Short answer: A new set, or refinement, is a set of additional aligners that are re-planned to correct the remaining difference when the teeth have not quite reached the planned position at the end of the first aligner series. It is a common and normal step in clear aligner treatment and does not in itself mean that treatment has failed.
What is a refinement?
Clear aligner treatment begins with a digital plan; however, teeth may not move as predictably as in the computer simulation. At the end of the first series, the dentist examines the final position of the teeth. If there are small differences from the target, a new scan is taken, the plan is updated and additional aligners are prepared. This additional series of aligners is called a refinement or a new set.
Why may it be needed?
- Teeth not making the planned movement fully: Movements such as rotating teeth, or lengthening or shortening them, are particularly harder to achieve.
- Aligners not being worn enough: When the wear time falls, movements can be delayed. On this subject you can look at our article how many hours a day should they be worn.
- Loss of attachments or poor aligner fit: When the aligner does not seat fully on the tooth, the transmission of force is reduced.
- A change in the treatment goal: As treatment goes on, the dentist and the patient may decide on an additional correction.
- Biological differences: The response of bone and gum tissue varies from person to person.
How does the process go?
- As the first series nears its end, or once it is finished, the dentist assesses the condition of the teeth.
- A new digital scan inside the mouth is taken.
- Digital planning is done again; if necessary, new attachments or IPR are planned.
- The plan is approved and the new aligners are produced.
- The new set is handed over and the wear routine is explained.
To better understand what the simulation in the planning shows, you can read our article on the digital simulation in clear aligner planning.
Does it lengthen treatment?
In most cases a new set may add a few months to treatment; however, this time varies from person to person and is predicted by the dentist. For other factors that affect treatment time, you can look at our article how long does orthodontic treatment take.
Points to note about a refinement
- Do not throw away the old aligners before the new set begins; the dentist may ask you to keep them for a while.
- When switching to the new aligners you may feel pressure again in the first days. On this subject you can look at the article do clear aligners hurt.
- There is no change in wear time or cleaning rules.
- In the final stage the retainer plan is also reviewed. For details you can look at our page on retention treatment.
Which movements are harder to predict?
Clear aligners can guide most movements successfully; even so, some movements may be harder to achieve as in the simulation. For example, rotating rounded teeth around their own axis, lengthening or shortening teeth within the bone, or changing the bite in the vertical direction fall into this group. At the relevant stages of these movements, the dentist may plan to use attachments, elastics or an additional appliance. For the differences between aligners and braces, you can look at our page clear aligners or braces.
The difference between a refinement and an additional correction
A refinement is an update of the plan made to reach a result closer to the existing target. It is also possible for the target to change during treatment because of a new wish from the patient or an additional finding by the dentist. In both cases, the decision is based on current records from inside the mouth and the dentist’s assessment.
Habits that make the new set process easier
- Wearing the aligners during the day for the time the dentist recommends
- Keeping to the aligner change schedule
- Letting the clinic know without losing time when you notice an attachment that has fallen off or an aligner that does not seat
- Attending check-up appointments regularly
- If the use of elastics has been planned, using them according to the instructions
Additional steps that may be carried out during a new set
According to the current plan, in some patients new attachments may be added, existing ones may be renewed, or small procedures such as interproximal reduction may be planned again. None of these is mandatory for every patient; all of them depend on the current position of the teeth and the dentist’s goal. What you need to do as a patient is to wear the aligners regularly and to understand these stages by talking them through with the dentist.
Conclusion
A new set is a stage of review and correction used so that treatment can be completed closer to the intended result. Whether treatment will be completed at the end of a single series or with additional sets is assessed by the dentist at the check-ups. For general information, you can look at our page on the clear aligner treatment process.
Frequently asked questions
Is a new set included in the scope of treatment?
This varies according to the clinic and the treatment plan; it is best to discuss the scope with the dentist and the clinic team when starting treatment.
Does every patient need a new set?
No. In some people the first series reaches the target; in others one or more additional sets may be needed.
Is a new set different from the first aligners?
It works with the same material and logic; the difference is that it has been re-planned according to the current position of the teeth.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.
