There are many components to Invisalign treatment and Invisalign attachments are one of the most essential elements for facilitating tooth alignment. These small, composite “dots” are temporarily bonded to tooth enamel to anchor trays in place and shift teeth where they need to go. Here are just some of the details to know about attachments and how they will affect your treatment.
1. Attachments come in different shapes and sizes.
If you look at attachments as a unique puzzle, it’s easy to appreciate the collection of shapes as they appear on your teeth during Invisalign treatment or Invisalign Teen treatment. From circles to squares, triangles to rectangles, attachments are carefully crafted and placed by your Lawrenceville orthodontists so they effectively help trays move your teeth.
2. Nearly every Invisalign wearer has attachments.
Invisalign attachments are an essential part of treatment for most patients. You may not need them all the time, you may have some attachments on some teeth and none on others, but every attachment that is added to your smile has an important role to play. Because Invisalign treatment is designed in full from the start, you can ask your orthodontist about your attachments, how many you can expect to have, and when they will be applied to your teeth.
3. Attachments make complex tooth movements possible.
Aligners must be clicked into place on the teeth precisely, so they fit just right over the attachments. Your orthodontist will not tell you that the process is easy – there can be pressure and discomfort, especially when you get a new attachment or change out trays – but the strategic placement of attachments makes it possible to move or rotate teeth in complex ways using Invisalign.
4. Invisalign attachments can be a little annoying.
Invisalign is promoted on the idea of being nearly invisible. The tooth-colored attachments blend into enamel in color, but they do protrude slightly from teeth. While they are less visible when aligners are in place concealing them, when you remove your trays for eating or brushing, Invisalign attachments will be more noticeable. Keeping them clean and clear of debris and food particles will help them stay as unobtrusive as possible.
5. You may have different attachments throughout treatment.
Just as each Invisalign tray is carefully calibrated to move certain teeth at certain times and conventional braces are adjusted regularly to do the same, Invisalign attachments are designed to assist with tooth movements. Some dots may be in place for the entirety of your treatment while others are only there for a short time. It depends on the alignment of your teeth and how effectively movement happens.
6. Attachments are temporary – a straight smile is permanent (usually).
When your Invisalign treatment is done and attachments have served their purpose, they will be removed from your teeth and the residue that held the composite dots in place will be buffed away. The work these temporary shapes do is major, helping to deliver aligned teeth. Those straight teeth will be forever if you wear your retainers and take care of the results you worked so hard to achieve.
Schedule a consultation at Lawrenceville Orthodontists to learn more about Invisalign treatment, attachments, and whether this option is right for you or your teen.