Invisalign Rules Anger Dentists

Dentists are upset about new regulations that require every Invisalign dentist to begin at least 10 cases per year. In this survey, 83% of dentists (and 79% of orthodontists) objected to the stringent rules.

One dentist in three says they will no longer be able to offer Invisalign under the new requirements.

Hundreds of dentists responded to this survey. Here’s a sampling of what they think:

• “This is a low blow and a poor business strategy that I hope will end Align's business future." (Texas dentist)
• "Invisalign is making a mistake… Why would Invisalign penalize dentists who have doing a few cases every year for the last 10 years?" (Canada dental hygienist)
• “I don't mind the 10 hours of continuing dental education annually, but it has been especially difficult to get 10 cases in this economy. The case limit is excessive." (Colorado dentist)
• “As a qualified orthodontist, I find it insulting to be dictated by a dental manufacturing laboratory (which is all Invisalign Corp. is) the type of treatment I should be offering my patients… Invisalign's proficiency requirements are nothing more than a ruse to attempt to increase their revenues." (Canada orthodontist)
• "This is a foolish move by Align! This will restrict the access that many patients have to invisible braces. They are not, however, the only provider and dentists are like elephants, WE NEVER FORGET." (Wisconsin dentist)
• “Just because you do more cases does not mean you do them better." (New York dentist)
• “I am furious that a dental company is seeking to dictate treatment!!" (District of Columbia dentist)
• “The CE requirement is perfectly fine. The 10 cases per year requirement is unprecedented, very disturbing, and just plain wrong. What if I don't do 10 dentures or dental implants or molar root canals this year? Should I be prevented from ever doing another? Invisalign should rescind this horribly misguided policy, and the sooner the better." (Illinois dentist)
• “I offer regular dental braces as well as Invisalign and do not feel that I have to push 10 cases a year to be competent– especially after doing full braces for 15 years." (Washington dentist)
• “Clear Correct might just be the fastest growing company over the next year thanks to Invisalign!" (Tennessee dentist)
• “They'll shoot themselves in the foot. I'm deciding on which of the several other brands to begin a relationship with. There are other games in town." (Ohio dentist)
• “Are we sales reps for Align Tech or are we oral health care professionals?" (California dentist)
• “I'd love to see the media get a hold of this story. and how it impacts the choices doctors offer their patients. Imagine your cardiologist recommending one drug over another so he could meet the requirement to use the medication for other patients?" (Canada orthodontist)
• “I will purposely boycott align as a result of this. No lab is going to put pressure on me with a quota requirement."

For lots more dentist comments, check out the full results: Invisalign Dentists Unhappy about New Provider Requirements & Rules