In some cases, when you reach the end of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist might find that your teeth haven’t quite reached their ideal alignment yet. In this situation, you’re likely to be told that refinements are needed to put the finishing touches on your smile. To help make sure that you’re fully prepared for this scenario, here’s a closer look at what Invisalign refinements are and why they might be necessary.
What are Invisalign Refinements?
Simply put, Invisalign refinements are extra aligners that might be added to your treatment plan if your teeth don’t move as intended. They’re typically used to give your teeth the last push they need in order to ensure that they’re properly aligned.
Wearing Invisalign refinements is very similar to wearing regular aligners. You will need to keep them in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day in order to expose the teeth to the pressure required to shift them to new positions. You can usually expect to wear a given set of refinement aligners for about one to two weeks before switching to the next ones in the series. Overall, the process of using Invisalign refinements to fine-tune your smile usually takes around 3 to 6 months.
Why are Invisalign Refinements Sometimes Necessary?
Invisalign refinements might be necessary if any of the following issues are present by the time you reach the end of your treatment plan:
- Your teeth are still somewhat crooked or overly crowded.
- The spaces between your teeth haven’t closed as much as they should.
- You still have an overbite, an underbite, or another type of bite problem.
These kinds of issues can sometimes be the result of failing to wear your aligners as often as you should. However, another possible explanation is that your teeth shifted more slowly than expected and simply need a little extra time to reach their proper positions.
How Can You Reduce the Chances of Needing Invisalign Refinements?
You’ll be less likely to need Invisalign refinements if you take the necessary steps to keep your treatment plan on track. This means being diligent about wearing your aligners for the required amount of time each day; ideally, you should only take them out of your mouth when it’s time for a meal or your oral hygiene routine. On top of that, you should make your Invisalign check-in visits a priority. These appointments give your dentist a chance to make sure that your teeth are moving as expected.
Even if you do end up needing refinements, there’s no need to worry. All it means is that there are a few last steps to take before you can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile. Remember that you can always talk to your dentist if you have questions or concerns about refinements.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Daaboul is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He has more than two decades of dental experience and currently holds membership with the American Academy of Clear Aligners as well as other organizations. At Daaboul Family, Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry in Grapevine, he offers Invisalign clear aligners as a solution for crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth. If you’re interested in pursuing Invisalign treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Daaboul by visiting his website, using his online scheduling tool, or calling (817) 646-7306.