New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear custom aligner trays to shift teeth into their proper positions. Sometimes, the aligners need a bit of assistance to successfully do their job. They may require Invisalign attachments. What are Invisalign attachments? Do they hurt? How might they affect your treatment experience? This blog post explains.
An Introduction to Invisalign Attachments
Invisalign attachments are small tooth-colored bumps that are placed on certain teeth to ensure the aligners’ force is properly guided. They serve as anchorage points to make the treatment more efficient and effective. These attachments are different from Invisalign bumps and bite ramps, which are attached to the aligners rather than the teeth.
Not everyone needs Invisalign attachments. Your dentist will discuss this with you during your consultation. The attachments may need to stay on your teeth throughout the entire treatment, though some patients might have them removed earlier.
What Do the Attachments Feel Like?
The process of placing Invisalign attachments is generally comfortable. Afterward, you might notice mild discomfort due to increased pressure on your teeth. This should subside within a few days.
As you become accustomed to your attachments, you will find that they are barely noticeable in your day-to-day activities. If you have questions or concerns about your attachments or aligners at any point during your treatment, contact your care provider.
When it is time for the attachments to be removed, your dentist will use a special instrument to easily take them off your teeth. Then, any residue will be polished off. This process should be painless, though you might feel some mild pressure.
What Else Should You Know About Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign attachments are small and discreet, so they should not significantly affect your smile’s appearance or your ability to eat various foods. However, it is advisable to avoid hard and sticky items that might dislodge them.
Attachments can become slightly discolored over time. To minimize this, reduce your intake of highly pigmented foods and maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. If you notice stains around your attachments, they are likely to be subtle, and your hygienist should be able to polish them away during a routine cleaning.
Invisalign attachments may play a crucial role in your orthodontic treatment. Consult your care provider if you have questions about their function and impact.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we are proud to provide a range of services for our community, including Invisalign aligners. If you have questions about this treatment or what to expect from it, we would be happy to speak with you. To learn more about us or to request an orthodontic consultation, contact our office at 203-781-8051.