Invisalign is a popular orthodontic alternative to traditional braces. These clear plastic aligner trays are customized to fit snuggly over your teeth to gently reposition them over a designated period. If something happens, though, and your treatment doesn’t go according to plan, your dentist might have to incorporate refinements. If you’re not sure what that means, keep reading to find out!
What Are Invisalign Refinements?
Invisalign refinements are the alterations that need to be made to your aligners when teeth aren’t moving appropriately. Ideally, you’d wear them for the allotted 22 hours per day and your smile would shift as predicted so that you could finish therapy in the usual 12-18 months. Because we live in an imperfect world, though, this isn’t always the case. If for some reason your pearly whites aren’t relocating as intended, then your dentist will have to adjust.
How Are Refinements Implemented?
To create your Invisalign trays, your dentist captures digital impressions of your teeth. These were used at the start of the process to create an individualized plan for you based on the exact amount of pressure needed to realign your pearly whites. Then, every two to three weeks, your dentist provides a new set of aligner trays that reflect the recent movement.
If that schedule isn’t effective for some reason, they’ll have to reexamine and rescan to build a better strategy. Typically, this involves additional trays that can close any gaps and continue pushing your teeth to their ideal spots.
How Can I Stay On Track?
There are several reasons your teeth might not transition as quickly as anticipated. Some people, for example, have unexpectedly stubborn ones that simply don’t want to move. If you’re worried that your smile isn’t transitioning the way you expected it to, you can try:
- Wearing your aligners as intended. To be effective, it’s imperative to keep your Invisalign in 22 hours every day. Otherwise, your teeth are likely to revert to their previous positions which increases your treatment timeline.
- Using Invisalign chewies. These small, cylindrical sponges ensure that your Invisalign is situated properly over your pearly whites. Biting down on one gently can push your aligners into place.
- Calling your dentist. If you’ve lost or damaged one of your trays, let your dentist know immediately. Each step is imperative to the overall process, and they’ll work with you to repair or replace yours if needed.
If you’re concerned that your teeth aren’t straightening like they’re supposed to, let your dentist know. They’ll refine your plan as needed so you can achieve a beautifully balanced smile!
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, you’ll benefit from a caring team of dentists who are committed to providing every patient with individualized treatments to meet their dental goals. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, there’s no need for out-of-office referrals to straighten your teeth. They can fit you with Invisalign and provide any refinements as needed throughout your therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (904) 645-6457.