Do I Need Clear Aligner Refinements?

Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for those looking to straighten their teeth. They work by covering your teeth to gently move them into their ideal placement. As teeth shift, new trays will be necessary to account for the changes. That means that every week or two, patients need to replace trays in order to progress. Sometimes, though, refinement trays are necessary if your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated. Keep reading to learn more about how and why!

What Are Clear Aligner Refinements?

Essentially, aligner refinements are additional trays created if for whatever reason your treatment isn’t going according to schedule. The typical timeline from start to finish usually takes 12 to 18 months, but sometimes teeth don’t respond as predicted, or things simply move too slowly. In these situations, extra trays may be added to adjust. This might mean another 3 to 6 months are added to your treatment plan, depending on how many additional changes are necessary.

How Are Aligner Refinements Created?

The initial clear trays you’ll receive are created from digital impressions of your teeth. To create refinements, your dentist might require additional scans. From there, they can order new trays that will push your teeth back to where they need to be.

What Leads to Needing Refinements?

Refinements are generally needed when your teeth aren’t transitioning as quickly as projected. Sometimes this is due to factors outside our control, like stubborn teeth that simply aren’t as responsive to the trays. However, there are some things you can do to keep your plan on track including:

• Wearing your aligners long enough to be effective. You’ll be required to be wearing your trays for 20 to 22 hours a day. If you don’t have them in for the allotted time, then your teeth won’t shift as quickly.
• Use clear aligner mints or chewies whenever you reinsert your trays into your mouth to help them sit correctly over your teeth. This ensures the aligners are properly placed so your teeth can be, too.
• Contact your dentist if a tray gets lost or damaged. Each tray is important, and waiting to let someone know will only delay your progress!

If you feel like you have one or more teeth that may simply not be responding to your aligners, it’s time to call your dentist. They can ensure that you’re provided with any additional trays needed to get your smile back up to speed!

About the Practice

The specialized dentists at Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry can give your child a straight and healthy smile for years to come. Whether they need aligners to straighten their teeth or require specialized care for their teeth and gums, there is an expert onsite who can help! If you or your child have clear aligners and feel your teeth aren’t moving correctly, feel free to request an appointment on the website or call (847) 255-3020.