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Are you thinking about straightening your teeth with Invisalign? Invisalign has become one of the most preferred teeth straightening choices for teens and adults. It involves a chain of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that cover your teeth and secures them into the correct position over time.
However, Invisalign braces don’t work alone to achieve your desired smile. Sometimes they need some extra help from Invisalign attachments. This can be particularly true for complex cases where your cosmetic dentist has to deal with extensive crowding, extreme gaps, or stubborn teeth.
Invisalign attachments, also called buttons, are small metal pieces or bumps that are affixed to your clear aligners. They are designed from the same composite resin material often used in cavities and the restoration of minor chips. They are placed at strategic points to give the aligners an adequate grip on the teeth as they align them. Invisalign buttons are available in a variety of shapes, including circular, squire, triangular, and rectangular.
During the consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and advice on the next course of action. The dentist will recommend Invisalign attachments if you have severely crooked teeth, the teeth are not moving quickly enough, or your teeth have rotated out of the correct alignment. The primary purpose of these attachments is to increase the effectiveness of your aligners.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisible attachments are not noticeable and won’t affect your appearance. These are some of the reasons people choose Invisalign over traditional braces, which are often considered unsightly. Invisalign attachments are tiny and the same color as your teeth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly.
To install Invisalign attachments onto your teeth, your dentist will prepare and clean the site of your tooth for bonding. With an Invisalign template, the doctor will mark the surfaces of the attachments and then place the bonding material in the marked template. Your dentist will use a special tool to cure the attachment so it hardens and sticks in your tooth.
To remove the attachment, a specialized tool is used to remove the composite materials that keep the button on your mouth. Your orthodontist will then use another tool (ultrasonic scaler) to slowly remove the remaining elements of the material from your teeth. It’s recommended not to remove your attachments on your own, as a wrong attempt can damage your dental enamel.
Often, it does not hurt to get or remove Invisalign attachments. However, they may feel a little uncomfortable when you first get them, but the discomfort will fade away after a few days when your mouth adjusts.
Our Cary dentists at Myers + Co Family Dentistry can help you achieve your ideal smile through effective Invisalign attachments. If you need more information about this treatment, schedule an appointment with an Invisalign provider near you. Call our office at (919) 851-5166 to discuss your dental needs with Dr. Sarah Myers.
