Invisalign has quickly risen in rank to become one of the most exciting braces alternatives around! Many patients these days are turning toward these clear aligners to straighten their teeth and enjoy healthier, properly functioning smiles. That said, some patients are a little surprised to learn that they’ll need refinements at the end of their treatment, which seemingly extends their journey. The truth is, refinements are very common and allow the finishing touches to be made to your orthodontic progress! Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Are Invisalign Refinements?
Invisalign refinements are extra sets of clear aligners used to refine your orthodontic progress and help achieve the final, precise results after the initial treatment phase. They’re used to correct minor movements, bite issues, or gaps that didn’t fully resolve as planned. You may need refinements if your teeth didn’t move perfectly, you were inconsistent about your wear-time, or have small spaces or rotated teeth that need further correction.
Your dentist will scan your teeth to see how they’ve moved at the end of your initial treatment phase, and a new plan will be made—along with new aligners for you to wear. Normally, Invisalign refinements can take anywhere from 3 to 6 more months.
Did I Fail My Treatment If I Need Refinements?
Needing Invisalign refinements does not necessarily mean that you’ve failed your orthodontic treatment; in fact, most patients end up needing a little fine-tuning at the end of their Invisalign journey! The fact of the matter is that teeth can be stubborn, and it’s not always possible to anticipate how they’ll move when the aligners are worn. While dentists can predict this movement accurately for the most part, surprises can still happen. However, if you end up needing extensive refining due to neglecting to wear your trays, it’s up to you to correct your habits!
How Can I Help My Treatment’s Progress?
Even though you cannot technically speed up your Invisalign progress or make your refinements do their job faster, you can facilitate a smooth process without setbacks by doing the following:
- Always wear your aligners as instructed, which is normally 20 – 22 hours each day. Only remove them to eat/drink and brush your teeth.
- Store your aligners in their carrying case when they aren’t being worn to ensure they don’t become lost or damaged.
- Keep your aligners clean so that they don’t trap bacteria and increase the risk of oral health issues, which can cause delays.
Although it might move the figurative goalposts, without Invisalign refinements, you wouldn’t get the beautiful, healthy results you set out to obtain—meaning that a little extra time and effort will pay off greatly!
About the Practice
Here at University Dental Group, Dr. Camesia Matthews, Dr. Shadi Haidar, and the rest of our team proudly serve the dental needs of those in Worcester and the nearby communities. We offer a wide selection of services, ranging from routine preventive care to smile-straightening solutions like Invisalign. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call for more information. Telephone: (508) 372-8663.