Enhancing patient experience with aligner therapy

Dr Waddah Sabouni

Tue. 6. May 2025

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The popularity of clear aligners has surged in recent years, making them a preferred orthodontic solution for many patients.^1–3 However, the success of this treatment relies heavily on the patient’s comprehension, adherence and overall experience throughout the process. Implementing effective interaction strategies can empower patients and encourage active participation in their care, ultimately improving treatment outcomes. This paper identifies key strategies to enhance patient interaction, classifying them as digital and face-to-face and focusing on various touchpoints along the treatment journey.

Digital strategies

Informative website
An elaborate and informative website dedicated to aligner treatment is pivotal in guiding patients through their treatment journey. It can offer an in-depth understanding of the treatment process, highlighting the stages from initial consultation to the final results. The website can also delve into the advantages of aligner treatment, discussing how it differs from treatment with fixed appliances and its impact on daily activities. Furthermore, the aftercare instructions can be meticulously detailed, encompassing guidance on oral hygiene, dietary considerations and follow-up appointments. Testimonials from actual patients who have undergone aligner treatment can be prominently featured, providing a first-hand account of the experience. The website can also showcase compelling before-and-after images, allowing prospective patients to visualise the potential outcomes. Moreover, integrating a comprehensive FAQs section ensures that common concerns are effectively addressed, instilling confidence in patients and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Online consultation tools

Through online consultation tools, potential patients can conveniently upload their photographs and receive an initial assessment from the healthcare professional. This proactive approach facilitates a seamless transition from enquiry to consultation and empowers patients with personalised information about what to expect. By offering this initial guidance, patients can feel more confident and at ease about the treatment process, ultimately paving the way for a more positive and informed healthcare experience.⁴

Email and SMS communication
Consistent communication through emails or SMS reminders about appointments, aligner changes and care tips can strengthen adherence and keep patients engaged. Allowing patients to select their preferred contact method can result in more effective communication and better adherence. Sending personalised messages based on treatment progress can make patients feel appreciated and informed about their treatment status. These communications can also remind patients to continue doing their part in achieving their dream smile.⁵

Educational videos and webinars
Creating educational videos and webinars can significantly enhance patients’ understanding of orthodontic treatment, particularly treatment involving aligners. For instance, topics such as “How to care for your aligners” and “What to expect during treatment” and patient testimonials can be highly beneficial. Patients can better grasp the necessary steps for successful treatment outcomes through the provision of detailed information on aligner treatment and maintenance procedures. These resources should be easily accessible online, enabling patients to revisit the information as often as needed and reinforcing their understanding of the treatment process.⁶

Mobile apps are becoming more important in daily life, and with the rise of orthodontic apps and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, they offer great potential benefits for both clinicians and patients.

Mobile app
A mobile app designed specifically for aligner patients has the potential to improve engagement and boost adherence to treatment plans significantly. By incorporating progress tracking, personalised wear-time reminders, a user-friendly interface for submitting questions and tailored advice based on the individual’s specific treatment stage, patients can actively participate in their orthodontic journey. This level of personalisation and support can contribute to better treatment outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.⁷

Feedback surveys
Utilising digital tools such as surveys or feedback forms can greatly benefit dental practices in evaluating patient satisfaction and understanding the nuances of their experiences. These tools allow patients to provide detailed feedback, including any concerns they may have, providing dentists with valuable insights into the potential causes of non-compliance. By addressing these concerns, dentists can enhance the overall patient experience and improve patient care. Regularly seeking feedback helps to make necessary adjustments and demonstrates a solid dedication to continuously improving patient care, strengthening trust and fostering patient loyalty towards the practice.⁸

Social media
In today’s digital age, the widespread use of social media has made it a potent tool for healthcare providers. Providing comprehensive resources on social media platforms can benefit patients. Patients can use social mediato discover various healthcare services, gather information about treatment plans and options, gain insight into success stories and witness real-life transformations. Furthermore, it helps patients become familiar with the dentist and the medical team personally, fostering a sense of trust and ease. Additionally, social media can be utilised to send out reminders and educational content, ensuring that patients stay informed and engaged throughout their treatment journey.⁹

