You’ll notice that there are three categories of providers: Preferred, Premier, and Premier Elite. It would be nice if they gave you an actual answer about what these categories mean, but luckily I am here to give you the inside scoop.
Just to offer some background, before any dentist or orthodontist can offer Invisalign to their patients they must complete a one-day training course. Dentists complete a course called Clear Essentials I and orthodontists complete the Clear Principles training course.
Anyway… here is the down-low on those proficiency levels:
Preferred Provider:
• Complete 10 continuing education Invisalign classes per year (online or in-person)
• Treat 10 cases per year
• This is now the minimum yearly requirement for any provider of Invisalign
Premier Provider:
• Complete 10 continuing education Invisalign classes per year (online or in-person)
• Has treated at least 50 cases lifetime
• Treat at least 24 cases every 6 months
Premier Elite Provider:
• Complete 10 continuing education Invisalign classes per year (online or in-person)
• Has treated at least 300 cases lifetime
• Treat 48 cases every 6 months
Warning! Be on the lookout for these categories because sometimes they are hard to see…
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You might also notice some providers have an extra Invisalign Teen tag in the additional information section. That means that they treat at least 4 patients between the ages of 11 and 19 each quarter counting as part of their total number of cases.
If you want to be really crafty…you can perform an advanced search and filter for orthodontists only.
I feel that it is essential to quickly explain the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Yes, they are both doctors, and yes, they both work on teeth. If you are like me, you want the best care for both you and your children. It is important to know that orthodontists went to dental school, and beyond that, they also completed a 2-3 years residency in orthodontics. In this residency, they study healthy and efficient tooth movement as well as how to care for patients for a long-term healthy smile.
Dentists often times are a less expensive option than an orthodontist and both are certified to treat patients with Invisalign. Although there is usually a difference in price, orthodontists are specialists in tooth movement. I highly recommend having the ‘orthodontist only’ box checked at all times.
Whew…..Now that we are through all that technical mumbo jumbo, and you have narrowed down your options, you just need to pick the doctor you like! You or your child are going to be coming back for several appointments make sure the staff and the doctor make you feel comfortable.
Super Savvy Shopper tip!!!!!
As important as clinical experience is, actual results are far more important.
• Find friends or even strangers with smiles that you like and ask them who did their braces.
• Schedule more than one consultation for different opinions.
• Look at different websites’ patient photos, and compare smiles. Unfortunately, a lot of dental and orthodontic websites out there use stock photos. At our orthodontic offices, we only use actual patient photos. If you aren’t sure if a website’s photos are real just ask the receptionist when you call in.
Word for the wise: Invisalign is a great tool for straightening teeth, but it is by no means a magic wand. You should definitely consult with your orthodontist or dentist to find out if it is the right choice for you.
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"We recently moved to the Chesapeake area and needed an orthodontist that could continue treatment for our two kiddos. Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics made our transition seamless and even provided an Invisalign option. The staff is amazing and the facilities are top notch!"
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"This is an OUTSTANDING team of dental professionals. We are greeted with smiles every time and wait less than 5 minutes to be called back for our appointment. This is EXCEPTIONAL when compared to the usual, long waiting room wait in MANY practices. The changing seasonal themes is always surprising and enjoyable. THIS IS NOT THE USUAL MEDICAL FACILITY OFTEN VISITED. Doctors Frey and Hatcher are personable, very friendly and HAPPY to work with their patients. Theirs is the most pleasant office to visit and this team is competent and approachable all the time. I'd GIVE THEM A 10 if I could!"
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"We absolutely LOVE Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics. I have 3 daughters who went through braces for about ten years (2002-2012). Now, I am wearing Invisalign. They have been consistently professional and offer the very best care. I highly recommend them."
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"We love Dr. Hatcher and Dr. Frey! They are super thorough when you go in for an evaluation, and give you pricing up front. I visited a different local orthodontist, who wouldn’t give a price until after we started... they are detailed in the plan and the outcome is terrific! It is a wonderful practice with an amazing team! I highly recommend them!!"
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"I can't tell you how astonished I was with the customer service, everyone here is affectionate, and kind. I feel respected and important here. I am a current patient with crowding problems; Invisalign was what I went with because It doesn't seem too much of a chore to keep up with rather than braces. Thanks Dr. Hatcher for your stunning care; I know I'm in good hands and can't wait to see a different smile in the near future. I hope if you've read this far you choose to come here even if you live far away; it's definitely worth the drive. I would recommend this to anyone who is in need of an orthodontist."
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"Got my braces off today after 29 months of wearing them. When I came to Dr. Hatcher back in June 2017, my teeth looked like they were beat by Negan's bat, Lucille, from TWD. Today, I am a brand new person that has been cured of my zombie teeth apocalypse! Thank you Dr Hatcher, Shawna, and the rest of the staff! Your hard work has paid off and will not be forgotten. I will think of you every time I smile."
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"Five stars I scheduled a consult after seeing photos of Dr Frey’s cases with early development utilizing Invisalign. I also felt orthodontics should start early not late and I wanted the best for my 5yr old twins. I was blown away with Dr Frey’s clinical skills, understanding of sleep apnea in children, his updated technology and ability to do digital scans instead of impressions totally shows his education and expertise, but my biggest compliment was how well they treated my family. It’s care that is surpasses any practice I’ve seen. Thank you for educating us and giving us a sound treatment plan."
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"Dr. Hatcher is wonderful and the staff is exceptional! We have had a very positive experience here with both of our daughters. They go above and beyond and I recommend them to anyone who is looking for an orthodontist. They make you feel like family and the kids love going to their appointments. State of the art technology is used to transform smiles from good to great!"
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"Dr. Scott Frey is an amazing Orthodontist and very caring. The most important thing which many people don't understand is it's not just straightening your teeth but knowing your bite is right for the lifetime of functioning. It's well worth the investment and time to do it right, so it won't cost you even more down the road. I give him 5 stars!"
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"What a great experience! We were referred to Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics by our pediatric dentist’s office and they are very helpful and professional. Couldn't have had a better team to help my now 13-year-old achieve her perfect smile."
