Thanks to Invisalign®, people with crooked teeth have an invisible alternative to traditional braces and orthodontic appliances. Even though Invisalign is effective, it is not always able to achieve optimal results with aligners alone. That is why attachments have been added into the treatment process. It’s helped more Invisalign patients in the Queens, Long Island, and NYC area achieve dramatic orthodontic results.
Dr. Clifford Degel and Dr. Carmen Every-Degel would like to consider the basics of Invisalign attachments and the role they play in the treatment process. When you visit Astoria Dental Group, we can go over these matters with you in much greater detail.
Why Does Invisalign Need Attachments?
While Invisalign aligners are effective at addressing malocclusion, certain dental alignment issues may be more challenging than others. Attachments used during Invisalign are essentially the brackets of invisible orthodontic treatment. These precise attachments to the teeth give the Invisalign aligners something to grip onto, allowing more advanced adjustments to seriously misaligned teeth.
What Types of Attachments Are Used?
There are two kinds of attachments that play a role in advanced Invisalign procedures:
- Attachments – Attachments are small bumps adhered to the teeth that serve as grips for Invisalign aligners.
- Buttons – Buttons are attachments that help support rubber bands, which means that dentists and orthodontists can now use rubber bands during the Invisalign procedure.
Are Invisalign Attachments Visible Like Orthodontic Brackets?
Overall, no.
Invisalign attachments and buttons are tooth-colored. While there will be bumps on the teeth, they will match your natural tooth structure. This will make them difficult to detect.
What Are These Attachments Made Of?
These Invisalign attachments are made from durable dental bonding materials. That means that they can withstand common wear and tear on the teeth while still remaining generally difficult to notice.
The Advantages of Invisalign Attachments
The primary advantage of Invisalign attachments is that they allow patients with serious malocclusion to undergo invisible orthodontic care. This is great for teenagers and adults who would prefer to avoid traditional orthodontic care using brackets and wires.
The Disadvantages of Invisalign Attachments
While Invisalign attachments and buttons make more advanced orthodontic care possible, there are some disadvantages to consider.
The bumps on the teeth result in new nooks where food particles can become trapped. It’s going to be important for Invisalign patients to brush their teeth gently and thoroughly after every meal in order to remove food particles on their teeth and around attachments and buttons.
In addition, attachments and buttons will make Invisalign treatment more uncomfortable. Increased tension can be exerted on the teeth to move them into proper position. This means teeth can be more sensitive to discomfort, and more tender, especially when patients switch to a new aligner.
The Pros Outweigh the Cons
Keep in mind that the treatment advantages and long-term benefits of Invisalign greatly outweigh the disadvantages for many patients. Having a healthy smile with straight teeth is typically worth the diligent oral hygiene and soreness.
Will I Need Invisalign Attachments?
If you suffer from serious malocclusion, you may be able to get Invisalign with attachments. If your malocclusion is less pronounced, traditional Invisalign may be all you need.
During your visit to our practice, we can determine if attachments are necessary for you to undergo Invisalign treatment.
Contact Astoria Dental Group
If you want to learn more about Invisalign and why it may be ideal for you and your needs, be sure to contact our experienced team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach our practice by phone at (718) 710-4134.
