At the beginning of your Invisalign journey, your dentist should have uses advanced imaging tools to capture impressions of your teeth. Sophisticated software then helped them map out your tooth movements. Often, things go according to this original plan. Some patients, though, find that their teeth are not quite where they should be as they approach the end of their Invisalign treatment. In such cases, refinements might be necessary. What are Invisalign refinements, and what should you know about them? This blog post explains.
What Are Invisalign Refinements?
Invisalign refinements are adjustments made to your treatment plan after your initial series of aligners. If your teeth have not moved as precisely as expected, your dentist may recommend additional aligners to help you reach your ideal smile.
There are a few reasons why refinements might be necessary:
- Your teeth moved more slowly than expected.
- You did not consistently wear your aligners for the required 20 – 22 hours each day.
- You have natural differences in your teeth and gums that unexpectedly affected your tooth movements.
The Refinements Process
If you need Invisalign refinements, you can expect to go through the following process:
- Your dentist will evaluate your final tooth positions and compare them to the original treatment goals. Then, new scans or impressions of your teeth will be taken to assess your current alignment.
- Customized refinement aligners will be designed using advanced software to target remaining issues. Some refinements need just a few new sets of aligners, but other refinements are more extensive.
- You will wear your new aligners as instructed and attend follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor your tooth movements.
What Else Should You Know About Refinements?
You might be a bit disappointed if you learn that your Invisalign treatment will have to be extended. But refinements can be a good thing! Here are some things to keep in mind as you strive to achieve the best possible results from your orthodontic journey:
- Refinements are a normal part of Invisalign treatment and are not a sign of failure.
- The process may add a few weeks or months to your overall timeline, depending on your individual needs.
- You may need to be even more diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day.
- Depending on the details of your original payment contract, you may need to pay extra money for your refinements. Be sure to talk about this with your dental team so you are all on the same page about how refinements will affect the financial aspect of your care.
Invisalign refinements can be an essential part of treatment. Ask your dental team for more details about how they work and what they can realistically achieve.
Meet the Practice At New Haven Dental Group, our team is proud to provide top-quality care for our community. Invisalign clear aligners are among the many services we offer. If you have questions about the Invisalign process and how to make your treatment a success, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our New Haven, CT, location at 203-712-4068.