Clear Aligner Attachments
Clear Aligner Attachments
What They Are, How They Work, and What to Expect.
Clear Aligner attachments, also known as clear aligner buttons or simply attachments, are tiny, almost invisible bumps placed on your teeth during Invisalign treatment. Attachments are custom-made to fit your teeth and positioned to guide the movement of your teeth. They work like handles, giving your clear aligners something to gently push on to help your orthodontist apply extra, gentle force to areas where your aligners need assistance.
About Dr Neil Gorin, DDS
Dr Neil Gorin is a board-certified orthodontic specialist with over 30 years of experience transforming smiles in Brooklyn and Lynbrook, NY. He takes pride in providing personalized, comfortable, and effective orthodontic care that builds confidence and lasting results for patients of all ages.
Clear Aligner attachment features are one of three proprietary innovations that deliver clear aligner's force-driven treatment system. Innovations such as attachments allow experienced clear aligner orthodontists to treat most cases with clear aligners that are typically treated with braces. They help orthodontists move teeth effectively and minimize unwanted movements.1
Will I need attachments?
Only your orthodontist can say for sure. Generally, your orthodontist will recommend attachments if one more teeth need more significant movement.
Are attachments put on all my teeth?
The number of attachments needed will vary depending on the specifics of your orthodontic malocclusion. You may need attachments on every tooth or just a couple needing additional support. Your orthodontist will be able to determine the best course of action for your individual alignment and bite correction.
Will people notice if I’m wearing attachments?
Clear Alignerattachments are made from a tooth-colored material to be as discrete as possible. Some attachments may be more visible than others, depending on their location. For example, attachments on your front teeth may be easier to see than attachments on your molars.
If you have any concerns about the visibility of your attachments, talk to your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will do their best to place attachments in locations to minimize their visibility and make them less noticeable.
How are attachments put on my teeth?
The process of applying attachments is straightforward and should only take around 30 minutes to complete. Before applying attachments, your orthodontist or orthodontic assistant will review your ClinCheck® scan and note where the attachments are to be placed. Your teeth will be prepped by cleaning and drying them for the bonding agent that will allow for adhesion of the buttons to your teeth. Your dentist will use a template aligner, an appliance with little spaces where the attachments will go. They load the attachment material (composite resin) into the spaces and then place the template aligner, which now contains the attachment material, over your teeth. Then, the dentist applies gentle pressure to help the attachments properly adhere. Next, they use a special light to cure and harden the attachment material. Finally, they remove the template aligner and any extra bonding agent or composite resin
Will they hurt?
You may experience some mild discomfort after initially getting your attachments. That discomfort should not last long and can be expected to be mild. It's caused by your teeth needing time to adjust to the new pressure the attachments apply. It's completely normal and a sign that the treatment is working. In most cases, discomfort can be managed by over-the-counter pain relievers;2 your orthodontist can provide more information.
Can attachments fall off? What do I do if that happens?
Avoid activities that put excessive pressure on teeth while in treatment. Activities like using your teeth as tools can cause attachments to loosen or fall off.
Taking good care of your teeth, including regular brushing and flossing, can help preserve the bond and keep attachments from coming loose. Also make sure you follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding removing aligners safely.
If one of your attachments does fall off, don't worry - simply contact your orthodontist. They will schedule a time to replace it.
How long will I need to wear attachments?
The duration depends on your specific treatment plan. Attachments usually stay on for the entire Clear Aligner treatment, which can be as short as six months. Your orthodontist will give you a more accurate timeline.
What happens when treatment ends?
At the end of your treatment, your orthodontist will gently remove the attachments in a painless, non-invasive procedure. They may take a new scan to create retainers. You will also receive instructions on caring for your teeth and retainers to maintain your new smile.
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