If you’re unsure about pricing… you’ll always undercharge. I did that for months. I priced low because I was scared to lose the case. But that just led to resentment — more work, less profit, no sustainability. Then I switched to a model that made sense — for me and the patient. Here’s how I price aligners now: Take your lab fee (let’s say $1,200–$1,800) Multiply it by 3x for your total fee — that builds in profit, chairtime, and refinements Script the value confidently: “This is designed to...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Social media makes it feel like every dentist is doing 10+ aligner cases a month. And if you haven’t started… it feels like you’ve missed the boat. I felt that too. I waited longer than I should’ve — and beat myself up about it. But once I got the right support, I made up for lost time fast. If that’s where you’re at, here’s what I’d focus on first: Pick 1 case you feel good about and commit to starting it this month Block time to learn: 30 minutes/week on just case selection + planning Stop...
20 days ago • 1 min read
You’re losing money by paying your associates to do Clear Aligners.I see a lot of practices making this mistake.Here’s why it’s costing you—and how to fix it. 👇🏽When I first saw a practice using the Production Frontload model for paying associates, it seemed logical:• Associate starts the case, earns 30% of production.• Lab bill? Deducted at 30%.• Paid out just like restorative work.Sounds simple, right?It works beautifully when patients pay in full upfront.But let’s be real—most patients...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Friends, AI is everywhere in dentistry right now. Some people think it’ll replace doctors. Others think it’s just hype. The truth? It’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only useful if it actually helps you make more money or improve patient outcomes. Here’s where AI can actually make a difference in your practice: • Treatment planning. Faster, more predictable setups for aligner cases. YOU still need to know what is going on with the movements but it can speed up the process and remove a...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Friends, IPR is one of the most misunderstood parts of clear aligner treatment. Most dentists do it too early, too late, or in too many places. The right approach? • Do less IPR in more strategic locations instead of spreading it everywhere. • Stage the IPR— this allows you to do the IPR at the most favorable position + time. • Group IPR around the canines instead of hitting every contact. 🔥 Actionable Tip: Next time you’re setting up a case, move small IPR amounts to fewer locations....
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends, If your aligner cases are taking 12+ months, something is wrong. Here’s why most dentists add unnecessary time to their cases: • Not staging movements properly. Too much happening at once = slower results. • Refinements aren’t planned. Every case should expect at least one refinement. • Poor attachment design. If the trays aren’t gripping the teeth properly, movement slows down. 🔥 Actionable Tip: Build in a planned refinement phase. Tell patients upfront: “We’ll evaluate your...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends, You show them the scan. You explain the benefits. You tell them their bite will only get worse over time. And they STILL don’t move forward. Why? Because logic doesn’t sell aligners—emotion does. Most dentists try to sell aligners by talking about: • Cosmetics • “It’s a good investment for your smile” But patients buy aligners for ONE reason: they don’t like how they feel about the health of their teeth. Highlighting where they are at - and all the things that can go wrong...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, If you’re doing multiple rounds of refinements on every case, it’s costing you time, money, and patience. Most refinements come down to one simple mistake: Not testing aligner fit at the first delivery. The first tray sets the tone for the entire case. If it’s not fully seated on day one, movement will be off by the time you hit tray 10. 🔥 Actionable Tip: At the first delivery, use a pressure point test. Have the patient bite on chewies for 5 minutes, then check the fit. If...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, You're focusing on the wrong thing. If you want to grow your practice you need to focus on 1 thing. A better website is not the answer. A new logo is not the answer. Another team member is not the answer. A new phone service is not the answer. An AI radiograph tool is not the answer. Another continuum is not the answer. Asking what your friend is doing (who is also struggling) is not the answer. The work... is the answer. I'm talking about the work that you're avoiding. You've...
3 months ago • 3 min read
