Just as you’re finishing the final stages of Invisalign treatment, your dentist informs you that you’re not quite done yet. This may come as a surprise, but don’t assume you’ve done anything wrong. Oftentimes, Invisalign refinements can be necessary if you’ve yet to achieve precise results. Maybe it’s a single tooth that needs an adjustment. Whatever it might be, these additional aligners can help. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign refinements and why they might be necessary to help you achieve the beautiful, confident, healthy smile you deserve.
What Are Invisalign Refinements?
Invisalign refinements are additional aligners your dentist might recommend as you near the end of treatment. Not all patients need them, but they can be helpful if your teeth require a little extra push to reach their desired location.
No one wants to finish treatment feeling as if they didn’t achieve their goal of a straighter, more perfectly aligned smile. Fortunately, Invisalign refinements can prevent this!
Signs You Might Need Invisalign Refinements
Everyone’s smile moves differently during Invisalign treatment, so even if you’re doing everything right, certain teeth or bite issues may not respond as they should. This isn’t necessarily your fault, so don’t assume you’ve done anything wrong.
Your dentist may recommend Invisalign refinements if:
- Some of your teeth still appear crooked or crowded, meaning they haven’t moved into proper alignment completely.
- There are one or more gaps that have yet to close.
- Your overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite may still need correction.
- Certain teeth are shifting much slower than expected.
It’s important to remember that refusing to wear your trays 20-22 hours a day can lead to refinements.
How Does the Refinement Process Work?
This simple process doesn’t require a lot of additional work. Instead, your Invisalign treatment will be extended. For how long? It depends on how many additional aligners you will need.
- You will meet with your dentist to have your teeth checked. They will take scans and impressions to determine what kind of adjustments are still required.
- New sets of Invisalign aligners will be crafted to focus on the few additional tweaks needed to achieve a fully aligned smile.
- You will wear your refinement aligners 20-22 hours a day. You might only need a few more months to ensure your teeth and bite move into place.
- Regular appointments will still be required so that your dentist can monitor your progress.
Invisalign refinements make all the difference in your orthodontic journey. With these final adjustments, you can watch your smile reach its full potential.
About the Practice
Signature Smiles of LA is led by an all-female team: Dr. Mahooti, Dr. Yi, and Dr. Stavrou. With a general and cosmetic dentist, a board-certified periodontist, and a board-certified prosthodontist on staff, they work closely together to help patients regain confidence and recapture beautiful smiles. Dr. Mahooti can use Invisalign to straighten teeth and improve oral health, so if you’re interested in these clear aligners, contact us at (818) 600–1884 to schedule an appointment.