Episode 762: Clear Aligner Success for GPs
 |
Are you sitting on a goldmine of untreated cases in your own practice? Most general dentists don't realize that approximately 80% of their existing patients have some form of misalignment that could benefit from clear aligner therapy.
Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist, founder and CEO of Clear Aligner Advisor, and recognized as the Dentist Influencer of the Year (2024). He has helped over 300 general dentists successfully integrate aligner systems into their practices through his training programs including Aligner Blueprint, Aligner Launchpad, and the Clear Aligner Confidence Bootcamp. Dr. Patel's teaching approach simplifies complex orthodontic principles into practical, step-by-step systems that help dentists offer aligners more predictably and profitably.
This episode reveals the reality behind predictable clear aligner outcomes for general practitioners. Dr. Patel shares his journey from burnout to building a thriving aligner practice, emphasizing that successful integration requires more than platform certification. The conversation explores why mentorship is crucial, how to avoid common setup mistakes that lead to posterior open bites, and why understanding force distribution animations is critical for treatment planning success.
Episode Highlights:
- Case selection fundamentals focus on addressing chief complaints like crowding-related oral health issues rather than pursuing complex movements. Dr. Patel emphasizes limiting molar movement and using bite ramps to prevent passive intrusion that causes posterior open bites. Simple cases in the first six months allow skill development while maintaining predictable outcomes.
- IPR precision requires verification with calibrated gauges after diamond strip use, as insufficient space creation directly impacts treatment predictability. The treatment plan may call for 0.4mm of IPR, but achieving only 0.2-0.3mm creates space deficits that compromise tooth movement and final positioning.
- Attachment placement technique demands precise composite application using etch and bond only where attachments belong, followed by black light verification for complete removal. Fluorescent composites designed for aligner attachments improve visibility during removal and prevent residual composite retention that affects patient comfort.
- Treatment planning modifications should optimize for patient chief complaints rather than accepting initial animated proposals from aligner companies. The animation shows force distribution on teeth, not predicted before-and-after results, requiring clinical interpretation and case-specific adjustments for successful outcomes.
- Patient communication strategies position aligner therapy as oral health improvement rather than cosmetic treatment, particularly effective with existing patients who already demonstrate trust. This approach works across all age groups, including patients over 65 who remain excellent candidates for alignment therapy and often become strong referral sources.
Perfect for: General dentists considering clear aligner integration, practitioners seeking to improve existing aligner outcomes, and dental teams looking to expand comprehensive care offerings through evidence-based orthodontic treatment.
Discover how proper case selection and clinical technique can transform your aligner success rate while building long-term patient relationships.
Disclaimer
Viva Learning LLC sites offer content that include opinions, techniques, recommendations, etc. from a variety of writers and speakers that are not necessarily endorsed by Viva Learning LLC, its associates and sponsored Viva Affiliates. Viewers are responsible for verifying the validity, accuracy and relevance of all content before implementing any techniques, products or recommendations into their clinical setting. Viewers understand that Viva Learning LLC, its associates, writers, speakers and sponsored Viva Affiliates are not in any way responsible or liable for any adverse events that may occur (i.e., in a clinical setting or anywhere) based on any information disseminated from Viva Learning LLC sites, including all Viva Learning sites.
The copyrights and other rights to the slides and video contained in a webinar posted on this website are owned by the speaker, Viva Learning LLC, and/or the sponsor company and/or its subsidiaries worldwide. Viewers are only authorized to view the content of the webinar (live and archive) at this Website and are not permitted to screen capture, record and/or download any content displayed in this webinar. You may not make any part of this Website available as part of another web site whether by hyperlink framing on the Internet or otherwise.
The copyrights and other rights to the audio contained in a Viva Podcast are owned by Viva Learning LLC. Viewers are authorized to listen to the content of the podcast and are permitted to download any podcast for personal use only. You may not, however, make any part of this Website available as part of another web site whether by hyperlink framing on the Internet or otherwise.
By signing up for a free webinar and/or podcast you give Viva Learning LLC and/or its Viva Learning Affiliates permission to send you emails alerting you to future CE opportunities and e-learning content.
