Straightening your smile with Invisalign is a serious commitment and you’ll want to make sure your orthodontist is qualified before you begin the treatment process. There are a few effective ways to verify if an Invisalign provider is the best choice for you.
Explore our guide for helpful advice on selecting the right orthodontist.
Questions to Ask
When meeting an Invisalign provider for the first time, there are a few important questions that you shouldn’t hesitate to ask. Some of these include:
- Do you use an iTero® scanner to begin treatment?
- How much will my aligners cost?
- Do you accept my insurance and/or offer monthly payment plans?
- What is your provider tier level?
- Do you have any professional certifications?
- Do you have any before and after photos?
It’s also a good idea to look at their patient reviews on Google, Yelp, Healthgrades, or a similar service.
Provider Tiers
There are five tiers for Invisalign providers based on the number of cases they’ve completed:
- Diamond
- Platinum
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
If a doctor has “plus” after their title, it’s to show that they have more experience within that tier level. If a doctor is listed as VIP, it means they’re a Valued Invisalign Provider.
For example, Dr. Stephen Grussmark in Brickell, FL is a VIP Diamond Plus provider. This means he’s achieved the highest status possible for Invisalign treatment and you can rest assured that he has the experience to help you discover your dream smile.
To clarify, if a provider is in a lower tier, it doesn’t mean they’re untrained or that you can’t trust them. It simply means they have less experience and may still be new to the Invisalign process. Any orthodontist that’s been officially certified by Invisalign is properly trained for the procedure, though we always recommend choosing the most experienced provider in your area.
Professional Affiliations
Another important thing to look for when choosing your orthodontist is if they have any professional affiliations. These represent recognition from their peers within the field, an important sign of validation.
One of the most prestigious certifications an orthodontist can receive is a Diplomacy from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). The ABO is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
A Diplomacy is the highest honor given by the ABO, requiring the doctor to pass multiple exams and provide several case studies for the board to review. Dr. Rosie Aviles in Palm City, FL is a Diplomate of the ABO, so you can feel totally safe entrusting her with your smile.
Another good affiliation to look for is if your orthodontist is a member of the International Association For Orthodontics (IAO). The IAO is the largest and oldest non-specialty orthodontic group, with approximately 4,200 members in over 50 countries.
Dr. Ted Herrmann in Miami, FL is a member of the IAO, among many other professional dental and orthodontic associations. With over 28 years of experience and an average review score of 4.5/5 on Healthgrades, he’s established himself as one of the most reliable providers in the area.
How to Find Your Provider
Now that we’ve given you some advice on how to choose an Invisalign provider, you may be wondering how you find them in the first place. Thankfully, Invisalign makes this easy by providing a convenient search option on their official website.
Simply visit their doctor locator page and type in your zip code for a list of providers in your area. For each provider, you’ll be able to see their name, tier level, practice location, and contact information. There’s even an option to narrow your search so it only shows providers who’ve achieved the tier level you’re looking for.
Best of all, you can guarantee any provider listed in the doctor locator has passed the official training course offered through Invisalign. By using this feature, you can protect yourself from orthodontists who advertise false credentials or use lower quality knock-off brands.
Additional Tips
While the most important aspects of selecting your Invisalign provider are their level of experience and certifications, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind. Some of these include:
- Choose Someone Local — Invisalign requires frequent appointments with your orthodontist to check on the progress of your treatment. This means it’s best to find a provider located conveniently nearby.
- Choose Someone Affordable — You don’t need to wipe out your bank account to receive top-notch treatment. Make sure your provider’s prices are comparable to their peers, and look for a doctor who offers affordable payment plans.
- Choose Someone Who Treats Teens and Adults — Though this isn’t a necessity, orthodontists who treat both younger and older patients have the greatest range of experience. Additionally, if you have a teen who needs orthodontic correction, you can schedule all your appointments under one roof.
Start Your Invisalign Journey Today
If you’re looking for a fast and discreet way to straighten your smile, Invisalign clear aligners are the best option available. By choosing a board-certified orthodontist with a wealth of experience, you can ensure you’ll receive comfortable treatment that delivers the stunning results you’re looking for.