Refinement, friend or foe?
Find out how it works using
The ClearOrtho. protocols.
Refinement, friend or foe?
Find out how it works using
The ClearOrtho. protocols.
Why refinements are needed
Even with a well-designed treatment plan, some teeth may need additional fine-tuning to achieve optimal alignment.
Refinements help ensure the best possible outcome, but you don’t have to wait until the end of the treatment to keep everything on track.
Biological Variability
Teeth may not move as predicted due to individual bone density differences, periodontal ligament response, or patient-specific anatomy.
Complex Movements
Certain tooth movements, such as extrusion or root adjustments, require additional aligners.
Fit Issues
Aligners may not engage properly due to poor trimming, attachment misplacement, or excess material.
Compliance Issues
Not wearing aligners for 22 hours a day can slow progress, requiring refinements.
Why refinements are needed
Even with a well-designed treatment plan, some teeth may need additional fine-tuning to achieve optimal alignment.
Refinements help ensure the best possible outcome, but you don’t have to wait until the end of the treatment to keep everything on track.
Biological Variability
Teeth may not move as predicted due to individual bone density differences, periodontal ligament response, or patient-specific anatomy.
Complex Movements
Certain tooth movements, such as extrusion or root adjustments, require additional aligners.
Compliance Issues
Not wearing aligners for 22 hours a day can slow progress, requiring refinements.
Fit Issues
Aligners may not engage properly due to poor trimming, attachment misplacement, or excess material.
The In-treatment Assessment Process
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth refinement process
Assess aligner fitting correctly at step 5
Whether the aligner is fitting well around all teeth or not, please take a photo and upload it to the portal.
If everything looks ok, give your patient aligner 6 and let us know to proceed, you will receive the rest of aligners within 5 working days
If there are tracking issues or aligner not fitting well, take a new scan and send it to us, we will do the rest
The In-treatment Assessment Process
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth refinement process
Assess aligner fitting correctly at step 5
Whether the aligner is fitting well around all teeth or not, please take a photo and upload it to the portal.
If everything looks ok, give your patient aligner 6 and let us know to proceed, you will receive the rest of aligners within 5 working days
If there are tracking issues or aligner not fitting well, take a new scan and send it to us, we will do the rest
Important Provider Responsibilities
As a provider, you are responsible for tracking patient progress. If refinement is needed, ensure scans are updated and uploaded promptly.
Failure to follow this protocol will result in additional refinement costs.
Important Provider Responsibilities
As a provider, you are responsible for tracking patient progress. If refinement is needed, ensure scans are updated and uploaded promptly.
Failure to follow this protocol will result in additional refinement costs.
FAQ
How do I know if refinements are needed?
Check aligner fit at Step 5. If there are gaps, refinements may be required.
How long does a refinement take?
On average, an additional 4–6 weeks, depending on tooth movement.
What limitations should I be aware of when selecting cases for clear aligners?
Clear aligners may not be suitable for complex cases such as severe skeletal discrepancies, intrinsic dental issues, or cases requiring significant tooth movement. Additionally, patients with poor oral hygiene or compliance may not be ideal candidates.
How important is patient compliance in the success of clear aligner treatment?
Patient compliance is critical, as aligners need to be worn 22 hours a day for effective treatment. Non-compliance can lead to extended treatment time or suboptimal results.
FAQ
How do I know if refinements are needed?
Check aligner fit at Step 5. If there are gaps, refinements may be required.
How long does a refinement take?
On average, an additional 4–6 weeks, depending on tooth movement.
What limitations should I be aware of when selecting cases for clear aligners?
Clear aligners may not be suitable for complex cases such as severe skeletal discrepancies, intrinsic dental issues, or cases requiring significant tooth movement. Additionally, patients with poor oral hygiene or compliance may not be ideal candidates.
How important is patient compliance in the success of clear aligner treatment?
Patient compliance is critical, as aligners need to be worn 22 hours a day for effective treatment. Non-compliance can lead to extended treatment time or suboptimal results.
Next Steps
Check fit at Step 5
Ensure aligners fit snugly with no gap
Upload images to the portal
Take a high-quality image and submit it for review.
Book follow-up appointment
Schedule the next visit to assess progress.
Ensuring the Best Outcome
Refinements are a normal part of the aligner process.
By tracking progress carefully and following the correct steps, we ensure the best smile for every patient.
Ensuring the Best Outcome
Refinements are a normal part of the aligner process.
By tracking progress carefully and following the correct steps, we ensure the best smile for every patient.
Take the Next Step in Clear Aligner Treatment
Let us handle the details so you can focus on delivering exceptional patient care.
Take the Next Step in Clear Aligner Treatment
Let us handle the details so you can focus on delivering exceptional patient care.