Overview: This guide provides step-by-step instructions for the Chairside Clear Aligner workflow, from initial case setup to final treatment plan approval.
Case Setup for Clear Aligners
Open the case setup menu and select the Ortho option.
Select Aligners within the Ortho menu.
Choose the specific arch or arches intended for treatment.
Patient Scanning Sequence
Perform scans in the following order: Lower Arch > Upper Arch > Bite.
Capture the arch scans accurately and completely to ensure properly fitting aligners.
Verify the bite scan reflects the patient’s natural bite.
Navigate to the Ordering menu.
Clinical Photo Requirements
Capture all required clinical photos before placing the order. If support is needed, refer to the article: How to Take Clinical Photos for Your Aligner Case.
Bite Views: Left bite, Right bite, and Front (head-on) bite.
Occlusal Views: Entire lower arch and entire upper arch.
Portraits: Patient smiling, patient straight-faced (front), and patient profile (side).
Upload: Follow the on-screen prompts to upload these photos via smartphone or computer.
X-Ray Documentation
Upload one of the following X-ray types using a smartphone or laptop:
Pano (Preferred).
FMX.
Lateral Ceph.
Aligner Case Submission
Complete the following selections in the submission menu:
Treatment Area: Specify the arch and whether the treatment is for the full arch or anteriors only.
Restrictions: Indicate if any teeth should have restricted movement or if any areas should restrict attachment placement.
Clinical Details: Note any extractions and specify how to treat spacing or crowding (e.g., expansion, proclination, or IPR).
Bite Correction: Select the desired method for treating the bite.
Order Placement: Place the order to allow Dandy to generate an estimated treatment plan.
Pontics
- Teeth can be digitally placed on the model, creating a pontic
- The aligners will then have that tooth/teeth, which will need to be painted chairside by the dentist.
- Recommended Product:
- Perfect-A-Smile Pontic paint
Digital Removal
- A limited number of brackets/attachments (2-3) can be removed digitally from scans.
- More than that creates a lot of guesswork (best to remove) to reduce the risk of inconsistencies.
- Lingual bars or other fixed appliances should be removed before scanning.
Treatment Plan Approval and Fabrication
Review: Dandy will send a finalized treatment plan within four business days.
Approval: The practice must accept or revise the plan before fabrication begins.
Billing: The total price of the treatment plan is charged to the practice on the day of approval.
Submission Timeline and Archiving Rules
Review Window: Practices have four months to review and accept a treatment plan before the system archives the case.
Archiving: Once archived, the case remains in the system for two additional months for potential resubmission.
Expiration: After six months from the original submission date, the case expires. A new case with new patient scans is required after this period.