What Are Invisalign® Refinements and When Are They Needed?

Most patients begin Invisalign treatment with a set of clear aligners and a personalized treatment plan designed to shift their teeth into better alignment over time. However, some patients may need a little extra help getting their teeth where they want them — even after they've completed their initial set of trays. For these patients, Invisalign refinements — or additional trays based on updated dental scans — may be recommended to keep their treatment on track to a successful outcome.

At Maison BE Dental Studio in New York, NY, Dr. Ellen Katz offers customized Invisalign treatment plans with the flexibility to include refinements when needed, ensuring each patient can achieve the confident, healthy smile they deserve. Take a closer look here at what Invisalign refinements do and when they may be needed.

What are Invisalign refinements?

Invisalign refinements are additional sets of Invisalign clear aligners that are created when your teeth haven't moved quite as expected or if there are still areas that need adjustment after your first series of trays or subsequently at any point thereafter. They are designed using updated scans of your current tooth position and are just as discreet and comfortable as your original aligners. Patients may receive refinements at the end of their treatment or even midway through if progress slows or stalls. Refinements for Invisalign trays can make the difference in creating a polished, symmetrical smile that meets your expectations.

Why would someone need refinements during Invisalign treatment?

While Invisalign treatment is highly precise, each person responds differently to treatment. Small shifts in how Invisalign aligners fit or how your teeth move over time can affect results. Refinements are used to ensure your treatment is as accurate and complete as possible. Some of the most common reasons for Invisalign refinements include:

• Teeth not tracking with aligners
• Lingering gaps between teeth
• Rotations that didn't correct
• Shifting after an illness or lapse in wear
• Wanting small improvements for cosmetic reasons

It's important to keep in mind that having to get Invisalign refinements doesn't necessarily mean something went wrong. Instead, it's simply part of the normal Invisalign process for many patients.

How do Invisalign refinements work?

When Dr. Katz determines that refinements are needed, she will take new digital scans of your teeth using advanced imaging technology. These scans help map out the additional movements your teeth need and allow a new treatment plan to be created. After the new aligners are made, you'll wear them just like you did your original trays — typically 20 – 22 hours a day — until your teeth have moved into the ideal position. The number of refinement trays varies based on the amount of correction needed.

Does everyone need Invisalign refinements?

Not every Invisalign patient will need refinements, but it's more common than many people realize. You may be more likely to need Invisalign refinements if you:

• Had complex alignment issues
• Removed your aligners too often
• Want a more perfected cosmetic result
• Your teeth moved slower than expected
• Had gaps, rotations, or bite issues

Dr. Katz will monitor your progress carefully throughout treatment and let you know early if refinements might be needed to help you achieve your smile goals.

Get the straighter smile you envisioned with Invisalign treatment in New York, NY

Invisalign refinements help fine-tune results and give you a confident, well-aligned smile that looks and feels just right. At Maison BE Dental Studio, Dr. Ellen Katz takes a personalized approach to each Invisalign case and is committed to helping you finish treatment with results that match your vision. If you have questions about Invisalign refinements or want to start your clear aligner treatment, contact our New York, NY team today to schedule your consultation.