Orthotown April 2022 - 54

PROS/CONS SUMMARY
PROS
Invisalign
Force-driven system
by Aligntech
* Longest history (since 1997) means
strongest data-driven algorithm.
* Only system with optimized attachments.
* Brand recognition.
* Most advanced approver software
(ClinCheck Pro) with web-based option.
* Seamless integration with Itero scanner,
including enhanced workflow.
Clarity
Displacement-driven
system by 3M
* Able to combine volume discounts
with 3M bracket purchases.
* Web-based approver software.
* Compatible with most intraoral scanners.
* Two types of plastic, Flex and Force,
for better control.
* Seamless " hybrid " treatment using
indirect bonding brackets and aligners
on same software.
* Lower lab fee than Invisalign.
Spark
Displacement-driven
system by Ormco
* Compatible with most intraoral scanners.
* Clearest aligner material; no striations.
* Flexible attachment template.
* More rigid plastic (TrueGen XR)
for finishing movements.
* Ability to download .stl off final stage.
* Second-lowest base lab fee.
uLab
Displacement-driven
in-office system by
uLab Systems
* Lowest lab fee, including the option
to export and print .stl files in-house
for about $3/export.
* 100% doctor-driven, no lab tech.
* Same-day aligners (if you print yourself).
* Option to print or order aligners.
recommend an alternative. Many
doctors will be surprised by the
lack of pushback patients give to
their recommendation. If you are
a beginner with aligners, be sure
to inform your patients that you
will switch them to braces at no
charge if satisfactory results can't
be achieved.
5. Narrow your focus to one or two
main products. Profitability and
scalability require consistency and
mastery. Once you've chosen the
54 APRIL 2022 // orthotown.com
* Most technique-sensitive approver software.
* Often used only for limited cases.
* Requires additional hardware for 3D printing.
* Windows-based software; no online
or Mac version.
* Low brand recognition.
best product(s) for your office, focus
your systems on their advantages
and don't look back. Learn to
delegate as much of the process
as possible and keep your systems
simple for maximum efficiency.
Conclusion
I hope that my experience has inspired
you to explore and take advantage of increasing
parity in the clear aligner market. Never
has there been a greater opportunity to gain
control of our practices by choosing an aligner
system that works for the doctor, rather than
the doctor working for the aligner company.
As exciting as this space may be, practice
due diligence and never lose sight of the
fact that we are, above all else, health care
providers. Whatever decision you make, make
it with clinical excellence as your highest
priority, followed by practice management
considerations. We are fortunate today to
have choices in our clear aligner offerings,
and with that ability to choose comes a
responsibility to choose wisely for both our
patients and our practices. n
* Relatively low brand recognition.
* Itero submissions require exported .stl file.
* Relatively low brand recognition
among patients.
* Slightly more expensive fee than some other
options (but not the most expensive, either-
more toward the middle of the pack).
CONS
* Incompatible with non-Itero scanners.
* Most expensive product.
* Status tiers based solely on Invisalign orders;
unable to combine with other purchases.
* Single flexible plastic (SmartTrack).
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Orthotown April 2022

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