What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Ever since the advent of Invisalign, clear aligners have skyrocketed in popularity over the traditional use of metal braces. Patients have seen the advantages Invisalign provides, such as providing discreet, more hygienic, and comfortable treatment without any diet restrictions or cavities. 

When it first hit the market, it was characterized as an orthodontic treatment only suitable for very minor cases. However, with the introduction of Invisalign attachments, this characterization is no longer true. 

Invisalign is more than capable of correcting more severely crooked, overcrowded teeth and misaligned bites. Read on to find out what attachments are and how they work.

What Are Attachments?

Invisalign attachments are tooth-colored dots made of composite resin that are bonded to the teeth to help anchor the aligners and encourage certain tooth movements for hard-to-shift teeth. In the past, Invisalign could only correct minor orthodontic problems. However, attachments now enable Invisalign to correct more severe malocclusions like under, over, open, or crossbites.

How Do They Work?

The attachments come in varying sizes and shapes, such as squares, circles, or triangles. These shapes aren’t arbitrary - the specific shape is chosen according to how a certain tooth specifically needs to move. They will also only be placed on certain teeth, as needed. These will be removed once your treatment is complete.



Different shapes achieve different movements and result in different grips. After the attachments have been bonded to your teeth, your aligners will be placed on top and will feel much more snug. This is because the attachments help the aligners exert more force on the teeth. 

This way, a tooth can be rotated or raised into the gum line, which would not be possible with the aligners alone. If you need to correct an improper bite, elastics will also be used in combination with attachments to shift both the teeth and jaw into the proper alignment.

Will I Need Attachments?

This depends on the severity of your case. Not all patients will need attachments, especially if you only have minor gaps or tooth misalignment. However, if you have severely crooked or overcrowded teeth and a misaligned bite, you’ll likely need attachments to help achieve these tooth movements. 



Attachments were designed to help the aligners perform complex tooth movements. If you have a straightforward case that can be corrected with the aligners alone, then you won’t have any need for Invisalign attachments.

Are The Attachments Invisible?

The attachments will match the shade of your natural teeth because we use a shade guide to match the composite resin to your tooth enamel. While there will be a slightly noticeable bump on your teeth, they won’t be noticeable from far away or when you have your aligners in - which you are supposed to wear for 22 hours a day.

 

So, you have nothing to worry about. The attachments can barely be seen unless someone is looking for them. Once we’ve corrected your misaligned teeth or bite, we’ll simply file off the attachments and it’ll be like they were never there.

Discreet & Comfortable Treatment

Sick of uncomfortable metal wires and brackets that make it too difficult to clean your teeth and leave you constantly in pain? Try Invisalign clear aligners! Contact us at Lakewood Dental Studio today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leisa Robotham and find out if Invisalign is right for you.