Invisalign® Attachments: Their Role and Impact on Your Teeth

Invisalign® attachments are indispensable in modern orthodontics. They play a fundamental role in teeth alignment, providing precision and control for optimal results. This article details the function of Invisalign® attachments, their purpose, and how to manage common situations like a lost or broken attachment.

What is an Invisalign Attachment?

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps made of a special composite material, placed on certain teeth to apply controlled pressure during Invisalign® treatment. Their number varies according to each patient's needs and dental configuration.

These composite attachments ensure optimal grip with the aligners, allowing the teeth to move according to the orthodontist's precise instructions.

Made from a material similar to dental bonding, these attachments are virtually invisible and blend discreetly with the teeth, even to the naked eye!

Small in size (1 to 3 mm) and matched to the tooth color, they minimize their visibility, offering an appreciated aesthetic option for invisible orthodontics.

What is the Purpose of Invisalign® Attachments?

These small, nearly invisible bumps serve several essential functions during your orthodontic treatment:

• Enhanced Traction Force: Attachments provide a firmer grip for the aligner, allowing for optimal pressure to move the teeth according to the established plan. They are essential for precise movements (rotation, extrusion, root control).
• Correction of Bite Problems: Positioned during aligner wear, attachments help correct significant bite or malocclusion issues on certain teeth. They contribute to aligning the teeth in a harmonious and functional way.
• Anchorage for Certain Teeth: In some cases, attachments act as anchors, helping to stabilize teeth that should not be moved while other teeth are being repositioned.
• Treatment Efficiency: By reinforcing the aligners' traction, attachments help to speed up the Invisalign® treatment process. They help achieve the desired alignment goals more quickly.

The Different Types of Orthodontic Attachments

There are several types of attachments used in orthodontics:

① Rotation Attachments

To improve the alignment of teeth, precise rotation is sometimes necessary. With Invisalign®, these attachments are made of transparent composite resin and are bonded to the tooth surface.

They are meticulously designed to integrate perfectly with the clear aligner, enabling controlled and effective tooth rotation.

② Extrusion Attachments

When a tooth needs to be moved vertically out of the gum (extruded), an extrusion attachment is used.

Bonded to the tooth and covered by the aligner, it exerts a light, constant pressure to gradually move the tooth out of the gum and align it correctly with the other teeth.

③ Root Control Attachments

Sometimes, the crown of a tooth is aligned, but the root is not, which can lead to long-term oral health problems.

Root control is therefore essential. It can be performed using specific attachments and specially designed aligners.

By exerting pressure on the attachment, the aligner gradually guides the root to a more correct position, ensuring a complete and harmonious alignment of the teeth.

How Are Invisalign Attachments Bonded?

Here is how an attachment is bonded to your tooth:

1. Tooth Surface Preparation: The orthodontist cleans and dries the surface of the tooth where the attachment will be bonded. They ensure the area is free of plaque or debris to guarantee optimal adhesion.
2. Application of Adhesive Material: A special adhesive material is applied to the tooth surface. This is usually a clear composite gel that allows for a strong bond with the attachment and durable adhesion.
3. Placement of the Attachment: Once the adhesive is in place, the orthodontist carefully positions the attachment on the tooth, ensuring it is correctly aligned according to the pre-established treatment plan. The attachment is pressed firmly to ensure a secure bond.
4. Curing: To finalize the process, a special light (LED or UV) is used to cure the adhesive and solidify the bond between the attachment and the tooth. This curing takes a few seconds.
5. Verification and Adjustments: Once the attachment is securely fixed, the orthodontist performs a final check to ensure it is properly in place and without defects. Minor adjustments may be made if necessary for a perfect fit.

What to Do If an Attachment Breaks or Falls Off

Don't worry, it happens to everyone!

In case an attachment is lost or broken, here's what to do:

1. Contact Your Orthodontist: Make an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. They will assess the situation and plan an appropriate solution.
2. Continue to Wear Your Aligners: While waiting for your appointment, continue to wear your aligners as prescribed to maintain the treatment process and minimize any potential delays.
3. Avoid Manipulating the Affected Area: Try not to touch or manipulate the area where the attachment is broken to avoid worsening the problem.
4. Be Aware of Discomfort: The loss or breakage of an attachment may cause slight discomfort or irritation. Inform your orthodontist about it during your appointment.
5. Follow Your Orthodontist's Recommendations: Once at your orthodontist's office, follow their recommendations regarding the repair or replacement of the lost or broken attachment to ensure the effective continuation of your Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign® Attachments: The Negative Reviews

Although discreet and essential during your invisible orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® attachments do receive some negative feedback from patients:

• Discomfort
• Eating difficulties
• Pain and irritation
• Maintenance challenges

Let's look at the negative reviews from former Invisalign® users:

"Unfortunately, I experienced some pain because of the Invisalign® attachments. The edges were not always smooth, which caused small cuts and irritation inside my mouth. It was really uncomfortable at first, especially during meals or when I had to wear my aligners for long periods."

— Sophie M.

"The attachments really complicated things when it came to eating. Some foods seemed to get stuck on the attachments, and it was sometimes painful when I chewed. I had to completely change my eating habits, avoiding some foods I really liked. It was frustrating to have to juggle dietary restrictions on top of the orthodontic treatment itself."

— Lucas D.

"Maintaining the teeth around the attachments was an extra task in my daily routine. I had to be much more vigilant when brushing and flossing to avoid plaque or food residue buildup around the attachments. It took more time and effort, and sometimes I felt like I could never get my teeth as clean as I wanted. It was an added challenge as part of my orthodontic treatment."

— Emma L.

How Does the Orthodontist Remove Attachments?

When it's finally time to remove your Invisalign® attachments, the orthodontist uses a careful and precise process to minimize discomfort and preserve your dental health.

First, the orthodontist carefully examines the teeth to locate all the attachments to be removed. Then, they use special tools, such as orthodontic pliers, to gently detach each attachment from the tooth surface.

The removal process is generally quick and painless, although some people may feel a slight pressure sensation during the procedure. Once all the attachments are removed, the orthodontist performs a cleaning and polishing to remove any residual bonding material or composite left on your teeth.