Blog

What Do the Invisalign Attachments Do?

You probably heard that Invisalign can only treat mild to moderate dental problems. If your misalignment is more severe, does that mean there's no other option than regular braces for you? 

Not necessarily. 

Enter Invisalign attachments. 

In this short blog post, we here at Austin Dental Company will try to explain what Invisalign attachments are, how they work, and if they are a good solution for you. 

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Both Invisalign and traditional braces work the same way. The device puts pressure on the teeth to move them into their correct position. The difference is that traditional orthodontic treatment is more effective and can help with a wide range of dental problems, including severe ones. Invisalign, on the other hand, can't put the same amount of pressure and is only fitted for mild and moderate cases. 

Until now. 

With the help of Invisalign attachments, you can get the necessary tooth movement to correct your smile. These small, tooth-colored bumps are strategically placed on your teeth to optimize the force exerted on them, providing better control, precision, and predictability in the orthodontic treatment process. 

The number, size, and location of these attachments vary from patient to patient, depending on their individual treatment needs.

How Do Invisalign Attachments Work? 

Here's how Invisalign attachments can help:

  • Apply More Force: Invisalign attachments help the aligners to apply a more targeted force on the teeth. The shape and position of the attachment enable specific tooth movements, such as rotations. 
  • Better Grip: Attachments increase the surface area of the tooth, providing a better grip for the aligners. 
  • Optimize Your Treatment: By providing better control and more force, Invisalign attachments help ensure that the desired tooth movements are achieved. This ultimately results in a successful orthodontic treatment.

Will Attachments Affect My Invisalign Treatment? 

You probably opted for Invisalign because the trays are virtually invisible and may wonder if attachments can affect this benefit. 

The reality is that, although tooth-colored, attachments do make your Invisalign treatment a bit more noticeable. That said, it's still a lot more discreet than traditional metal braces. 

Invisalign attachments will also complicate maintenance a little bit. With regular Invisalign trays, all you have to do is take the aligners off when you are eating or drinking, brush your teeth like you usually do, and make sure to clean the trays too. 

But, with the attachments, it becomes more crucial than never to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup around the buttons. 

Is Invisalign for Me? 

Unfortunately, even with attachments, Invisalign isn't a good option for everyone. Dr. Bonner Morren can examine your oral health and determine if clear aligners can help correct your issue or if you need braces to get a stunning and healthy smile. 

It all starts with a consultation. So, head to our contact page and schedule your appointment