Sending refinements for Clear Aligners cases is a process that ensures your patients receive the most accurate and comfortable treatment.
Here are some common reasons you might send refinements for Clear Aligner Cases:
-
Teeth Movement Not As Expected: In some cases, aligners may not move the teeth as expected, requiring refinements to ensure the teeth reach the desired position.
-
Missed or Delayed Treatment: If a patient misses wearing their aligners or doesn't follow the treatment plan as prescribed, refinements may be needed to bring their treatment back on track.
-
Fit or Comfort Issues: If the aligners aren’t fitting properly or are causing discomfort, refinements can help improve the fit, making the treatment more comfortable for the patient.
-
Inaccurate Initial Impressions or Scans: If the original impressions or scans didn’t fully capture the dental anatomy, refinements are necessary to correct any discrepancies and improve the fit of the aligners.
-
Changes in Treatment Goals: Sometimes, patients or doctors decide to adjust the treatment goals mid-course, requiring refinements to match the updated objectives for the patient’s smile.
-
Increased Patient Expectations: After seeing the initial results from their aligners, some patients or doctors may seek further refinement to achieve a more precise or aesthetically pleasing result.
-
Complex Cases Requiring Additional Adjustments: More complex cases, such as significant crowding or bite issues, may require refinements to ensure the treatment plan is fully realized and the patient's teeth align as needed.
For Refinements, we will always need the Upper, Bite, and lower STL, along with the patient photos and a new prescription. All files will be placed in one folder, and then compressed into a zipped folder. You will manually drag and drop the zipped folder to the 3Shape Design Service Platform.
1. Place your files in a folder
2. Then right-click, and send to the compressed zipped folder
Instructions for uploading your case to the platform:
1. Once this file is exported, open Google Chrome and log into your 3Shape Design Service Account: https://design.3shape.com/signin
2. There are two ways to upload your case:
- You can drag and drop the .zip file into the platform.
- Or click on the “New Cases” button to Browse for the folder:
Case instructions:
- Indication - Choose from the following options:
- Clear Aligner Full Arch/Anterior Refinement.
- Argen Clear Aligner Full Arch/ Anterior Refinement: For customers who send their cases to Argen for manufacturing.
Select the option you have available in your account and as soon as you select this indication, the Turnaround time will auto-select to 72 hours.
- Destination - In-House or Integrated Manufacturer
- Name - Patient first + last name
- Arches - Select one or both or add in the case instructions the information.
- Instructions - Any implants or crowns we need to know about.
- ALWAYS ADD THE ORIGINAL CASE ID TO THE INSTRUCTIONS
-
Add-ons - Works the same as the prescription or RX and designers will follow the instructions provided.
Send the case for design:
Once all steps have been completed you are ready to send. Just click on the blue paper airplane to submit case by case or click on "Send All Cases" to send several cases for design at the same time.
Once the case is designed you will get it back for review in the Needs Approval Folder.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team.
You can email us at designservices@3shape.com, call us at +1 602-688-4133, or use our Live Chat feature, available Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (MST).
For International Support, please contact us at +44 159-572-8586, available Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (CET).