If you have started clear aligner treatment like Invisalign™ or SPARK™, you might find that we need to fit some attachments and buttons.
These are small tooth-coloured dots strategically placed on your teeth. They provide extra grip, like a handle, for your aligners.
Some people are surprised to learn they will need to have additional attachments on their teeth with clear aligner treatment. However, they are an important step as we use them for more precise control over the way your teeth move.
Does everyone get attachments?
Whether you need attachments as part of your Invisalign or SPARK treatment will depend on your individual treatment plan. For some patients, it is difficult for the aligners alone to apply the right pressure to move your teeth to their ideal locations. Using attachments allows us to fine-tune the forces on your teeth based on their placement and shape.
We generally find that most people will require attachments, which helps you finish your treatment faster and more reliably. We will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.
How do you apply the attachments to my teeth?
They are bonded to your teeth using special non-toxic dental glue. We prepare your tooth in the same way we do when applying conventional braces. A small clean and polish, application of bonding glue and the attachment is placed and cured into position. It is a quick and straightforward process.
Do Invisalign attachments hurt?
They do not hurt when being fitted or removed. However, the attachments may feel a bit uncomfortable at first as your mouth adjusts—much the same as when you change to a new aligner tray.
Once they are in place, you might want to spend some time getting used to inserting and removing your aligners. The attachments are supposed to make everything a bit more snug, so you might need to use a bit more force for a while.
Are the aligner attachments visible?
The attachments are barely noticeable in most cases. They have a low profile and are made from clear or tooth-coloured material. You will feel their presence on your teeth when you are not wearing your aligners. Still, they will be far less visible than you think, and certainly less visible than traditional bracket systems.
Which Foods should I avoid with attachments?
None! The benefit of removable aligners is that you can eat and drink freely. You just need to remove your aligners while eating and brush your teeth regularly.
Naturally, having anything additional fitted to your teeth requires you to be diligent with your brushing and flossing. You will need to take extra time to be sure you have thoroughly cleaned around your attachments and buttons. However, we are sure you will already be doing all you can to keep your teeth sparkling so that your smile will be bright and beautiful after your treatment ends!
How do you remove the attachments from my teeth?
Once they are no longer required or at the end of your treatment, we simply polish them off your teeth. You will feel a slight vibration as we use the scaler to buff away the composite glue. There is no pain, and they will not leave any damage at all to your enamel – the same as removing conventional braces brackets.
Click to read more about the SPARK and Invisalign aligner systems we use.
