We all know refinements eat up time and chair hours. But the real cost? Your confidence and your patient’s trust. Early on, I accepted any case that came my way — thinking multiple refinements were “just part of it.” I ended up stuck in endless revisions and frustrated patients asking, “Why isn’t this done yet?” When you start with the right cases and learn how to plan conservatively, you cut refinements dramatically. If you’re tired of refinements: Be strict with case selection early on...

I didn’t start offering aligners to make more money. I started because I wanted to feel excited about dentistry again. Adding aligners gave me a new sense of fulfillment. It made routine checkups more engaging. It opened the door to deeper conversations about health, esthetics, and preventive care. When I saw patients light up at the possibility of a better smile, it reignited my own passion. If you feel stuck or burnt out: Look for procedures that excite you and benefit your patients Start...

Most dentists think they need to learn everything before starting clear aligners. That belief keeps them stuck. I felt that way too. I didn’t touch a case for months after getting certified. Then a mentor gave me simple guardrails — and I started my first case the next week. That changed everything. If you’re not sure where to start, try this: Pick one patient who already asked about straightening their teeth Confirm they have healthy bone levels and mild crowding Look for cases with no...