If you have started looking into Invisalign treatment and viewed pictures of people using it to straighten their teeth and align their bite for a more confident smile, you may have noticed and been concerned about the small bumps on their teeth.
Fear not! These little bumps are Invisalign attachments: tiny, tooth-coloured dots of composite material bonded directly to specific teeth to help clear aligners work more effectively. They are designed to be discreet, are placed and removed easily by your dentist, and are tailored specifically to your needs.
In this blog, we explore how Invisalign attachments support your journey toward a more beautiful smile.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign attachments, also informally known as Invisalign buttons or Invisalign bumps, are small, tooth-coloured shapes made of the same dental composite resin we use for modern dental fillings.
Unlike the aligners themselves, Invisalign attachments stay fixed to your teeth while you switch through your series of aligners. The attachments act like small handles or grips that insert snugly into the tiny, pre-formed pockets on the aligner trays. By providing a tiny ledge, they give the clear aligners something firm to push against, enabling them to deliver force that moves your teeth in precise, targeted directions.
Attachments are particularly beneficial for complex or hard-to-achieve tooth movements, such as:
- Rotation: Turning a tooth that is twisted in its socket
- Extrusion: Gently shifting a tooth vertically into better alignment with its neighbours
- Anchoring: Holding specific teeth firmly in place while adjacent teeth are guided into new positions
Although they may be noticeable close up, attachments are much less visible than metal braces. Also, whenever your clear aligners are in place, the smooth plastic covers the attachments, blending them even further into your smile.
It is important to note that not every clear aligner patient requires attachments. Treatment plans are highly customized to each individual’s unique tooth structure and goals, as well as the specific movements needed to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. This individual approach means that some patients will require multiple attachments across upper and lower teeth, while others need very few attachments or none at all.
How Are Attachments Placed and Removed?
Having attachments placed is a straightforward, non-invasive process conducted right in our dental office. It requires no freezing or local anesthetic, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
First, we review your digital 3D scans to confirm the exact location for each attachment. Next, your teeth are cleaned and dried to ensure a strong bond between the enamel and the composite material.
Our team then uses a specialized clear Invisalign template tray with tiny indentations filled with composite resin. The tray is seated over your teeth, and a curing light is applied for a few seconds to harden the resin. Lastly, the template is removed, and we carefully smooth away any excess material. The entire bonding appointment is fast, safe, and efficient.
Invisalign attachment removal is also a safe and effective procedure. Once your treatment is complete, or if your plan requires adjustments along the way, we will gently buff away the composite resin using a specialized dental instrument. Afterward, the tooth surface is polished smooth.
Because the composite resin bonds to the outer layer of enamel without penetrating it, the natural tooth structure underneath remains undamaged and healthy. In other words, the attachments will not harm your teeth at all upon removal.
Caring for Teeth with Attachments
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with attachments is easy, but it does require a commitment to routine and attention to detail. Here is a maintenance plan we recommend for our patients:
Regular Brushing and Flossing
Plaque can accumulate around the base of each small bump. Brush thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste after meals, paying close attention to the margins around each attachment, and floss between teeth daily.
Clean Your Aligner Trays
Clean your aligner trays using cool or lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Keeping the internal pockets of your aligners clear of residue ensures a snug fit over your attachments.
Adjust Eating Habits
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. While attachments are securely bonded, avoiding excessively hard or sticky foods helps prevent them from popping loose. Rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in.
There are rare occasions where an attachment might become loose or fall off. If this happens to you, there is no need to panic. Simply contact our dental office so we can reattach it, and continue wearing your current aligner tray as usual unless we advise otherwise.
If you are currently considering Invisalign aligners to improve your smile, make an appointment with our dental health experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental. We will thoroughly examine your teeth, answer all your questions, and discuss your available options to give you the healthy, confident smile you deserve!
Learn More About Invisalign Attachments from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your family’s oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment today by calling 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Attachments
Are Invisalign attachments noticeable?
Invisalign attachments are made from a tooth-coloured composite resin matched to your enamel. When your clear aligners are worn over them, they are very discreet.
Is having attachments placed uncomfortable?
No. Placing attachments is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any freezing or removal of tooth structure. The composite material is bonded directly to the surface of the tooth and hardened with a light.
Do attachments come off on their own?
Attachments are securely bonded to stay in place throughout your treatment. However, on rare occasions, an attachment may come loose. If this happens, it is not an emergency. Contact your dental provider to schedule a quick visit for re-bonding, and keep wearing your aligner as normal.
Will attachments damage my teeth when they are removed?
No, attachments will not damage your natural teeth. Your dentist removes them by carefully buffing away the composite material and polishing the enamel surface. The natural structure of your tooth remains completely intact.
Will I definitely need attachments?
Not necessarily. The need for attachments depends entirely on your unique bite and the specific movements required to align your teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your digital scans to determine if attachments are necessary for your treatment plan.
What is the difference between “attachments” and “buttons”?
The terms “attachments,” “buttons,” and “bumps” are often used interchangeably by patients. “Attachments” is the clinical term for the tooth-coloured composite shapes bonded to your teeth. “Buttons” and “bumps” are simply casual terms for the same appliance.
Do attachments make it harder to take aligners out?
When attachments are first placed, your clear aligners will fit more snugly, which can make insertion and removal feel slightly firmer at first. As you adjust to the technique over the first few days, removing and inserting your trays becomes easier and more routine.
