I need some advice. I do not live in your area, so would not be a potential patient for you. That is why I am writing you, in the hopes of getting an unbiased answer. I am needing to get dental implants. I was about to go to a seminar for the ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers when I came across some reviews about them being unethical and that has me worried. Do you have an opinion?
Carol
Dear Carol,
Implant overdentures
Bear in mind that each ClearChoice Center is a little different, though there are some consistencies overall. First, their dentists tend to be decent dentists. Some of the major complaints about ClearChoice are more about claiming they have high-pressure sales tactics, their one-size-fits-all treatment philosophy, and lack of follow-up care. If you NEED all of your teeth removed and to get the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, then they may be a good option. All-on-4 is their go-to procedure. Do try to talk them down on their price before agreeing. Depending on the center, I’ve known people to get them to drop $10,000 from their price. Though, that varies from center to center.
However, if you are not in need of that one specific procedure, you may be better off with a private dentist. If you just need individual dental implants for a few teeth, ClearChoice probably is not for you. We have heard that they’ll often try to pressure you to remove healthy teeth to fit their treatment philosophy. If you do need to remove all your teeth, my first choice in treatments would be to get implant-supported dentures. It is a better, more flexible treatment. Plus, if something goes wrong with one dental implant only that implant will need to be replaced. With All-on-4, the entire unit will have to be replaced.
Finally, I have heard reports complaining of a lack of follow-up care. If that is true, that does bother me. It is a signal that they are more interested in drawing in patients than in the outcome of your case. Replacing teeth, especially with any kind of surgical procedure is complicated and I am of the opinion patients need someone who will be there for them to make sure everything has gone according to plan once the work is done.
Bottom line, talk to Clear Choice if you need All-on-4 and get their pricing. Then, go to a private dentist for any other implant procedure. Though, even for the All-on-4, it might help to get a second opinion to get another price quote and get a feel for the difference in care you might get.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
