Comparative use of invisalign® by orthodontists and general practitioners

Abstract

Objective: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the use of Invisalign® between orthodontists and general practitioners. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to all InvisalignH providers within a 35-mile radius of Stony Brook University. The answers were statistically analyzed. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Results: Orthodontists started more Invisalign® cases (P < .0001). General practitioners started more Invisalign® cases in the last 12 months (P = .0012). For both groups, the percentage of cases started in the last 12 months was inversely related to the number of years certified in Invisalign® (P < .0001). Significant differences in opinion (P < .001) were noted between orthodontists and general practitioners regarding the level of experience necessary to treat a Class I malocclusion with a large diastema, and whether a Class II subdivision case should be treated with Invisalign®. Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. The use of Invisalign® by orthodontists and general practitioners was compared, and significant differences were found. (Angle Orthod. 2010;80:425-434.). © 2010 by The EH Angle Education and Research Foundation, Inc.