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 Invisalign 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.
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 Invisalign 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.
Authors: Robert N Galbreath; Kelly K Hilgers; Anibal M Silveira; James P Scheetz Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 2.650