California State Dental Board Provider Statement
Viva Learning is a registered continuing education provider in the state of CA. Dental Board of CA Provider #RP 5747. Approved through 6/30/2026
Questions regarding our Conditions of Usage, Privacy Policy, or other policy related material can be directed to our support staff by clicking on the "Support" link or you can email us at: support@vivalearning.com.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
Approval period: 11/1/2025 - 10/31/2029. AGD Provider # 217544
Presenter Information: Dr. Avi Patel
 |
Dr. Avi Patel, DDS is the founder and CEO of Clear Aligner Advisor, an education platform that helps general dentists confidently integrate clear aligners into their practices. Dr. Patel has helped over 300 dentists implement aligner systems with clarity and confidence through his training programs — Aligner Blueprint, Aligner Launchpad, and the Clear Aligner Confidence Bootcamp. Recognized as the Dentist Influencer of the Year (2024) and one of the most-followed aligner educators online, Dr. Patel’s teaching style simplifies complex orthodontic principles into practical, step-by-step systems that help dentists offer aligners more predictably and profitably. |
Viva Learning is an approved AGD PACE Provider and California State Dental Board Provider of dental continuing education. Viva Learning strives to deliver balanced, objective and clinically relevant information grounded on scientific research. Lecturers who are invited to deliver Viva CE webinars are advised to substantiate their claims with research-supported data and to disclose all commitments to, or relationships with, any commercial entity within the dental industry. In many cases, lecturers are sponsored by a dental manufacturing company, which provides them with support in the form of honorarium and/or dental products and equipment in order to help with clinical presentations. Prior to each live CE webinar, lecturers are made aware of the importance of delivering their presentations without commercial bias, and where appropriate, to mention a variety of different product choices that may be relevant to the subject matter of the lecture, for the educational benefit of the participant.
Episode 770. Mastering Pulp Therapy and Perforations with Modern MTA
5/18/2026 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 766. Behind the Mask: Mental Health Struggles of Dentists and Their Teams
5/4/2026 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 764. The End of the Composite Drawer: One Material for Every Case?
4/27/2026 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 758. The Dental Hygiene Multiplier: How Aligned Systems Fuel Sustainable Growth
4/6/2026 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 750. The One-Composite Question: Can a Universal Material Really Do It All?
3/9/2026 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 734. The Glass Ionomer Comeback with Dr. Brian Nový
1/12/2026 - CE Credits: 0.75 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 724. Misunderstood to Managed: Treating Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Trait
12/1/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 695. The Tech-Savvy Hygienist: How Technology is Redefining the Dental Hygiene Role
8/18/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 693. The Semi-Direct Composite Crown: Artistic, Conservative, and Chairside in 30 Minutes
8/11/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 689. How to Avoid Clear Aligner Attachment Disorder
7/28/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 681. To Crown or Not to Crown: Exploring the Direct Composite Advantage
6/30/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 679. How 3D Printing Is Revolutionizing Dental Practices: Models, Guards, and Provisionals
6/23/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 657. Empowering Hygienists to Own Their Operatory
4/7/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 655. Fluoride Varnish: Applied Correctly, It Can Change a Patient's Life
3/31/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 653. The Future of Dentures: When to Print and When to Lab It
3/24/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 649. When Implants Aren’t an Option: The Case for Fiber-Reinforced Bridges
3/10/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 647. 50 Years in Dentistry: Tools, Tips, and Techniques from a Seasoned Pro
3/3/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 638. 3D Print Your Way to Superior Dental Provisionals
2/3/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 634. Hero or Hitman: The Case for Crowns Over Compromise
1/20/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 630. Opportunities and Challenges with 3-D Printing
1/6/2025 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 626. Mastering the Veneer Process: Beauty, Predictability, and Patient Satisfaction
12/16/2024 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 610. Stay Innovative, Retain Employees and Implement Diagnostic Testing in Hygiene: A discussion with Amanda Hill
10/21/2024 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 607. What's in Your Caries Prevention Toolbox? Two Experienced Hygienists Share What's In Theirs
10/7/2024 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 603. Using 3D Fabrication to Improve Patient Outcomes
9/23/2024 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 597. Assessment is the Key to Unlock Your Periodontal Toolbox
9/3/2024 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 580. Treating Patients with Developmental Disabilities: A Win-Win for Patient and Practice
7/8/2024 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 576. Dealing with All the Usual Suspects: Blood, Saliva, Large Muscular Tongues and the Gag Reflex
6/24/2024 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 551. It's the Year of 3D Printing: Enjoy the Convenience and Profitability
4/1/2024 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 547. Get Rid of Those Pesky Voids in Your Composites
3/19/2024 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 514. See Clearly: Soft Tissue Retraction Options
11/14/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 504. Managing and Treating Patients with Meth Mouth
10/2/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 497. Geriatric Dentistry: Are You Prepared to Treat the Influx of Aging Patients?
