Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces. It consists of clear plastic aligner trays that are custom-fitted to sit over your teeth and gently move them over time. They’re much more discrete than bulky metal brackets, but that’s not the only advantage of this orthodontic therapy. Another big benefit is that treatment is often complete after 12 months instead of several years. That said, if for some reason your teeth aren’t moving as expected, then you’ll have to wait a little longer. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign refinements and why they’re sometimes necessary.
What is an Invisalign Refinement?
This term simply refers to alterations that need to be made to your aligners when your pearly whites aren’t shifting as intended. Your dentist provides you with new trays every week or two throughout treatment to account for their movement. If the current plan isn’t as effective as it should be, your dentist will need to implement changes that get you back on track.
How are Invisalign Refinements Applied?
When you first started treatment, your dentist captured various digital images and impressions of your teeth, jaw, and bite alignment. This information was used to make an individualized strategy that exerted the exact amount of pressure necessary to rearrange your teeth with each new set of trays. If you’re not seeing the progress you expected, they’ll need to reexamine your current condition and possibly take new images to build a better plan.
How Can I Avoid Invisalign Refinements?
There are many reasons your teeth might not relocate the way your dentist anticipated. In some cases, there’s a stubborn tooth that simply won’t budge and needs to be taken into account.
In other instances, you can prevent needing refinements by:
- Using Invisalign chewies. These are small, cylindrical chewies made of a sponge-like material that you can bite down on when inserting your aligners. It ensures they’re snuggly positioned to exert the correct amount of force.
- Wearing your trays long enough. To prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions, you’ll need to wear your trays for 22 hours every day. Essentially, they should only be removed when you’re eating or cleaning your teeth.
- Communicating with your dentist. It’s not uncommon for patients to accidentally toss their trays out with their trash after a meal, or to inadvertently lose one because they forgot their case. If that happens, you need to let your dentist know so they can repair or replace the trays as needed to continue treatment.
Invisalign refinements can add anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to your timetable, depending on the severity of the problem. Then, when it’s all said and done, you’ll have the perfectly straight smile you deserve!
About the Practice
At Cedric C. Chenet, DDS, PA, you and the entire family benefit from 3 skilled dentists who work together to provide a full range of services, including Invisalign therapy. With cutting-edge technology, you’re sure to get top-of-the-line treatments for long-lasting results. By incorporating artistry, expertise, and technical skills together, they can enhance your smile and improve your oral health. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (321) 253-3136.