DOCTOR RESOURCES

Doctor FAQs

Getting started and common questions for providers, from records and candidacy through to manufacture, wear time and replacements.

Doctor Resources
Open Doctor’s Library

DIGITAL RECORDS

Digital records

What type of intra-oral scans are accepted?

All leading intra-oral scanners are accepted. Digital scans must be submitted in STL format, the open-source standard, so you’re not required to buy any specific scanner.

CASES AND CLINICAL

Cases and clinical

Which factors are critical to a successful case?
  • Digital scanning, a great outcome starts with a complete, accurate scan. Capture 2 to 4mm of gingival tissue and check the clinical bite on both sides.
  • Treatment planning, your comments and requests to the planners are important for the patient’s final outcome
  • Aligner chewies, patients underestimate them; chewies firmly seat the aligners for the best tracking, especially when moving to a new stage
Why are Active Aligners trimmed 2mm from the gingival margin?

An extended straight trimline (cut about 2mm into the gingival margin) supports better retention and force expression than a traditionally scalloped trim, helping the aligner grip more tooth structure for controlled movement. It’s also comfortable and discreet, a smooth contour with the edge sitting under the patient’s lip profile means less risk of gingival irritation.

TURNAROUND AND DELIVERY

Turnaround and delivery

How long for a candidacy determination?

About 3 working days (72 hours) from when we receive your scans.

How long for the initial proposed treatment setup?

Once you request a full treatment plan after a “yes” candidacy, the plan, smile summary and 3D video are available to review on your platform within 3 business days. Always remember to submit quality-control photos.

How long to manufacture and deliver?

Once you approve the treatment setup and complete the online lab slip, manufacturing takes 7 to 10 working days in our Johannesburg lab. The case is then sent by courier.

WEAR, REPLACEMENTS AND ACCELERATION

Wear, replacements and acceleration

How long should a patient wear each stage?

The recommended wear time is 22 hours a day for approximately 2 weeks per stage (when not using an orthodontic acceleration device).

What if my patient loses an aligner?

If they’ve worn the lost set for less than 7 days, have them temporarily use the previous set while replacements are ordered (replacements ship within 3 business days). If they’ve worn it for at least 7 days, they can move on to the next set.

What is an orthodontic acceleration device?

A vibratory device marketed to speed up orthodontic treatment and reduce discomfort. Technology in aligner therapy is advancing quickly, with research into accelerator devices that may allow patients to change aligners as often as weekly, we’re exploring a research-backed accelerator partner.