A Guide To Invisalign Attachments: How Do They Work?

Invisalign is a reliable and discreet way to straighten your smile without wearing visible metal wires in your mouth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable, clear aligners worn over the teeth to shift them to the anticipated positions.

When wearing Invisalign, sometimes your dentist or orthodontist can recommend Invisalign attachments. This is often necessary if you have complex alignment conditions. These attachments provide additional help in moving your teeth in the right position. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign attachments.

What are Invisalign attachments, and how do they work?

Invisalign attachments are tiny clear or tooth-colored bumps or studs bonded to specific teeth to provide a proper grip and guide them into the desired positions. While Invisalign aligners can move and align your teeth just fine, the attachments provide a better grip on certain teeth. In other words, they make your Invisalign treatment more effective and faster.

However, not all Invisalign patients need attachments. They are commonly used when working with severe malocclusions or crowding where Invisalign aligners may not be effective. For instance, the aligners may not be able to move a tooth that needs to be rotated.

Placing attachments provides a tighter grip on the tooth when the aligner is worn, allowing for more pressure and better movement and alignment. For aesthetic reasons, Invisalign attachments are made from clear or tooth-colored materials, so you don’t have to worry about them ruining your smile. Visit our dental office for Invisalign near you.

Do you need Invisalign attachments?

Generally, you might need Invisalign attachments if you have complex misalignments or overcrowding. Usually, your dentist or orthodontist should know during your Invisalign consultation. Before the treatment, they will take scans of your teeth and bite to understand your condition and simulate a personalized treatment plan.

The dentist or orthodontist can use the results to establish whether you’ll need attachments and the needed positions. Since every tooth has different requirements, the dentist must also calculate each attachment’s axis and size.

How are Invisalign attachments placed?

Once they have established these, they will use the following steps to place the attachments:

• The dentist will clean your teeth to avoid trapping bacteria or debris.
• Then, they will apply a special gel on the tooth’s surface to roughen it.
• The dentist will wash off the gel and apply a bonding agent to the tooth.
• The dentist will place a template aligner with spaces where the attachments will be placed.
• The template spaces are filled with a composite resin material and then hardened with a special UV light or laser.
• Lastly, the dentist will remove the template, leaving the newly created attachments behind.

After placing the attachments, your dentist or orthodontist will guide you on correctly wearing and removing your Invisalign aligners without damaging the attachments. While it might feel challenging initially, you’ll get used to them quickly.

Do attachments hurt?

Since Invisalign attachments add more pressure to specific teeth to move them to the desired positions, they will likely cause some discomfort, especially when you wear a new set of Invisalign aligners every two weeks.

The discomfort should disappear as you get used to the new aligners and attachments. You can take pain medications like ibuprofen to minimize discomfort if necessary. Be sure to consult your dentist if you need to take medication or experience severe or persistent pain that won’t settle.

Excellent oral hygiene is very important when wearing Invisalign and attachments. It will prevent oral problems like decay, bad breath, and gum disease. It also prevents your teeth and attachments from staining.

How are Invisalign attachments removed?

Your attachments will be removed once you complete your Invisalign treatment. Fortunately, they’re pretty straightforward to remove. The dentist will use a special dental tool to chip away the attachments and then polish the teeth to remove any residual traces of the attachments. Please note that you shouldn’t try to remove the attachments yourself as it can damage your teeth.

Interested in Invisalign in Westport, CT?

Invisalign can help align your teeth for a straighter, flawless, more functional, and healthier smile. Contact and book a dentist appointment at Advanced Dental of Westport, CT, to begin your treatment today.