One thing Invisalign patients at our Aurora dental office are most curious about is the small tooth-colored bumps we place on their teeth at the start of treatment. I understand! If nobody warns you about them, they can catch you off guard. These buttons are called attachments, and they play a bigger role in your results than you might think.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes we bond to the surface of specific teeth during Invisalign treatment. They are made of a composite material similar to what we use for tooth-colored fillings. We shape and position each one to help the aligner grip the tooth and guide it in a specific direction.
Not every tooth gets one. The number and placement of attachments depend on what movements your treatment plan calls for.
Why Does Invisalign Need Attachments?
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure. But some tooth movements are harder to achieve with a smooth tray alone. Correcting rotated teeth, moving teeth up or down, and certain types of bite issues require more force than the aligner can provide on its own.
That's where attachments come in. They give the tray something to push against, which helps with more complex movements. The Cleveland Clinic lists placing attachments as a standard step in the clear aligner process, and most Invisalign cases include at least a few.
Without them, we simply couldn't reach certain treatment goals with aligners.
Are Invisalign Attachments Noticeable?
Because we match the material to the actual tooth shade, they are much less visible than most patients think. They can feel a little rough at first, but most people adjust within a few days.
Attachments are also only temporary. Once you complete treatment, we remove them and polish the tooth surface smooth.
How Do You Remove Invisalign Attachments?
When you complete the aligner phase of treatment, we gently buff the composite off the tooth surface and polish the area. It typically takes just a few minutes and is honestly one of the easiest appointments of the whole process.
Have questions about your Invisalign treatment plan? Call Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands at (720) 653-3223.