9/6/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 476. Caries and Nutrition: Chairside Conversations
5/24/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 475. Streamlining the Everyday Dentistry to Make Way for Success Every Day
5/22/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 474. Tooth Replacement Using Minimally Invasive Adhesive Bridges
5/16/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 469. Biocompatible Materials in Wellness Dentistry
4/24/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 465. The Challenges of Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth
4/6/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 461. Ending the Silence in Long-Term Care Facilites - Let's Talk About It!
3/21/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 460. The Tongue! How it Can Alter the Health of Your Patient
3/13/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 453. Tips and Tricks for Temporaries in Cosmetic Dentistry
2/14/2023 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 410. Ideal Protocols for the Restoration of Posterior Teeth
8/24/2022 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 403. Restorative Pearls: The Key to a Great First Impression
7/19/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 402. Standing the Test of Time – The Story of a Long-standing Composite in Pediatric Dentistry
7/12/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 401. The Impact of ORMOCER Technology on Hypersensitive Teeth
7/11/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 397. Why Nano Ceramics for In-house Milling and How Your Lab Can Help You
6/26/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 394. The Final Piece Of The Puzzle: Choosing The Definitive Cement For Your Fixed Restoration
6/8/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 393. Leveraging the latest in resin technology; Is your material contemporary?
6/6/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 391. Are You Tired of Wrestling with Retraction Cord?
5/31/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 390. Tackling Periodontal Disease Before The Damage is Done
5/24/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 382. No More Dentist Stress With Class 2 Restorations
4/23/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 381. Expedited Excellence: Warmed Composite is a Game-changer
4/23/2022 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 356. From an Expert Lab Tech: Stay in Your Lane with Smarter Material Selection
12/15/2021 - CE Credits: 0.5 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 342. Grow Your Revenue by Incorporating Health Centered Dentistry, New Products and New Technologies
11/15/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 341. Thermo-Viscous Technology: The Evidence Supports the Science
11/15/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 302. A Truly Universal Composite: Does it Exist?
6/29/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 299. Finally! It's Easy to Add Attachments to Removable Prosthetics
6/8/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 296. How to Join the Single Shade Composite Revolution
5/19/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 292. Thermoviscous Technology: Groundbreaking Composites that are flowable AND sculptable
5/4/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 287. An Aesthetic Bulk-Fill Has Arrived. Warm it, Flow it, Sculpt it!
4/12/2021 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 263. Multitasking Material for Pediatric Restorative Dentistry
12/16/2020 - CE Credits: 0 CEU
Episode 250. Simplify Your Life and Achieve Success with Universal Bonding Agents
9/29/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 249. Benefits of an All-in-one All-ceramic Direct Restorative Material
9/29/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 237. Increasing Positive Outcomes with Milled Restorative Techniques
8/18/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 201. Unprecedented Times Call for Smart Choices: What to do to Protect Your Patients, Your Team and Your Community
4/1/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 195. Fluoride Varnish: A Must Have in Your Prevention Tool Kit
3/5/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 194. Nano-ORMOCERS: Revolutionary New Direct Restorative
3/5/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 189. Various Uses of Bite Registration Materials
1/30/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 188. Benefits to Incorporating Remineralization Protocols into Your Practice
1/30/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 187. Core Bulid-ups and their Significance in Clinical Practice
1/30/2020 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 177. The Inside Scoop on Bulk Fill Direct Filling Materials
11/25/2019 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 176. Self Adhesive Resin Cements for Zirconia and Lithium Disilicate Cowns
11/25/2019 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 140. Frustrated with Post and Cores? Listen to this!
9/13/2019 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 139. Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cements: When to Use Them
9/13/2019 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 89. The Best of Both Worlds: RMGIs without Compromise
5/21/2019 - CE Credits: 0.25 CEU (Take Exam)
Episode 8. Advancements in the Prefabricated Post-Core System: Rebuilda Post GT
9/21/2018 - CE Credits: 0 CEU
Episode 7. Advancements in Direct Restorative Materials: Admira Fusion
9/21/2018 - CE Credits: 0 CEU
