Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry and orthodontics by storm, and more patients than ever before are turning toward clear aligners to straighten their smiles and send their confidence soaring! However, when many patients reach the end of their treatment journey, they’re told that they’ll need refinements—and many feel puzzled or even disappointed by this news. But needing refinements is no reason to panic or worry! Here’s what you need to know about this important step in the Invisalign process.
What Are Invisalign Refinements?
You can think of refinements as the finishing touches of your Invisalign treatment. After you finish your initial treatment plan, your orthodontist will check to see if all of your teeth have moved exactly as planned. If certain teeth need a little extra adjustment, new aligners will be ordered to target those movements. Refinements are NOT a setback—they’re a normal part of the Invisalign process for many patients!
In fact, most orthodontists agree that usually 80% to 90% of the initial improvements targeted by Invisalign are achieved, and then a little extra help is needed to reach the final goal. Refinements help to ensure your final results are as precise, functional, and beautiful as possible. Here are some common reasons they may be needed:
- Not wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours each day can slow progress, leaving teeth slightly behind schedule.
- Teeth that require complex movement (such as rotation) might not move as anticipated and sometimes need extra aligners to guide them into position.
- Even when the teeth look straight, sometimes additional adjustments may be needed to make sure the bite is healthy and balanced.
Tips for Keeping Invisalign on Track
While refinements are common, there are still steps you can take to minimize delays and help your treatment progress smoothly:
- Wear your aligners for the recommended wear time, only removing them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
- Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for when to change to your next set of aligners. Don’t rush ahead or fall behind schedule.
- Keep your aligners clean by rinsing and brushing them regularly to prevent buildup that can affect their fit.
- Attend all of your regular check-in appointments so that your orthodontist can check your progress and detect (and correct) any issues that come up.
The bottom line is, Invisalign refinements are simply part of the journey to a healthier, straighter smile. With a little extra time and consistency, your final results will look and feel just right!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Grafton has proudly served the needs of patients and families in the North Grafton area for several years. We offer a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment at our office for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 839-9350.