What Are Invisalign Attachments?

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, you want to be as well-informed as possible about the ins and outs of this orthodontic alternative. One item you may come across in your research is Invisalign attachments. If you’re unfamiliar with attachments and their purpose, it’s time to get to know more about the tiny shapes and bumps that make Invisalign work even better and get your teeth into alignment.

What do Invisalign attachments look like?

Invisalign attachments are semi-permanent dots made of composite resin or dental bonding. They are tooth-colored so they don’t stand out too much, but they are 3D so they can be noticeable if someone is really studying your teeth, especially when you’ve removed Invisalign for meals.

The attachments are not uniform. They come in different shapes and sizes, from circular to triangular, square to rectangular. They’re tiny though and it can help to think of attachments as the part of Invisalign that really gives your treatment some character.

How do attachments work?

Attachments are strategically placed on your teeth to anchor the Invisalign aligners so they can apply the force needed to move the teeth and their roots into proper positioning. You may have a square attachment on a molar and a triangle attachment on a canine and a rectangle on a front tooth. You may have just a few attachments or one on almost every tooth.

The aligners are designed to carefully fit around the attachments, so you will have to be meticulous about removing and inserting the aligners after meals and cleanings. With attachments on the teeth, aligners fit more tightly than ever.

Does everyone need attachments?

Not every Invisalign patient requires attachments as part of their treatment, but there are many patients who do need attachments. Only patients who have the most minor alignment issues can avoid attachments, and these individuals may be eligible for an abbreviated course of Invisalign treatment known as Invisalign Express.

Will attachments damage my teeth?

Attachments are not harmful to your teeth, just like the brackets and wires of conventional metal braces are not harmful. Attachments are semi-permanent, which means they’re only there for as long as they’re needed. Yes, they’re bonded directly to your tooth enamel but, once treatment is complete, the bumps will be buffed off easily, leaving your teeth clean, smooth, and straight.

It is important, however, to keep your attachments as clean as the rest of your teeth. It will be easy for food particles to collect around the bumps, so brushing will need to be done carefully for thorough cleaning. Otherwise, the attachments will be even more visible and your oral health will be threatened without proper cleaning.

Is Invisalign right for you?

If you’ve had concerns about attachments, knowing a little more now may make you feel at ease about this important element of this cosmetic dentistry treatment. Invisalign is a commitment, but it’s been designed to be as unobtrusive as possible for patients so you can go about your daily life without it being interrupted by unsightly braces.

Find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign or Invisalign Express. Contact Haymarket Invisalign provider Dr. Sina Reangber at LifeTime Smiles to talk about your options.