These days, more patients than ever before are realizing that a picture-perfect smile can easily be achieved with the help of Invisalign. These remarkably innovative clear aligners have completely taken the world of modern dentistry by storm thanks to their convenience, subtlety, and quicker treatment timeline compared to braces. However, sometimes patients with Invisalign must also receive attachments in order to ensure that the trays perform their expected function. Here’s a brief explanation of what these attachments are and what you can expect if you need them.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign applies gentle, gradual pressure to your teeth to realign them into a proper position. By progressing through a series of clear aligners that are worn frequently, patients can remedy all sorts of orthodontic issues including misalignment, bite problems, and more.
However, sometimes the aligners need a little extra assistance moving your teeth, which is where Invisalign attachments come into play. These are small auxiliaries that come in different varieties and are generally made from a composite resin material, the same material used for other types of dental work. They are bonded to specific teeth (or sometimes the aligners themselves) to provide additional support and stability for your trays.
Why Are Invisalign Attachments Sometimes Needed?
These attachments are often utilized for advanced or complex orthodontic cases that necessitate significant treatment. Your orthodontist will determine where they need to go and how many will be necessary, but once they’ve been implemented into your treatment plan, you can rest assured they will keep things moving as expected.
Invisalign buttons are another common type of attachment; they’re small aides that are affixed directly onto the clear aligners, that act as anchors for the elastic rubber bands you’ll likely be asked to wear. Another type of attachment, Invisalign bumps, are built into the aligners themselves and function similarly. There are also bite ramps, which can be attached to the aligners to help add verticality to the patient’s bite.
Does It Hurt to Have the Attachments Removed?
It’s worth mentioning that you can expect some discomfort after receiving your attachments, since your mouth needs to adjust to wearing Invisalign—but this doesn’t actually increase the amount of force being applied to your teeth, nor do they pose a threat to your teeth, meaning there won’t be any “extra” discomfort. Within a day or two, the soreness should be a thing of the past.
After your treatment, having the attachments removed is a straightforward and pain-free process that usually doesn’t even require anesthetic. If you had any attachments affixed to your teeth, they’re simply buffed off and your teeth are polished afterward. It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t try to remove your attachments yourself—this willresult in painful problems.
The bottom line is that Invisalign attachments are often a fundamental component of orthodontic treatment—and thankfully, a non-painful one as well!
About the Author
Dr. Alex J. Johnson and his talented team have served the needs of the Palm Harbor, FL community for several years, and they look forward to assisting you and your family with achieving all of your smile goals! If you have any questions about the blog or the services offered by the practice, feel free to contact them online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (727) 786-7550.