Comparative Use of Invisalign® by Orthodontists and General Practitioners

Objective: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the use of Invisalign (R) between orthodontists and general practitioners. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to all Invisalign (R) 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: Orthcdontists started more Invisalign (R) cases (P < 0001). General practitioners started more Invisalign (R) cases in the last 12 months (P = .0012). For both groups, the percentage of cases started in the lest 12 months was inversely related to the number of years certified in Invisalign (R) (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 (R). Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. The use of Invisalign (R) by orthodontists and general practitioners was compared, and significant differences were found. (Angle Orthod. 2010;80:425-434.)