If you are eager to achieve a straighter smile, metal brackets and wires aren’t your only option! Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift the teeth into their rightful locations. The best part is that this treatment is entirely discreet, so it won’t take away from your appearance in the meantime. To achieve optimal results, some patients require
Invisalign attachments. Continue reading to learn more about these attachments, how they work, and whether or not it hurts when they are removed.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
In some cases, clear aligners aren’t enough on their own to move the teeth to their rightful locations. This is especially the case for moderate to severe misalignment issues. In these situations, your Invisalign dentist may decide to apply attachments to your teeth to give your trays something to grip onto. This way, they will have some assistance in moving the teeth to their new spots.
Attachments are made from a tooth-colored material called composite resin. This is what is used to craft fillings and dental bonding. They are attached to specific teeth to give your aligners some extra grip to move your teeth. Attachments are used for movements like rotations, extrusions, and intrusions.
How Are Invisalign Attachments Removed?
When the attachments are no longer required, your dentist can remove them with dental tools. They will also polish your teeth afterward so no rough surfaces are left behind. This process is completely painless. You don’t even require a local anesthetic. Depending on how many attachments your dentist deems necessary, it can take up to an hour to apply them. However, they can all be removed in less than 15 minutes.
What If You Don’t Want Attachments?
In some cases, Invisalign attachments are not necessary. However, if your dentist recommends attachments and you opt for none, you could be missing out on a huge benefit. The attachments are what makes Invisalign comparable to metal braces. Without your attachments, the efficacy of the clear aligners is closer to, but still better than DIY aligners. When one doesn’t get attachments, the treatment progress doesn’t usually follow as closely, and it can double the treatment time!
If you are starting Invisalign, attachments may be a necessary part of your treatment. This way, you can get the stunning results you are looking for and stay on track with your plan!
About the Practice
At Snow Family Dental, Dr. Christine M. Snow and Dr. Rebecca J. Hudson work together to treat patients in the Frankfort community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit their
website or call (708) 799-5162.
