Invisalign® Attachments: What Are They and What Do They Do?

Let’s be clear: Invisalign® attachments are barely noticeable. Not every Invisalign® treatment requires attachments. This is going to depend on your specific orthodontic needs and what your orthodontist designs for your particular case.

With Invisalign® as a clear alternative to braces, more adults and teenagers are opting to perfect their smiles. Not only is Invisalign® a hassle-free way to improve your smile, but it’s a virtually undetectable orthodontic treatment.

However, until recently, orthodontists have only used Invisalign® for milder orthodontic issues. This is because Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to shift your teeth gradually. For this process to be effective, the aligners must apply pressure to the teeth and move them as intended.

But what about more severe cases of misalignment? In some cases, patients may need attachments to move their teeth into place.

Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign® attachments, including what they are and how to care for them.

What Are Invisalign® Attachments?

They are also known as buttons which are clear, small pieces of material used to help Invisalign® trays make contact with your teeth. These attachments are like tooth-colored fillings and blend in with your natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable. They work as a handle, helping move the teeth in the correct position.

An orthodontist will attach Invisalign® attachments to certain teeth for the Invisalign® trays to be effective.

Will I Need Invisalign® Attachments?

If you have more severe misalignment, your orthodontist may use Invisalign® attachments to shift teeth into their desired position. Sometimes, your aligners may not be able to apply enough pressure to certain teeth to move them. In these cases, attachments or buttons can help.

You may also need them if your teeth are difficult to move and require additional assistance.

Not everyone will need attachments. In fact, most people who opt for Invisalign® treatment won’t need them. An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Yazji will determine if Invisalign® attachments are necessary for your treatment plan.

Caring for Invisalign® Attachments

If your orthodontist determines you need attachments, they will bond them to your teeth at your next appointment. The process is typically straightforward and will take less than an hour. Afterward, you might feel slight discomfort, but this is normal and should go away within a few days.

The orthodontist will then give you specific instructions on how to care for your Invisalign® attachments. In general, you should brush and floss as you normally would without them. It’s also essential to avoid eating hard or sticky foods as they can damage your Invisalign® attachments.

If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign® treatment and what it involves, be sure to talk to your orthodontist.

The Bottom Line

Invisalign® attachments are clear, small pieces of material used to help Invisalign® trays align your teeth. These attachments are tooth-colored and are virtually undetectable.

An orthodontist will bond Invisalign® attachments to teeth requiring stronger contact with the aligners. However, not everyone will need them, so talk to your orthodontist before treatment.

Caring for Invisalign® attachments is like caring for your natural teeth. You should brush and floss as you typically would without them.

If you’re interested in Invisalign® in Miami, Dr. Yazji is a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign® Provider who can answer all your questions. Schedule a consultation for orthodontic treatment in South Florida today. Dr. Maria Yazji sees patients in Weston, Brickell, and West Miami. Start your journey to a smile you’ll love by booking a complimentary, free of charge consultation today! Whether you’re looking for regular metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign® clear aligners, Dr. Yazji can help you achieve the smile you deserve.