When undergoing any sort of orthodontic treatment, you should want things to go as well as possible – after all, a smooth process means you’ll enjoy a straighter smile much sooner! That said, there’s a good chance that you’ll need Invisalign refinements at the end portion of your orthodontic care, and they will affect your overall treatment timeline. Here’s more from your Campbell dentist about what Invisalign refinements are, why you might need them, and how to keep things on track.
What are Invisalign Refinements?
While it’d be great if your teeth always moved to the correct places by the end of your orthodontic treatment, that doesn’t always happen. Invisalign refinements are meant to address this issue. They are extra trays that are almost identical to your regular ones, and they normally extend a patient’s treatment timeline anywhere from three to six months, depending on the situation. If your dentist decides you need Invisalign refinements, they’ll perform another digital scan of your teeth to help track their movement. They’ll use these scans to order new aligner trays, which will push your teeth into the correct positions.
Why Would You Need Them?
You should know that needing Invisalign refinements isn’t considered a failure of your orthodontic treatment – in fact, the vast majority of patients end up needing them. Teeth can fail to move as they should for various reasons. They can sometimes be difficult or stubborn, moving more slowly or differently than expected. Alternatively, some other treatments may alter the shape of a patient’s teeth; their aligners would then fit poorly. There’s also the possibility that you don’t wear your trays often enough. It’s also worth noting that physical trauma to the teeth, such as getting hit in the mouth during sports, can also alter the course of orthodontic treatment and cause the need for refinement.
How Can You Keep Invisalign on Track?
You can’t always control the speed at which your teeth move. What you can do, though, is follow the best Invisalign practices. Remember the following tips:
- Stick to Your Invisalign Wear Time – To ensure a smooth treatment, wear your Invisalign trays for 20-22 hours daily. That means you should only remove them for meals and oral care.
- Attend Your Check-in Visits – Please attend regular Invisalign check-ins with your dentist (or orthodontist). By doing so, they’ll be able to find and correct treatment problems more quickly.
- Get Replacement Trays as Needed – If you break or misplace your Invisalign trays, get replacements immediately. Time without your aligners delays your treatment progress.
Invisalign refinements may not be fun, but they play a crucial role in aligner work. Use them (when needed) to address your crooked teeth and get closer to a straight smile!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Tricia Mocker, our team here at Mockler Dental has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Campbell and the surrounding area. We proudly offer a wide range of services in a comfortable and stress-free environment, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.