Invisalign aligners work some serious magic in straightening teeth. However, the nearly invisible aligners do not always work alone. Invisalign attachments are often necessary to enhance the work of the aligners and apply extra force to move teeth as intended.
1. Invisalign attachments are mostly invisible.
Sometimes called buttons, Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-colored dots that are bonded to certain teeth to improve the movement of the Invisalign trays. The attachments are typically placed in the middle of the tooth, but they can vary in shape depending on their purpose.
During treatment, if attachments are used on your front teeth, their shape and placement can sometimes make it look as though you’re wearing clear braces. However, at the end of your Invisalign treatment, the attachments are polished off and you’ll never know they were there.
2. Attachments are like anchors for your aligners.
The attachments serve as anchors of sorts that allow the aligners to move teeth according to the treatment plan your Red Bank Invisalign provider has created. The attachments click into the aligners so the trays are more secure and have more to hold onto to move the bite to a better position.
Attachments make it possible for orthodontic patients with more complicated cases to become Invisalign patients. The attachments achieve tooth movement that would not be possible otherwise using Invisalign.
3. You won’t really feel the attachments on your teeth, but they’ll change how the aligners fit and feel.
Attachments don’t feel like much of anything other than small bumps on your teeth. It’s how the buttons make aligners fit to your teeth that will alter the feel of your Invisalign treatment. The attachments allow aligners to fit more snugly, and this can make it more difficult to remove the aligners for meals and brushing.
The good news is that your reluctance to remove the aligners often will make your treatment that much more effective. Just don’t be tempted to eat or drink anything other than water while wearing Invisalign or the aligners could become discolored.
4. You must take care of the attachments, too.
While it’s essential to brush and floss your teeth normally every day and clean your Invisalign aligners as indicated to keep them clear and odor-free, attachments also require care. Food and bacteria can accumulate around the attachments, so cleaning carefully in these areas is necessary to ensure that the nearly invisible attachments stay white. Inadequate brushing or not cleaning the attachments after eating and before putting aligners back in can make it look like you have food stuck to your teeth.
After Invisalign Attachments
At the end of your Invisalign braces run, and after attachments have buffed off your enamel, a professional teeth-whitening treatment puts the cherry on top of an amazing smile makeover. Your teeth will be straight, your bite will be in alignment, and your smile will be stunningly white and flawless. Find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, and whether attachments will be necessary for your treatment, by scheduling a consultation with Red Bank Invisalign provider Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell.
