Invisalign aligners have a lot going for them as an orthodontic treatment, especially when compared to traditional braces. Not only are Invisalign aligners much more discreet, but they’re also removable, which makes the dietary restrictions that often come with braces unnecessary.
Invisalign treatment also tends to be faster than traditional braces, but there is one caveat to that—refinement trays. If you want to know more about them, why they’re necessary, and how they could add time to your treatment, here’s a guide that could potentially help you.
What are Invisalign Refinement Trays?
When you first begin your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will plan what your aligners are going to need to look like to get your smile where you want it to be. To do this, they use advanced imaging and predictive software.
However, that means that all of your Invisalign trays are designed before your orthodontist even knows how your teeth will respond to the treatment. As a result, it’s possible that the aligners don’t quite do what’s expected, and you wind up with teeth that aren’t as straight as you’d like.
This is where Invisalign refinement trays come into play. Your dentist will craft a final set of trays that will be able to get you the straight smile you’re looking for!
Do They Cost Me Anything?
Most people who get Invisalign treatment will need at least a few refinement trays, so most dentists won’t charge you extra. For the most part, a certain amount of refinement trays will be included in the initial cost of the procedure, and you are unlikely to need more than that. If you do, your dentist will be happy to discuss payment options well before they’re necessary.
How to Speed Up Treatment
It’s normal to require refinement trays, so needing them doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve done anything wrong. However, if you’re trying to get through your Invisalign treatment as quickly as possible, there are things that you can do to avoid them.
You should be sure that you’re wearing your aligners as much as possible, for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. You should also keep a hold on your aligners whenever you take them out, as losing them can severely delay treatment if you aren’t careful. Keep these things in mind, and you’ll have a straighter smile before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Yenzer believes that his patients not only deserve the greatest care that dentistry has to offer, but kindness and respect every step of the way. Dr. Yenzer received his dental degree with honors from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and since then he has expanded his expertise in the fields of endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants.
If you have any questions about Invisalign refinements, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (636) 778-3019.