Invisalign is known for being a comfortable, discreet, and effective way to straighten your teeth. But what many patients don’t realize is that refinements are a normal part of many Invisalign journeys. If your orthodontist mentions the need for refinements, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean anything is wrong. In fact, it means your orthodontist is making sure your treatment ends with the best possible results. Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Are Invisalign Refinements?
Refinements are essentially a set of aligners created after your initial series of trays has been completed. They help fine-tune your smile by making small corrections to tooth positions that didn’t move as planned, or that need a bit more work to achieve your treatment goals. Refinements are very common and often expected in more complex cases or when minor tooth movements are still needed at the end of your first set. You shouldn’t think of needing refinements as a failure on your part; sometimes, teeth are simply stubborn and don’t move as anticipated!
Why Might Refinements Be Needed?
There are a few reasons you might need Invisalign refinements:
- Your teeth didn’t move as expected – Every smile is unique, and sometimes teeth respond a little differently than projected by the original treatment plan.
- Missed or inconsistent wear – If trays weren’t worn for the recommended 20 – 22 hours per day, some movements may not have occurred properly.
- Fine-tuning results – Even if everything went smoothly, your orthodontist may recommend refinements to ensure the most balanced bite and beautiful smile possible.
Tips for Staying on Track with Invisalign
To reduce the need for extensive refinements, or to make sure your current refinements are as short as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear your aligners consistently—stick to the 20 – 22 hour wear time, only removing them to eat and clean your teeth.
- Follow your change schedule; don’t rush ahead or skip sets of aligners, and likewise, don’t wait too long to move to your next set.
- Clean your aligners and teeth alike; dental issues like cavities can actually cause setbacks, believe it or not.
- Check in with your orthodontist as needed and attend all scheduled appointments; regular monitoring lets them catch issues early on and adjust your plan if needed.
Whether you need a few extra trays or a bit more time, your orthodontist’s goal is to help you achieve results you’re proud to show off. Refinements are just one last step in this exciting journey!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Wayland has served the needs of those in the area for several years, offering a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, like Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can contact us online or by phone today. Telephone: (508) 358-6300.