I made my consult with Clear Choice in June of 2010. I met with a sweet,young girl who knew so much about the procedure that I thought she was the dentist herself. In my consult, she made me feel so welcome and took all of my dental fears away. We did 2 X-rays and then the Dr. came in and told me I had enough bone to get both the upper and the lower done. Due to severe perdio disease, I had maybe 8 “good” teeth left in my mouth. This was according to my general DDS and Clear Choice, so I was completely fine with sacraficing those horrible 8 teeth to get 24 perfect teeth. I now eat steak, green apples. For the last 12 years, I couldn’t eat anything other than soft foods. I next came in for an exam where I designed my smile, and then my surgery was 2 weeks later. During my surgery, I came in at 7:30 am and left at 3:30 with my beautiful smile! It was done all in one day like they said! In closing, I paid $44,000 for my treatment (including all discounts) and I would pay it all over again because it was the best decision I have ever made. I brush and floss between my gum and the prosthesis and that is it. No problems, no pain. Anyone interested in getting out of dentures or who are steadily loosing their teeth should go to Clear Choice because they have given me back my confidence, my healthy diet and no more visits to the dentists for fillings, root canals, extractions, bleaching, etc. I am a truly happy patient!

– Renee from Houston

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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Here’s an e-mail I received on August 5, 2010:

Where do I start?

Well first of all when I went to Clear Choice I had already lost all my teeth and was wearing dentures, so I was already desperate for a change and my life back and they have a good way of making you believe they have the answers. We went for the consult, and of course they recommended the all on for upper and lower with bridges attached and the cost would be $44,000 including the permanent bridge, I thought it was a little pricey, but I felt I was worth it and that it would give me my life back. Well since I am planning to move back to NM I opted for the implants and the temp bridge which I had done on 7/29/10 at a cost of $36,000, and I can have the permanent bridge done closer to NM. The day after surgery to my shock when the numbness wore off I realized I have a modified denture or overdenture attached to my implants and a pain that won’t stop. To say I feel ripped off is an understatement, since we took a loan against some family land to have this done and they feel like they gave me what they said. I have an appt on Monday 8/9/10 for my followup and you can bet they will hear about this and if I don’t get what I paid for they are in for a fight, because this is my future they are screwing with and I will not settle for ! crap. Pl ease warn people to ask questions and double check, or just go elsewhere. I believed what I was told and that was a big mistake.
– Donna from Tennessee

Comment by Dr. Hall:
While I think that Clear Choice Dental Implants fees are high and they try to pressure you into a decision, and in that process, you might not have had a clear idea of what you were getting, I wouldn’t be too quick to condemn them on this case. Post-operative pain is not uncommon and isn’t an indication that they did anything wrong.

I would agree that it would be a good idea, if you’ve received a treatment plan from Clear Choice, to seek a second opinion. They tend to look at these cases from one perspective, and it would be good to have another perspective before making a final decision.

Link: Read more about Clear Choice complaints.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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My experience with the salesperson was less than optimum. Surprisingly, the salesperson decided on the treatment plan–not a dentist. I am in the middle of a process of having implants done after losing a tooth that required removing a bridge. This will take 6 months with a partial that I find extremely difficult to tolerate. Hearing that I could get this over with in one day motivated me to go to Clear Choice. I will not say I was pressured, but the salesperson suggested removing good teeth that I have spent probably 20 to 30K to keep, and thus, I was not even slightly interested in doing. I was required to pay 1K to lock in the price quoted, which was competitive with the dentists who will take 6 months. It was only when I saw the comment regarding the bone graft that I realized Clear Choice takes short cuts. I really want this process over with, but I have decided to stick with what I have started in that my dentist says the process is so long due to the bone graft–which is an important step. On th other hand, a concern is that my dentist has not done implants–she just learned. This worries me, somewhat. Thank you for providing information to help me to make an informed decision. On the side, I had my first implants done in 1968 in Waterloo, IA, so I was a pioneer.

– Helen from Maryland
Helen indicated she visited the Clear Choice dental implants center in Vienna, Virginia

Helen,
It is a good idea if your dentist is experienced in doing dental implants. But there are a number of dentists all over who are qualified to place and restore dental implants.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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Here’s a comment I received from someone who had visited a Clear Choice Dental Implant Center in St. Louis:

I was impressed after my first consultation. I got in on time, was treated in a friendly, respectful manner, and was pleasantly surprised that the cost was well below what another dentist had estimated. The whole office staff was willing to bend over backward to help me find the cash (which had to be paid in full up front). Over the next months I had several appointments-I have NO IDEA what they mean by “All in one day”. But subsequent appointments meant always waiting more than an hour to get in and no one around to answer my questions. I had the feeling getting my money was their only interest. On Tuesday of this week I had two implants put in. I received no post-op instructions. Two days later I knew that an infection was spreading through my head and neck. When I called, the dental assistant was dismissive, saying it all sounded normal. I asked for a prescription for an antibiotic and she said she had it in my chart that she gave it to my grandmother. (If I had a living grandmother she would be well over 100 years old.) I told the assistant I did not have anyone with me that could have gotten my Rx. An hour later, the dentist called and asked specific questions about my symptoms. He seemed concerned and said he would call for a Rx right then. I waited another hour before going to my pharmacy, but the Rx wasn’t ready. My condition worsened that afternoon and I called Clear Choice again. The assistant said in an impatient voice “What is it now, Rebecca?” I said “Would you please tell the doctor that a thick white tissue has formed over the screws and that they are no longer visible?” She said she would tell him. He did not return my call, and he does not return to the office until Tuesday. So here I sit with an extensive infection, wishing I never had to see these people again, but needing to finish the process. I am angry that my whole week was wasted with this unnecessary illness, angry that they are treating me in such a dismissive manner, and angry that I feel I have little choice about what to do next. Clear Choice was a very bad choice.
– Rebecca

