Invisalign protecting it’s good name

Wheaton family dental practice

 This email just came to my wife, Dr. Danielle the wheaton orthodontist. I think this is another instance of Invisalign not wanting their product’s reputation tarnished by less than ideal practitioners trying to do Invisalign on patients who should be treated conventionally with brackets.  Invisalign is a great tool but it is not for everyone.  That is why I feel it is extremely important to have an orthodontist or a highly trained GP who also does traditional brackets and wires orthodontics do your Invisalign.  There is too much financial interest for a GP only doing Invisalign to push a borderline case into a Invisalign and “try it”.  Don’t spend your money to be a guinea pig for someone who is stuck if it doesn’t turn out as planned.  See a doctor who can fix anything if and when Invisalign doesn’t go as planned and place some brackets for a few months to make it right!!
Align Technology, Inc. 2560 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95131
Tel: (408) 470-1000 Fax: (408) 470-1010
WWW.INVISALIGN.COM
December 5, 2011

Dear Doctor,
A small number of Invisalign practices have recently elected to offer their dental services and Invisalign treatment specifically through social coupons such as Groupon and Living Social. In response to this marketing practice, Align has received a number of complaints from other Invisalign customers who highlight that Invisalign is a rigorously regulated class II medical device which requires specialized medical training and a doctor’s prescription. As neither Invisalign nor the associated dental services are generic commodities, these Invisalign customers feel the use of social coupons is not in the patient’s best interests, and is unethical and demeaning to the dental profession.

We agree. In fact, Align does not endorse the arbitrary sale of dental services and Invisalign treatment through social coupons and is not a party to any such offerings. Align believes that the interests of both prospective patients and the practitioner are best protected by requiring a patient examination to confirm a patient`s suitability for Invisalign treatment before extending an offer to treat. Because both your services and each Invisalign treatment are unique (like the needs of each patient), we do not believe that either are appropriate for the web-based, group-buying social coupon process.

You should also be aware that the laws of most States prohibit practitioners from splitting fees with third-parties or non-practitioners. In response to the increase in the sale of medical services through social coupons, there is a growing sentiment that the sharing of fees between a doctor and social coupon sponsor may constitute such an illegal fee splitting arrangement. As a result, we encourage all Invisalign practitioners who may be considering participation in the social coupon process to consult with their attorney to evaluate the legal risks associated with such a transaction.
We hope you find information on these issues helpful. Because the dental services environment is evolving almost as rapidly as the technology itself, we intend to keep you current with our assessment of the latest trends so you can better achieve your practice goals. If you have any questions or comments, please contact your Invisalign representative or email us at customersupport@aligntech.com.
Best Regards,
Dan Ellis
Vice President, North America Sales
Align Technology, Inc.