Invisalign is undisputedly the most popular orthodontic treatment in the world today! It is a great and convenient means to correct misalignment of your teeth and the jaws. The innovative approach comes without the hassles of conventional braces. In certain cases, these invisible aligner trays are not sufficient to correct your orthodontic issues and thus you need something extra to achieve your desired results from the treatment. Let us now get introduced to Invisalign refinements. These refinements are comparatively new in the world of invisible aligners. In the following sections of the post let us explore everything that you should know about Invisalign refinements.

A basic understanding of the refinements used in Invisalign treatments

Refinements used in Invisalign are actually additional sets of aligner trays. These additional aligner trays may or may not be needed during the course of your treatment. Dentists rely on these additional retainers when a patient’s teeth are not moving according to expectation or there are gaps between the teeth that need to be shut out. These refinements bring about little modifications to enable your aligners move your tooth or teeth into correct alignment.

Reasons you need these refinements

Also known as Invisalign improvements you may require this range of additional aligner trays for a number of reasons to facilitate your orthodontic treatment. There is some reasons –

·         Fine tuning your smile

During the course of your treatment some of the teeth may not move according the treatment plan. Refinements adjust these specific zones to ensure all the teeth in your mouth and properly aligned. It is also possible that some of your teeth may not fully shift into their desired positions during the initial phase of the treatment. Refinements help those teeth achieve the right number of adjustments or alignment in the process, explains a dentist who provides Invisalign Moderate treatment in London over the years.

Issues of overcorrection and under-correction

These refinements also prove helpful addressing cases of overcorrection and under-correction. Both these phenomena are quite common for orthodontists in real world situations. When the teeth of a patient move in the wrong direction or move too much, it is a case of overcorrection. On the other when the teeth fail achieving the desired movement it is under-correction. Invisalign refinements prove equally efficient in correcting both these problems and help you achieve desired results from your treatment.

Bite corrections

The refinements used in the treatment also fix bite issues including overbite, under bite and cross bite. As a matter of fact, refinement treatments are effective shifting your teeth to optimal positions to improve your overall oral health as well as functionality.

Enhanced aesthetics

Invisalign refinements also prove helpful enhancing overall aesthetic appeal of your smile. You may not be satisfied with your initial Invisalign treatment results. If that's the case, you can use refinements to further align your teeth, giving you a smile that looks better and makes you feel more confident.

Invisalign refinements and the process involved

The process of using these refinements includes the following steps –

Step 1 – consult your treatment provider

In order to get into the process of using these refinements first you must schedule an appointment with your Invisalign provider. During the appointment you point out your problems and concerns. You also need identifying the areas where you still expect improvement. Then your dentist assesses your teeth and the jaws to determine whether these refinements can really cater to your wishes. So, this is how you get your Invisalign refinements.   

Step 2 – fresh impressions and scans

If you are selected as an ideal candidate for Invisalign refinements your treatment provider will take a set of fresh scans and digital impressions of your teeth and the mouth with help of a 3D scanner. This fresh set of digital scans and impressions will help custom designing your fresh series of aligner trays. According to an orthodontic expert in London who handles cases of the Invisalign Moderate system explains this fresh series of your aligners is only meant to target the problem areas and not the overall alignment of your teeth or the jaws. Your fresh round of treatment starts as soon as you get the new series of the aligner’s custom fitted for your teeth from a remote Invisalign lab.

Step 3 – receiving the fresh set of aligner trays custom fitted for your teeth

Once you get your set of refinement aligners you have to wear the appliances on your teeth in pretty much the same way as you did last time at the beginning of your Invisalign treatment. Your treatment provider will instruct you how many hours a day you have to keep wearing these refinement appliances on the teeth. Usually, dentists recommend the same 20 to 22 hours compliance for refinement aligners as with your initial Invisalign treatment. Switching to a new set of aligners is usually recommended every one to two weeks.

Step 4 – monitoring the progress of your refinement treatment

While you are undergoing the refinement treatment your Invisalign expert keeps monitoring the progress in a consistent manner explains an orthodontist who quotes reasonable package cost for Invisalign Moderate treatment. While making these assessments the expert ensures your teeth move according to the plan and your expectation. If the expert thinks fit in that case there could be necessary changes in your Invisalign refinement treatment plan as well.  

Finalising the treatment

Your Invisalign refinement treatment comes to an end when you and your treatment provider are satisfied with the alignment of your teeth. Once the treatment is over you are likely to be recommended to wear retainers to prevent your teeth undergoing a relapse.

Situations when refinements are necessary

During the initial phase of the treatment if certain issues remain unaddressed then Invisalign refinement aligner trays are required. Refinement aligners are usually needed after the initial treatment under the following circumstances –

·         Some teeth are stubborn and resist shifting unlike the others

·         Limited initial progress as the first series of aligners may not work as expected

·         Enhancing the alignment of one’s bite

·         Correcting relapse

·         Addressing new dental issues that may arise 

Invisalign refinement cost

According to dentists working at the widely trusted Piccadilly Dental Clinic in London, the cost of Invisalign refinements depends on certain factors and thus varies widely. The factors include – the price structure of a particular dental practice, the complexity of adjustment required for a patient, an individual’s dental insurance policy and others. On an average, Invisalign providers, in and around London, quote a price within the range of £500 to £1200 for each course of refinement treatment.