What are Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign attachments are small tooth-colored bumps made of composite material that are bonded to the teeth during Invisalign treatment. Also called “buttons”, these attachments act as handles that help the Invisalign aligners grip the teeth to effectively move them into place.
Attachments are not present on every tooth, but placed strategically on teeth that need more force for alignment. Some people may only have a few attachments, while others may have up to 20 or more placed on their teeth throughout treatment.
Why Are Attachments Necessary?
Invisalign clear aligners are smooth, plastic trays that fit over the teeth to gradually shift them into proper position. Since the aligners themselves do not have any roughness or edges to firmly grasp the teeth, attachments provide something for the trays to hold onto and apply targeted pressure.
These small bumps on the teeth give the aligners more control, allowing them to effectively rotate, tip, extrude or intrude the teeth that need more significant movement. This helps accelerate treatment time.
Are Attachments Noticeable?
Invisalign attachments are designed to blend in seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth. The composite material bonds securely to the tooth surface and matches closely to your tooth enamel.
While attachments may feel prominent with your tongue, they are constructed to be as discreet as possible. In most cases, attachments are unnoticeable to others, even from a close conversational distance.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
If attachments are recommended for your Invisalign treatment, they will be placed as follows:
Impressions and Scans
During your first appointment, your orthodontist will take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. These records are used to create your initial Invisalign aligners and design your custom treatment plan.
Attachment Placement
At a subsequent visit, your orthodontist will bond the small composite attachments onto specific teeth where they have determined extra force is needed to straighten them. A special dental material is used to ensure the attachments adhere securely to the teeth.
Aligner Wear
You will receive your first set of Invisalign aligners to begin wearing for about 1-2 weeks per set, removing them only for eating, drinking and oral hygiene. The aligners grip the attachments to effectively shift your teeth into proper alignment.
Attachment Checks
Your orthodontist will periodically monitor the attachments, replacing any that may have come off during treatment. New attachments may also be placed on different teeth during various stages of correction.
Removal
Once your teeth have reached their final desired position, the Invisalign attachments will be removed using a sanding tool. This polishes the tooth surface smooth, returning it to the natural enamel.
Caring for Invisalign with Attachments
Proper oral hygiene and aligner care is important for a successful Invisalign treatment with attachments:
Thorough Cleaning
Brush and floss thoroughly after each meal before re-inserting your aligners. Use an orthodontic brush to clean around attachments and hard to reach areas.
Dental Visits
See your regular dentist for cleanings every 6 months. Inform them you are undergoing Invisalign treatment with composite attachments on your teeth.
Avoid Staining Foods
Curtail tea, coffee, red wine and other staining beverages. Rinse with water after consuming to help prevent attachments from discoloring.
Gentle aligner removal
Be careful not to dislodge attachments when removing aligners. Using your fingertips, start from the back molars and gently ease the trays off.
Tracking issues
If aligners ever feel loose, call your orthodontist. Attachments may have come off or need replacing to keep teeth tracking properly.
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Attachments
Invisalign attachments offer the following benefits:
More Predictable Movements
Attachments allow for greater control over tooth movement. This increases the accuracy of correcting your bite and smile.
Shortened Treatment Time
By enabling the aligners to apply targeted pressure, attachments can significantly reduce overall treatment length.
Discrete Appearance
Attachments are tooth-colored and rarely noticeable. Many people won't even be aware you are wearing them.
Some disadvantages include:
Minor discomfort
New attachments may feel a little tender or irritating initially. Your tongue will soon adjust to them.
Attention to Hygiene
Meticulous brushing and flossing is required to keep attachments clean and prevent cavities.
Professional Rebonding
If an attachment falls off, you must schedule an appointment to have it rebonded.
Dealing With Invisalign Attachment Irritation
Invisalign attachments take some getting used to. At first, the bumps on your teeth may irritate your tongue, lips or cheeks while eating and talking. Here are some tips to minimize discomfort:
Use dental wax
Applyorthodontic wax over attachments that feel abrasive. This creates a smooth surface to protect the soft tissues of your mouth.
