What are Invisalign Attachments, and What Do They Do?

You have probably heard about Invisalign and how they are a less invasive way to help straighten your teeth and get you a smile you love. However, you might not be familiar with what Invisalign does and how you might need to use attachments to get the job done safely and effectively. If you are considering getting Invisalign, it is a good idea to make sure that you understand Invisalign attachments and how they can be used to help you get the results you want for your smile.

What are Invisalign Attachments?

The goal of Invisalign is to help straighten your teeth, and while Invisalign can be a great option, sometimes it needs the help of Invisalign attachments to get the job done. These attachments are designed to assist the Invisalign aligners in their job and ensure that your teeth can get straightened in the least invasive way possible. Invisalign attachments may be used in various situations, whether you are getting Invisalign for kids or adults. It all depends on the nature of your teeth and what work needs to be done to achieve your oral health goals.

Why Are Invisalign Attachments Needed?

Invisalign is designed to move your teeth in the correct direction gently. This is done by creating a series of aligners designed to shape the next step your teeth need to take. With some angles of teeth or teeth shapes, an aligner alone will not be able to accomplish the straightening you are looking for. In this case, you will have attachments placed that can aid in the movement of your teeth. Rather than regular Invisalign aligners, which you can remove on your own, Invisalign attachments are bonded to your teeth using resin and removed in the office with a polishing tool.

Will Invisalign Work Without Attachments?

Invisalign attachments are not necessary for all teeth or in all instances. Depending on the current state of your teeth, you may not need attachments at all. But, if you have teeth at severe angles or different shapes, you will likely need attachments to get the job done correctly. Your orthodontist will help you to identify whether you need attachments for your Invisalign at home. If you decline attachments when you need them, the process may take longer and be slightly less effective than it would be with attachments.

Do Invisalign Attachments Hurt?

The great thing about Invisalign attachments is that they are minimally invasive. This means that they should not cause you any pain. You may experience some discomfort when you first have the attachments placed, but it will be minimal and only last a very short time. After placement, you will go back to wearing your Invisalign retainer without any pain or discomfort, as usual.

How Are Invisalign Attachments Removed?

When it is time to have your Invisalign attachments removed, you will go into your appointment with your orthodontist. They will use a tool designed to remove the resin from your teeth. Then they will further work to remove any remaining bits from your teeth. The process is relatively simple and pain-free, though you may experience a vibrating sensation throughout the process.

Invisalign attachments can be an essential part of achieving your goals for your smile. And, when you understand what they are and how they work, it is much easier for you to figure out how they will impact your life and your smile. With the complete information, you can make an appointment with Sierra Dental Practice to get your Invisalign set up and work towards having a smile you love to share with the world.

If you are interested in pursuing Invisalign solutions for your teeth, contact us for more information.