReach. Available at: https://dentalreach.today/whats-new-to-explore-in-dentistry/ (Accessed: March 10, 2023).
- Eric M. Block, D.M.D. (2022) How and why to offer Clear Aligners in your practice, AGD. Available at: https://www.agd.org/about-agd/publications-news/this-week-at-agd/this-week-at-agd-detail/2022/10/24/how-and-why-to-offer-clear-aligners-in-your-practice (Accessed: March 10, 2023).
- Gawel, R. (2021) Six strategies for attracting clear aligner patients to your practice, Dentistry Today. Available at: https://www.dentistrytoday.com/six-strategies-for-attracting-clear-aligner-patients-to-your-practice/ (Accessed: March 10, 2023).
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