What are Invisalign attachments?
Invisalign attachments are small tooth-shaped “bumps” of composite material added to your teeth by an orthodontist. They help aligners move teeth into the desired position more efficiently, allowing for faster treatment. The attachments are generally tooth-colored and blend in with your natural smile. Depending on the type of Invisalign treatment you receive, there may be one or multiple attachments placed on individual teeth or across several molars.
How Attachments Benefit Your Teeth
Invisalign attachments are a great tool that can be used during treatment to give you greater success and amazing results. They provide many great benefits, including:
- Invisalign attachments can help to improve the fit of Invisalign aligner trays.
- Attachments can also help to hold aligners in place, improving comfort and convenience.
- They can reduce treatment time by allowing crowded teeth to move more quickly into ideal alignment.
- Attachments are barely visible and are often preferred over traditional metal braces and rubber bands.
- They provide greater control over tooth movement so that you get more accurate and predictable results.
How do they work and affect your treatment plan?
The small, tooth-colored composite resin or clear buttons are placed on certain teeth with special tools before treatment begins. These usually remain in place throughout the course of treatment and provide attachment points that help in directing the movement of teeth. By providing extra grip, attachments can make certain movements easier for your aligners to achieve. They add an extra degree of accuracy when it comes to shifting your teeth into proper alignment so that you get amazing results from your Invisalign treatment.
Caring for Your Clear Retainer, Attachments, and Smile
Caring for your removable aligners, attachments, and smile is essential to ensure that you get the best results from your Invisalign treatment. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your aligners and attachments:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay. This will help keep your teeth clean and free of plaque buildup, which can interfere with the effectiveness of your aligners.
- Rinse your plastic aligners with lukewarm water after each use. This will help to remove any food particles or bacteria that may have accumulated on the surface.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners. This will help to prevent staining and discoloration of the attachments.
- Visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments. This will help to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and that your attachments are in good condition.
Invisalign Attachment FAQs
Will attachments be required on every tooth?
While the location and number of attachments needed are determined by your orthodontist, you will more than likely not need one on every tooth. Your orthodontist will determine which teeth need attachments based on your individual needs and goals. Generally, attachments are only used when there is complex tooth movement that needs to be achieved or if the aligners need extra grip in order to move the teeth more efficiently.
Are the attachments visible?
Invisalign attachments are usually tooth-colored or clear, so they blend in with your natural smile. They are barely visible and can be difficult to spot unless you know what to look for.
Does every Invisalign patient require attachments?
No, not every Invisalign patient requires attachments. Your orthodontist will determine if you need them based on your individual needs and goals. In general, attachments are only used when there is a specific tooth that needs more movement or if the aligners need extra grip in order to move the teeth more efficiently.
Do they hurt?
No, Invisalign attachments should not cause any pain or discomfort. The process of placing the attachments is quick and easy and should not take more than a few minutes.
How much time does it take to complete Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign treatment typically takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs and goals. During this time, you will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and switch out to a new set every two weeks.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign attachments are a great way to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment. They provide extra grip and control over tooth movement, allowing for perfectly straight teeth. Plus, they are barely visible and can be difficult to spot unless you know what to look for. With proper care and maintenance, your attachments should remain in place throughout the course of your treatment.
If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment and how Invisalign attachments can improve your treatment results, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our dental team. We will create a custom treatment plan for you so that you can have a brand-new, beautiful smile in no time!