Face-to-face strategies

Welcoming office
Creating a welcoming and comfortable office environment is crucial, as it can have a significant impact on patients’ initial impressions as well as their ongoing experiences. Thoughtful interior design with comfortable seating, warm lighting and soothing colours can help create a positive and calming atmosphere. Furthermore, friendly staff interactions, such as warm greetings and attentive communication, can enhance the patient experience. Finally, maintaining a clean and organised environment promotes a sense of professionalism and contributes to patients’ overall comfort and well-being, helping them feel at ease during their visits.¹⁰

Personalised consultations
Orthodontists must provide personalised care catering to each patient’s needs during in-office consultations. This involves actively listening to patients, addressing their questions and engaging in thoughtful discussions about various treatment options. By customising conversations based on each patient’s unique needs and concerns, orthodontists can build a stronger and more trusting dentist–patient relationship. This approach fosters a sense of confidence and comfort for patients as they progress through their orthodontic care journey.

Virtual visualisation tools, such as orthodontic virtual setups, show clinically acceptable accuracy in simulating treatment outcomes and should be integrated into orthodontic practice and education.

Visualisation software
Visualisation and outcome simulation software can motivate patients to stay consistent with wearing their aligners. This software helps patients understand the changes taking place week by week and visualise their results. Even if patients do not see immediate changes in the mirror, the simulator helps them know that progress is happening, bringing them closer to their desired smile.¹¹

Sharing success stories
Sharing success stories with prospective patients, especially those that showcase transformations of patients with similar cases to theirs, can be a powerful way to provide encouragement and motivation. Seeing real-life examples of successful outcomes can help patients feel more confident about pursuing treatment and taking positive steps towards their well-being.

Hands-on demonstration of care
Showing patients what aligners and attachments look like on a dental model can give them an idea of their planned aligners and attachments. Providing hands-on demonstrations in the office for patients on properly wearing, cleaning and changing their aligners can reassure them about what it will entail. This hands-on experience can enhance their understanding of the treatment requirements and improve adherence.

Monitoring progress
Consistent progress monitoring by the dentist and the patient is an effective means of reinforcing compliance. Patients can submit frequent progress photographs and reflect on how their smile has changed from each checkpoint, enabling them to see the small changes and motivating them to continue adhering to the treatment to achieve their desired result.

Indicators on aligners
Progress indicators on aligners help patients remain accountable for their treatment. These colour-changing indicators can provide patients with insight into whether they have been compliant and encourage them to keep up with their treatment. They can also educate patients on the period for which they need to wear their aligners, preventing them from having to guess whether they have had their aligners on for long enough.

Patient support groups
Organising in-person or virtual support groups or meetups for patients undergoing treatment can help create a sense of community among patients. Providing a platform for sharing experiences, tips and encouragement can significantly boost patients’ motivation and compliance while expanding their social support network. This can also act as a non-judgemental space for patients to share their unique situations and learn from others who may have faced similar challenges. Support groups can help patients overcome social barriers associated with treatments and provide a sense of connection with others who are going through similar experiences.

Follow-up calls
After significant milestones or check-ins throughout treatment, follow-up calls from orthodontic staff can provide an added layer of connection and means of open communication. Whether serving to check on the patient’s experience or address any concerns, these calls show that the practice genuinely cares about each patient’s journey.

Celebrating milestones
Acknowledging treatment milestones, such as aligner changes or progress, can foster a sense of achievement and motivate patients. Whether through in-office celebrations, personalised notes or small rewards, recognising progress affirms patient effort and strengthens engagement. Showing patients comparisons of when their journey started and how far they have come can be a great way to empower patients and encourage them to continue their journey.

Involving friends and family
Involving others in patients’ orthodontic journeys can be a great way to keep patients accountable. In particular, for younger patients, involving parents in overseeing their children’s treatment can help ensure that their child is wearing his or her aligners and staying on track with treatment.

Conclusion

Enhancing patient interaction and the patient experience during aligner therapy involves effective communication and engagement at various touchpoints. By deploying digital and face-to-face strategies, orthodontic practices can empower patients, ensuring that they are informed, motivated and actively involved in their treatment. These approaches improve patient satisfaction and outcomes and foster lasting relationships between patients and orthodontic providers, ultimately leading to a more successful practice.

Editorial note:

This article was published in aligners—international magazine of aligner orthodontics vol. 3, issue 2/2024. The list of references can be found here.