Rinse with warm salt water
Gargle with warm salt water to soothe mouth irritation and promote healing of sore spots.
Avoid irritants
Prevent further aggravation by steering clear of chips, popcorn, hard breads and other foods that could scratch or poke tender areas.
Take pain relievers
Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve attachment soreness. Consult your doctor first.
Use medicated ointment
For severe rubbing, ask your dentist about prescribing a numbing ointment to apply on irritated sites.
Get attachments adjusted
If an attachment is noticeably bothersome after a week, schedule an appointment to have it smoothed or repositioned.
Proper Oral Care with Invisalign Attachments
Caring for your teeth and attachments during Invisalign treatment is essential. Follow these dental hygiene tips:
Brush after every meal
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Set a timer for 2 minutes of thorough brushing.
Floss daily
Floss carefully between all teeth, dislodging any trapped food particles near attachments.
Clean aligners daily
Remove aligners and scrub them with a special cleansing solution or toothpaste and rinse.
Avoid staining foods/drinks
Cut back on coffee, tea, wine, soy sauce and other pigmented beverages or foods.
Use an aligner tool
Invest in a device to help remove your aligners safely without damaging attachments.
See your dentist
Make regular 6-month dental cleanings and checkups throughout treatment.
Invisalign Attachment Removal
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete and your teeth are in their final desired position, all attachments will be removed. This is a quick and painless procedure.
Using a sanding tool, your dentist or orthodontist will gently grind the attachments off the surface of each tooth. This is similar to the polishing done during a professional dental cleaning.
The tooth enamel is smoothed down, leaving your natural teeth intact without a trace of the attachments. You are left with a perfectly aligned, radiant smile.
No Permanent Marks
Unlike braces, Invisalign attachments do not leave any permanent marks or bonded residue on the teeth.
Stains Removed
Any stains or discoloration around attachments from food and beverages will also be polished away.
Quick Procedure
The grinding tool quickly removes all traces of attachments in just a few minutes.
Normal Brushing Resumes
You can go back to regular brushing and flossing without having to navigate around attachments.
Caring For Teeth After Invisalign
Once your attachments have been removed, it is imperative you continue caring for your newly straightened teeth:
- Wear retainers as directed to prevent teeth shifting back.
- See your dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings.
- Brush twice and floss thoroughly every day.
- Protect teeth from staining if considering whitening treatments.
- Wear a mouthguard if playing sports to safeguard your smile.
- Come in immediately if you experience pain or notice teeth moving.
Conclusion
Invisalign attachments are effective tools for improving control over tooth movements and reducing treatment times. While attachments take some adjustment during day-to-day activities, they are unobtrusive and most people won't notice them. With proper oral hygiene and aligner care, Invisalign with attachments can successfully transform your smile.
FAQs
How long do you have to wear Invisalign attachments?
Attachments are worn throughout the entire course of Invisalign treatment, which averages between 12-18 months. They are removed once teeth reach their final desired position.
Can Invisalign attachments fall off?
Yes, it is possible for attachments to detach from the teeth during Invisalign treatment. This is more likely if brushing is not thorough or aligners are removed improperly. Visit your orthodontist to have them rebonded.
Do Invisalign attachments hurt?
Attachments may cause mild tenderness or irritation initially. Your tongue and cheeks usually adjust within a few days. Dental wax and saltwater rinses can provide relief from discomfort.
Are Invisalign attachments noticeable?
Invisalign attachments are designed to be as discreet as possible. They are made from tooth-colored composite material to match the natural shade of your teeth. Most people do not notice them.
Can you drink coffee with Invisalign attachments?
It's best to avoid heavily pigmented drinks like coffee while wearing Invisalign attachments. The tannins can stain the composite material over time. Be sure to brush after drinking beverages other than water.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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