Rebecca,
Thanks for your comments.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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As a surgeon at Clear Choice, I was surprised and curious about your website, and the suspicion you are seemingly trying to encourage. I was unaware of any legal response to your web-site, but I can understand it in the context of what it appears you are trying to do (not merely request information, but actually cause controversy). I can tell you that we perform (on a daily basis – in fact… today as a matter of fact) many cases that involve one, two or more single implants to replace teeth. Our treatment plans are catered to the best interest of each individual patient. We certainly do not have a “one shoe fits all” approach at all. Your vigor begs the question of why…… Asking for laypersons’ responses causes me to wonder about your intentions. I am sure that you would gain much more insight and professional knowledge from talking to one of the trained specialists at a Clear Choice Center. It might be interesting to read the resonses to a web page that requests complaints against you (or any doctor for that matter). However, you would be justified in objecting to me publishing those (possibly unfounded complaints) on a website. Finally, the most interesting note about your reponses was that only one HAD TREATMENT at a Clear Choice. That response was quite positive. The remaining “complaints” that I read were from people who never had any treatment.
– Clear Choice Doctor from Texas

Dear ClearChoice Doctor,
You didn’t submit your name, e-mail address or any contact information, so I will answer you here on the blog. Maybe you will pick it up later.

I appreciate your input. Your points are well taken and I am glad to hear that you present a variety of treatment plans.

As far as my motivations, I am very upfront about that. I guess we could be compared to any type of media outlet, such as a newspaper. Visitors generate advertising and sponsorship revenue. And I have learned from doing this website for about 15 years now, that my honest and forthright opinions stir up some animosity among some but are greatly appreciated by the bulk of visitors.

I have no financial interest in the success or failure of ClearChoice Dental Implants Centers. I have solicited comments because I have found that there are a lot of people who are wanting to comment. And I relay those and give my honest opinion about them. My underlying philosophy is that if I present honest and helpful information and try hard to be accurate and well-informed, that this is the formula for long-term success of this website.

And I think that, to be fair, you should admit that you have a definite financial interest in the success of ClearChoice. I don’t begrudge you that. But to insinuate that I have some hidden sinister motive that you can’t quite put your finger on, I don’t think that is fair.

You make a point that the negative comments have all come from people who have not had treatment done at ClearChoice. That is a helpful perspective. The complaints are about the treatment plans and the sales techniques, not about the quality of treatment, once it has begun. But there is some uniformity in the complaints, which tends to give them some credibility. And I believe that when people have complaints about the treatment they received at ClearChoice, that you make financial adjustments for them contingent on them not going public with their complaints. This was told to me by a patient who DID have a complaint about the treatment which was resolved for him AFTER his first correspondence with me, and so he begged me not to publish it, because of the settlement agreement.

I did have a nice phone call last week from Steve Boyd, the CEO of ClearChoice. He explained some of your corporate philosophy, and he invited me to take a tour of a ClearChoice facility. I took him up on that tour offer yesterday, and visited ClearChoice Phoenix. Dr. Daniel Galindo was very accommodating and professional. He told me, during that tour, that they do present a variety of treatment plans, and that, of those who come to them with no teeth, only about half receive the recommendation for the All-On-4 procedure. I’m not sure I believe that, for two reasons. First, I have heard from a number of patients who have had treatment plans at ClearChoice centers, and every one has said they were told they needed the All-on-4. Second, I had a private phone call from a former ClearChoice employee who asked to remain anonymous, saying that about 80% of the treatment plans they presented were for All-on-4 and that this is what drives their profitability. But Dr. Galindo did convince me that their treatment standards are high and treatments are performed with a great deal of expertise. My experience has definitely softened some of my complaints. Stay tuned for more.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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Hi Dr. Hall, I had a 4 on 4 procedure done on 11-24-09 { All Teeth } & while it was very Expensive It was with out a doubt VERY WORTH IT !I can’t say enough positive things about CLEAR CHOICE ! they were very Professinal & the nicest people I have ever dealt with & I have been to more dental offices than I care to remember. I was even told to go away from the ALTON DENTAL SCHOOL. the said it would have taken to long to do me any good. what a waste of time that was any Questions, Contact me anytime
– George from Missouri

George,
I’m glad you had a good experience at your Clear Choice Dental Implant Center. Yes, I do hear that they’re expensive. You’re yet another case where all the teeth were taken out and the all-on-four was done. It’s pretty well confirmed in my mind that everyone gets this same treatment plan.

If you don’t go to another dentist for a second opinion, you’re more likely to be satisfied with them, because then you won’t get exposed to the controversy that often occurs over their treatment plans.
– Dr. Hall

Other links:
We suggest Dr. William Cohen for Chicago dentures, and Dr. Robert Thein for Los Angeles Dentures – both very ethical and skilled implant dentists.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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