Should I Use Time on Clear Choice?

Question submitted by George:

I’m a senior on a tight budget of both time and money. I was going to attend a Clear Choice dental implant seminar, but have recently read a lot of complaints about the center near my house. Is this something I should check out or is it a waste of time or money?

George

Dear George,

Because Clear Choice Dental Implant Centers are corporate owned. There is high turnover and each center is a bit different. They are best at marketing. Many of their dentists are good, but are using this as a means of gaining experience and money until they can invest in their own practice.

I generally have two big concerns with them. First, they treat patients as if they are a one-size fits all and always point people toward the all-on-4 dental implants. While a good choice for some patients, it definitely is not the best for all, who might be better served with more traditional implant supported dentures.

Second, there is not a lot of follow-up with their patients. Once they have completed the procedure and have your money, you won’t get a lot of care to see how the procedure is going.

I rarely tell someone not go get all the information they can, so I wouldn’t necessarily tell you not to go. Just beware that they do have some high-pressure tactics, so don’t let them make you feel like you have to make a decision right then.

My recommendation, if you were to go there, would be to get a second opinion before you make a decision. I would look at a general dentist or prosthodontist who have significant post-doctoral training in dental implants. Even if they use an oral surgeon, do not go to the surgeon first. It should always be the dentist or prosthodontist who plans the placement of your dental implants.

This way, you’ll get much more specialized care and they will be very invested in the success of your case. The follow-up will be much more significant than you would get at Clear Choice.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.