When you choose to straighten your smile with clear aligners, it’s important to keep in mind that sometimes the unexpected can happen. In certain cases, your dentist may discover that your teeth haven’t moved as intended. Fortunately, there’s a way to address this issue and help you achieve your smile goals: refinements. Here’s a closer look at what clear aligner refinements are and why you might end up needing them.
What are Clear Aligner Refinements?
Refinements are just like regular clear aligners, except they are designed and created in the middle of the orthodontic process to address any teeth that have not shifted according to plan. Wearing your refinements for at least 20 to 22 hours every day will gradually move your teeth toward their correct positions in order to get your treatment back on track.
It should be noted that refinements can add a few months to the overall timeline of your treatment. Also, the exact number of refinements required can vary based on the needs of the patient.
Will You Need Clear Aligner Refinements?
It’s impossible to know the answer to this question before your treatment begins. Even though each step of the clear aligner process is planned ahead of time, some teeth can prove to be more difficult to move than expected. Throughout your treatment, you’ll return to your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for periodic progress checks; if there are any unexpected developments, refinements may be deemed necessary.
Bear in mind that patient compliance is essential for keeping a clear aligner treatment on schedule. If you switch your aligners out early or don’t wear them as often as you need to, you will be more likely to require refinements.
How Can You Lower Your Chances of Needing Refinements?
The best way to minimize your chances of needing refinements is to wear your aligners as much as possible. You should only ever take them out of your mouth when it’s time to eat or brush your teeth. Whenever you remove your aligners, be sure to put them in their protective case; that way, you’ll be less likely to lose them by accident.
Of course, you may end up needing refinements anyway due to an unexpectedly slow-moving tooth. If this happens, there’s no need to panic; as long as you wear your refinements as often as instructed, they’ll help you get back on the path toward making the straighter smile of your dreams a reality.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Samia went to the Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College, and he has a Fellowship in Implantology through the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His current dental practice, Samia Family Dentistry of Garner, offers a comprehensive menu of services that includes clear aligners for correcting misaligned teeth and bites. If you’re interested in straightening your smile with clear aligners, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Samia by visiting his website or calling (919) 779-2818.