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...

When patients say no to aligners, it’s rarely about money. It’s about trust. Early on, I quoted fees and hoped they’d say yes. But once I started asking better questions and explaining why it mattered, things changed. That's when most of my consults ended with a yes. Try these two shifts to improve your acceptance rate: Ask better questions. Instead of “do you want to straighten your teeth?” ask: “Has anyone ever mentioned your teeth are in an unhealthy position?” Frame the benefits around...