Integrating Invisalign into General Dentistry
The Insider Consultant's Guide to Handling Orthodontics in a General Practice
Orthodontic treatment has long been associated with specialty practices, but with the advancements in clear aligner therapy, general dental practices have an incredible opportunity to offer orthodontic solutions like Invisalign. The key to successfully integrating this service is a structured, patient-focused approach that ensures efficiency, transparency, and high patient satisfaction
Creating a Structured Workflow to Maximize Efficiency
A well-defined workflow ensures that all patient needs are met without unnecessary time investment from the practice. The key is separating the steps into an efficient process that filters interest, maximizes conversion, and provides a premium patient experience.
Preliminary Treatment Plan During Routine Visits
When a patient expresses interest in Invisalign during their routine check-up or when the doctor identifies them as a candidate, offer a Preliminary Treatment Plan.
This initial discussion includes a review of insurance benefits and a general breakdown of what their case may look like.
The preliminary discussion should be concise and provide just enough information to gauge the patient’s interest before moving forward.
Scheduling a Paid Invisalign Consultation
If the patient is interested after reviewing the preliminary plan, schedule them for a dedicated Invisalign Consultation.
Charge a non-refundable consultation fee, which is collected at check-in to ensure commitment.
Emphasize that this fee covers comprehensive imaging, records creation, and their official Invisalign case submission.
Invisalign Consultation: Providing the Full Experience
At the consultation, perform all necessary imaging, scans, and diagnostic record-keeping.
Invisalign will determine whether the patient is a full Invisalign Comprehensive case or a shorter Invisalign Go case.
Provide the patient with a detailed breakdown of their treatment plan, including:
Start-to-finish process
Retainers and post-treatment care
All associated fees
Available payment options and financing
Offer assistance in applying for third-party financing, ensuring affordability is not a barrier.
Closing the Case and Applying the Consultation Fee (TIP)
If the patient chooses to move forward, apply the consultation fee toward the total cost of treatment.
Collect the remaining balance or finalize a payment plan before submitting the case to Invisalign.
Let the patient know that their aligners will arrive in approximately five weeks after clincheck approval, and schedule their first fitting appointment.
Consultant Pro Tips: Elevating the Invisalign Experience
Treat Invisalign as a High-End Product
Invisalign is a premium orthodontic solution, and it should be presented as such. Create an experience that makes the patient feel excited about their journey.
Utilize the Invisalign.com provider portal to access all available patient materials and incorporate them into the consultation.
Highlight Invisalign’s unique features, such as SmartTrack technology for improved comfort, precision fit, and ease of maintenance.
Show patients they can explore Invisalign accessories and additional treatment options online to enhance their experience.
Make Payment Options Seamless
When presenting the treatment plan, assume that patients will want financing options. A large number can be intimidating, so be prepared to break it down into manageable monthly payments.
Use CareCredit’s provider portal to personalize payment plans. Input insurance coverage and provide options like a 5% cash discount or a 24-month low-payment plan.
Always highlight the lowest monthly payment first, making treatment feel more accessible.
Create an Exclusive Invisalign Offer
Apply the consultation fee towards the total treatment cost to encourage immediate commitment.
Offer a complimentary whitening treatment (such as in-house bleaching trays) upon Invisalign completion as an added value.
Create urgency by setting a time limit: inform patients that their consultation fee can only be applied if treatment starts within 30 days.
Let them know that if they wait more than 3 months, a new consultation may be required, as their dental alignment or treatment needs may change.
Scripting for a Seamless Patient Journey
To maximize patient conversions and streamline Invisalign case acceptance, having well-prepared scripts for your team is essential. Proper scripting helps ensure that every patient receives a consistent, high-quality experience that reinforces the value of Invisalign treatment.
Initial Interest Script: How to introduce Invisalign during routine visits.
Consultation Scheduling Script: How to present the non-refundable consultation fee in a way that emphasizes value.
Financial Presentation Script: How to confidently present treatment costs and payment options.
Case Acceptance Script: How to close the case effectively and create urgency for treatment.
For exclusive access to these proven scripts and other valuable Invisalign consultation resources, visit our website and subscribe to our premium resource center. These tools will help your team confidently present Invisalign, handle objections, and create a 5-star experience for every patient.
Elite Dental Systems: Tailored Solutions for Your Practice
At Elite Dental Systems, we understand that every dental office and patient base is unique. Our approach is not one-size-fits-all—we specialize in customizing systems like Standard Operating Procedures specific to your practice’s needs. Whether you are just beginning to offer Invisalign or looking to streamline your current processes, we can help create efficient workflows that maximize patient acceptance and satisfaction.
We offer personalized strategy calls to assess your practice’s needs and develop solutions that work best for your team and patients. If you’re looking for expert guidance on how to successfully integrate Invisalign into your general practice, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
📞 Contact Information:
📧 Email: Consulting@elitedentalservices.net
🌐 Website: www.EliteDentalSystems.net
The Importance of the 5-Star Patient Experience
Providing a premium experience during the Invisalign consultation is critical. This is the moment where the patient is deciding to make a significant investment in their smile. The consultation should feel exclusive, personalized, and professional.
Use high-quality visuals and before-and-after examples to build confidence in their decision.
Highlight key selling points, such as:
The ability to adjust their smile until they are completely satisfied with unlimited refinements making 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
How Invisalign is discreet, comfortable, and effective.
The benefits of proper alignment beyond aesthetics, such as oral health and bite correction.
Make sure the patient feels valued and well-informed so they leave with a sense of excitement about their transformation.
Why This Approach Works in a General Practice Setting
By following this structured approach, general dental practices can efficiently integrate Invisalign without overburdening their schedules. The separation of preliminary treatment planning from the dedicated Invisalign consultation ensures that only serious candidates move forward, reducing wasted time while maintaining high patient conversion rates.
With the right workflow, financial transparency, and emphasis on the patient experience, general practices can offer Invisalign successfully while fostering trust and delivering exceptional care. By creating a seamless journey, you are not only straightening smiles but also building lasting patient relationships.
