Invisalign Attachments: The Complete Guide to the Small Bumps

During your Invisalign consultation, your provider may have mentioned "attachments" or "buttons." Far from being a complication, these small bumps are actually one of the keys to the treatment's success. They enable complex tooth movements and help achieve a perfect result.

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

An attachment, or SmartForce® attachment, is a small dot of composite material (the same material used for tooth-colored fillings) that matches the shade of your tooth. It is temporarily bonded directly onto the surface of certain teeth for the duration of the treatment. These attachments come in various shapes and sizes (rectangles, squares, circles...) depending on the specific movement needed.

What is the Purpose of Attachments?

Attachments act as "handles" or anchor points. They allow the aligner to get a better grip on the tooth to apply targeted and precise forces. Without them, the smooth surface of the tooth wouldn't allow for certain complex movements.

Their role is essential for:

• Performing rotations on poorly oriented teeth.
• Achieving extrusions or intrusions (moving a tooth "out" or "in").
• Controlling the movement of the tooth's root, not just the crown.
• Optimizing the force applied by the aligner for a faster, more predictable result.

How Are Attachments Placed?

Placing attachments is a simple, quick, and completely painless procedure.

1. The provider prepares the tooth's surface to ensure a strong bond.
2. They use a template, which is a special clear aligner with spaces for the future attachments.
3. They fill the small reservoirs in the template with liquid composite.
4. They place the template over your teeth, then use a special curing light (blue light) to harden the composite.
5. Once the template is removed, the attachments are securely bonded to your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attachments

Are They Visible?

Attachments are designed to be as discreet as possible. Since they are the same color as your teeth, they are hard to notice. When you wear your aligners, they are nearly invisible. Without the aligners, you can feel them with your tongue and they might be slightly visible up close, but much less so than traditional braces.

What Should I Do if an Attachment Falls Off?

It can happen. Don't panic; it's not an emergency. Continue to wear your aligners as usual and contact your provider to let them know. They will schedule a short appointment to re-bond it. It's important not to wait too long, as a missing attachment can compromise the planned movement for that tooth.

When and How Are Attachments Removed?

Attachments are removed at the end of the active phase of your treatment, just before the impressions are taken for your retainers. The provider uses a special tool to gently buff them off, then polishes the tooth surface to remove any remaining composite. This procedure is quick, painless, and does not damage your tooth enamel at all.

Conclusion: A Major Asset for a Successful Treatment

Invisalign attachments shouldn't be seen as a drawback, but rather as a major technological advantage. They are proof that your treatment is customized and optimized to achieve the best possible result. It's thanks to them that Invisalign can now tackle more and more complex cases of teeth straightening.