Does Invisalign Use Attachments?

Invisalign is becoming as well-known as braces for straightening teeth, but there are still questions that arise. One question we received recently was if we use attachments with Invisalign. The answer is yes and no.

Invisalign is marketed as orthodontic treatment that doesn’t require the use of brackets or wires, making them more convenient and less noticeable. And for the most part, that is true. However, many patients require attachments to make the treatment more effective. But, like the Invisalign aligners, these are also clear!

How Are Invisalign Attachments Different from Braces?

Invisalign attachments are small bumps of bonding material stuck to your teeth. They are clear to blend in with the color of the enamel on your teeth, so they are still much less noticeable than metal braces. They also do not have wires attached to them. When you eat or brush your teeth, you will still remove your aligning trays, but the attachments will stay in place.

How Are Invisalign Attachments Applied and Removed?

If your orthodontist decides you need attachments, he or she will prepare your teeth by applying a serum and rinsing. A template with small holes in it where the bonding material needs to be adhered will be placed over your teeth. After the material dries, the template is removed. Your Invisalign aligners will be made to fit around the attachments, creating a tighter fit to move your teeth more efficiently. Once your treatment is complete, these small bumps will be polished off your teeth. There is no drilling involved or shots needed.

How Do Invisalign Attachments Change Treatment?

When Invisalign attachments are first applied, some patients have a little more difficulty with putting in their trays and removing them because they need to be fitted around the bumps on their teeth. When the aligners are removed for eating, the attachments may feel slightly rough against the inside of your mouth or on your tongue. This feeling is similar to the brackets on traditional braces but is on a much smaller scale and shouldn’t cause too much discomfort.

Invisalign treatment with or without attachments will cause your teeth to feel a little sore. This is actually a good thing because it means the treatment is working, and you are getting that much closer to the smile you’ve always wanted.

This information isn’t meant to make you change your mind about Invisalign treatment or encourage you to reconsider traditional braces. One of our main goals at Charleston Orthodontic Specialists is to educate people about their treatment options so they know exactly what to expect. If you ever have a question about braces, Invisalign, or orthodontics in general, please feel free to call us at (843) 4- BRACES. We’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have, even if you aren’t currently a patient.