Invisalign Refinement & What You Need To Know?

In most cases and the majority of patients, the Invisalign process is usually straightforward, and teeth move perfectly into the desired position. However, in a small number of cases, the teeth movement does not go into position as intended. When this happens, a new set of aligners are required, and these aligners are needed to ‘refine’ the treatment. Refinements are a normal aspect of the Invisalign process. These aligners are used near the end of your treatment and are used to ensure that you can achieve the results for the smile you had planned for with your dentist.

Here is what you need to know about Invisalign refinements and how it affects your overall treatment.

Close-up Of A Man's Hand Putting Transparent Aligner In Teeth

Factors that may influence the need for refinement.

Although refinements are simply a new set of aligners, not everyone who starts the Invisalign journey requires refinements, in some cases, a few minor corrections and adjustments will be necessary.

The following can influence your treatment and have an impact on your result which may require refinement trays.

Trays need to be worn 22 hours a day 7 days a week. Not wearing your aligners for the recommended time. Forgetting to put your aligners back in after eating or drinking.
Broken or lost aligners. Not replacing your aligners immediately
The complex movement of difficult teeth
The genetically slow movement of teeth
Getting any dental treatment during Invisalign that change or alter the shape of your teeth affecting how your teeth into the aligner.

FAQ’S About Invisalign Refinement

How do Invisalign refinements work?

Refinement aligners are the same as your normal Invisalign trays except they are custom made along your journey. These digitally designed aligners are created based on the molds of your teeth, therefore, customizing a specific treatment plan for everyone. The series of aligners that you receive are all shaped slightly different from one another and each aligner has its purpose. Each aligner is designed to put the necessary pressure on the teeth to shift and move the alignment of your teeth into the desired position. Invisalign aligners are changed up every 2-3 weeks as instructed by your dentist. Every time you visit our dentist for a new set of aligners, your dentist will check the progress of your teeth. Every patient and their smiles are unique and respond differently to Invisalign treatment, therefore adjustments may be required along the way to ensure the best results are achieved. If your teeth are not changing into their desired position on the schedule of your visits, then your dentist may propose and recommend that adding refinements to your treatment is necessary.

When do you get the refinement and how long do refinements last?

Refinement is usually needed towards the end of your Invisalign treatment. In some cases, your dentist will check your progression and if the desired outcome is not achieved by the scheduled appointment, then refinement aligners may be introduced. This can be due to complex cases where teeth movement is difficult and when there are factors influencing teeth movement as mentioned earlier. If you need refinement, then a new 3D scan of your teeth will be taken, and these new digital pictures will be sent off to Invisalign. After approval of your scan by Invisalign, the additional aligner trays are ordered. These refinement aligners involve the same process as your previous aligner trays, except their job is to “fine-tune” your results with an additional adjusted course of trays. It is important they are worn 22 hours a day for 7 days a week as your previous trays. Due to a new addition of these adjusted refinement trays, these aligners can typically add an average of 3 extra months or so onto the original Invisalign plan. However, this delay of treatment will not impact the effectiveness of the procedure.

Will Refinement Aligners be an additional cost?

Refinement is generally regarded as part of your Invisalign treatment, depending on the type of tiered treatment plan you are on will determine the number of refinement aligners you will get included in your treatment, and this usually does not cost extra. Although if your case requires additional refinements on top of what is included then the aligners may also add cost to treatment depending on the complexity of the case.

Here at The Smile Designer, we will discuss in great depth what the potential outcomes will be and what to expect in your Invisalign journey. To learn more about the convenience and effectiveness of Invisalign or to discuss if you are the right candidate for Invisalign then book in for your free consultation with one of our dentists to start the process for your Invisalign Journey. We offer meaningful and in-depth one-on-one free consultations to discuss all your options for creating a bright beautiful smile.