Having a healthy, aligned smile does more than boost your confidence. It makes it easier to keep your dental health in good order. Invisalign is one of the most powerful tools for improving your smile and oral health. Invisalign is a treatment process that has revolutionized the world of orthodontic improvements.
The process includes a series of clear, discreet aligners that gradually straighten teeth. However, your journey doesn’t always end with the last set of aligners. Majority of people need additional minor adjustments to their nearly perfect smiles. This is when Invisalign refinements are used.
What do you need to know about Invisalign and the use of refinements?
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment using customized, clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth gradually. The results are similar to traditional braces, but the aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable than a mouth of metal. The Invisalign process is tailored to each patient, who receives a new set of aligners every week. Aligners are worn for approximately 22 hours every day. Patients can remove them to eat, drink, or perform oral hygiene.
Invisalign is a gradual, meticulously planned process. The initial step is a consultation, which includes digital scans/3D images and photographs that allow your dentist or orthodontist to create your customized treatment plan. You’ll also see a virtual simulation of how your teeth will shift into place, and your smile will improve over time.
Once your treatment plan is complete, you receive your first set of aligners. You’ll wear those for a week or two before moving on to the next set of aligners. It’s a gradual process that moves in steps that sometimes require a bit of tweaking at the end. That’s where refinements come in. They fine-tune the overall results of Invisalign with small adjustments.
Benefits of Invisalign include:
- Discreet appearance
- Comfort
- Convenience
- Fully customizable
- Shortened treatment time
What Are Invisalign Refinements?
Refinements are an integral part of the process, especially for people hoping for the optimal outcome. Refinements are additional aligners added to the initial treatment plan. They address any remaining alignment issues and are usually less aggressive than the original plan. As you near the end of your original treatment plan, you and your dentist or orthodontist will discuss the progression and determine if refinements are needed.
Designing refinements usually requires additional scans of your teeth. The results are used to craft a new sets of aligners. Refinements are crucial for achieving the best possible results from the Invisalign process. Although the technology used to design your original aligners is incredibly accurate, it’s impossible to predict precisely how your body and teeth will respond.
In some cases, minor adjustments are needed. There are also instances in which corrections that were part of the original plan create secondary issues. Refinements address all these issues, ensuring every tooth is perfectly aligned and the bite is adjusted correctly.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to more traditional methods of alignment correction, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Invisalign ideal candidates:
- Have mild to moderate alignment issues
- Are adults or teens
- Willingly follow Invisalign treatment plan instructions and wear their aligners as recommended
- Have healthy teeth and gums
You and your dentist can discuss your options and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.
Final Step to Create the Perfect Smile
Invisalign refinements are the last step in your journey to a straighter, healthier smile. These additional aligners help you perfect your smile down to the last detail. The use of refinements extends the length of your treatment plan, but they ensure that you get the exact results you envisioned when you committed to it. Most patients report that the wait is worth the patience and effort required.
If you’re considering Invisalign or are currently undergoing treatment, refinements may be necessary to achieve your perfect smile. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more or discuss your dental health options.
