Refinements Explained: Why Your Treatment Might Not End When You Think
What happens if your teeth aren't perfectly straight at the end of your plan? Enter "Refinements". We explain this normal part of the process.
You're on aligner 20 of 20. You're excited to finish. But you look in the mirror and one stubborn canine is still twisted 5 degrees. Did the treatment fail?
No. You just need Refinements.
What are Refinements?
Refinements are a "finishing phase". Think of your first set of aligners as getting you 90-95% of the way there. Biology is unpredictable; some teeth move slower than others. Refinements are a targeted set of extra trays (usually 5-10) to perfect those final stubborn movements.
Are they free?
At ProAligners: YES.
This is a crucial difference between us and many competitors.
- Easy Align: Unlimited refinements for 2 years.
- Smart/Ultimate: Unlimited refinements for 5 years.
Other clinics often charge £500+ for a refinement scan and lab fee. We believe you paid for a result, not a number of trays.
The Reality of Orthodontics
of all aligner cases require at least one round of refinements.
It's not a failure; it's a commitment to perfection.
Dr Yasha Shirazi's Clinical Note:
"Sometimes we intentionally plan refinements. For complex rotations, I might do the big movements first, then re-scan to detail the bite. It's like painting a room—you do the roller work first, then the fine brushes for the edges."
How the Process Works
- Assessment: At your final appointment, we check the result.
- Re-Scan: We remove your attachments and do a fresh 3D scan.
- Design: We order the finishing trays.
- Fitting: 2-3 weeks later, you start the final sprint.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Yasha Shirazi • GDC: 195843