Invisalign Refinement Explained: What It Means When Your Orthodontist Says You Need a Refinement

The average course of Invisalign takes twelve months. However, even though dentists are able to map out the course of your treatment with a sophisticated computer program called ClinCheck, your treatment may require a little tweaking. This could occur mid-course or at the end of your planned treatment plan and is known as a refinement.

Invisalign Refinements Are Quite Common

Refinements are not due to the incompetence of the orthodontist. The fact is that no matter how advanced a computer program like ClinCheck is, it cannot account for your body's natural responses. If one or two of your teeth move more slowly than anticipated by ClinCheck then, you will need further Invisalign trays to correct the issue.

Refinements Don't Always Require an Additional Fee

It is common practice for orthodontic clinics to factor in the possibility of refinements when calculating the initial treatment. This is usually true if your treatment covers a full course of Invisalign. A full course of Invisalign could be anywhere from 11 to as much as 100 trays since every individual case is unique.

While refinements are usually free, should you require many refinements to achieve the desired results, you may be charged a fee. However, you won't have to pay the full fee again.

A Late Refinement Will Require an Additional Fee

One factor that would result in you paying more for a refinement is if you were to return to your orthodontist at a later date requesting additional trays. Your teeth may have moved since you completed your course of Invisalign and as such, you will essentially be starting a new course of treatment. You can, however, come to a financial arrangement with your orthodontist.

New Impressions Will Be Needed

Refinements are usually required when an unforeseen issue occurs during your treatment. It could be that one of your teeth is moving more slowly than anticipated or is not moving in the desired direction. New impressions will have to be taken then in order to create a set of trays designed to specifically target this new problem.

Check With Your Orthodontist Beforehand

Ideally, as a patient of Invisalign, you should check with your orthodontist before committing to treatment. Ask your orthodontist if refinements are included in the total fee. If they are not, you may be able to arrange for them to be included, just in case.

Invisalign refinements are a common part of Invisalign and will help you and your orthodontist to achieve the results you sought at the beginning of your treatment.


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