What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Tooth alignment technology has made huge strides in the past few decades, with Invisalign® leading the pack. Usually, alignment devices are personally shaped to fit the mouth of each wearer and can be removed fully. However, sometimes the teeth of a person may be so severely misaligned that extra steps are necessary. Invisalign® attachments by the dentist in 85053 have been developed to assist in providing the additional force and redirection needed for tricky alignment needs.

Attachments, explained

Invisalign attachments, also known as aligner attachments or buttons, are small tooth-colored or clear bumps or shapes that are temporarily bonded to certain teeth during the Invisalign treatment process. They serve as anchors or grips for the clear aligner trays, helping to facilitate specific tooth movements and achieve more precise alignment.

Why would a person need the attachments?

Certain teeth may be positioned at contradictory angles, thereby requiring rotation or more extreme movement than other teeth in the mouth. The attachments allow the Invisalign® technician to focus on a particular area of the teeth to correctly and efficiently bring certain teeth in line. Consider the attachment as an anchor for the tooth and the device.

How do the attachments by the Invisalign Dentist in Phoenix, AZ work?

The attachments are formed from tiny amounts of proprietary SmartForce material, which is attached to the teeth of the wearer either before or in the middle of treatment. They are not always attached to every tooth; instead, they are usually attached just to the teeth that are in need of the most extreme realignment. The attachments help the aligner grip the teeth, making all the teeth come together in a more comfortable way than traditional metal braces do. Call us to learn more.

What do the attachments look like?

The developers at Invisalign® know the importance of maintaining a visually clear effect during teeth straightening procedures. For this reason, the attachments are colored to look like the teeth to which they are attached. For example, if the wearer chooses to remove the realignment device for special occasion photographs, then it should not be obvious that the attachments are present on the teeth.

How big are the attachments?

It depends on the shape of the attachment, but in general, they are smaller than the teeth. This small size has been determined to be large enough to assist the Invisalign® device in realigning the teeth, while still remaining unobtrusive to the wearer. Sometimes, the attachments can be shaped like rectangles, squares, circles or triangles, depending on the function they will perform in the mouth.

Does it take long for the attachments to be fitted?

No, it should not take a trained technician long at all to fit the attachments to the teeth. The company's developers have created a template to help with fitting. A small dot of composite bonding is used to affix the attachment, so the whole process only takes as long as the time required to identify the place to put the attachment, set it in place and then wait for it to cure.

Conclusion

While wearing Invisalign attachments, patients should follow their dentist in Phoenix, AZ's instructions for proper care and maintenance. This includes wearing the aligner trays as directed, brushing and flossing regularly, and avoiding foods and beverages that may stain or damage the attachments. Patients should also attend scheduled follow-up appointments with their orthodontist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Overall, Invisalign attachments play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment and achieving desired tooth movements. While they may take some time to get used to, they are an essential component of the treatment process and help patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles with minimal visibility and discomfort.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.