If you’re starting treatment with invisible braces, you’re almost certain to come across the term ‘attachment’. Many people are put off by it at first, even though it’s a completely natural and important part of the treatment. Attachments help the aligners to move your teeth even more precisely and effectively. But let’s take a closer look at what they actually are and why they’re needed!
What is an attachment?
An attachment is a small, tooth-coloured composite element that the dentist bonds to the surface of the tooth. Its colour matches the natural shade of the tooth, so it is barely noticeable when worn.
They are usually only a few millimetres in size and are always custom-made to suit the direction in which the tooth in question needs to be moved.
Why is it necessary?
Although the splints are capable of working wonders on their own, for certain complex movements – such as realigning a severely rotated tooth, lowering the teeth or moving the roots – the splint simply needs a secure point to anchor itself to.
The attachment provides precisely this “handhold”.
With their help:
- the teeth can be rotated more precisely,
- the roots can be moved more effectively,
- the gaps between the teeth are easier to close,
- Even more complex bite problems can be treated.
- treatment becomes more predictable and effective
Is an attachment fitted to every tooth?
No, because the number and location of the attachments vary from patient to patient.
There are simpler cases where attachments are only required on a few teeth, whilst in more complex treatments they may be placed on several teeth. The treating dentist and the digital treatment plan determine which teeth they are placed on.
The most common questions about attachments:
Does it hurt when they put it on?
Not at all! No drilling, no injections.
The dentist simply cleans your tooth and, using a template, cures the composite material under a UV lamp. The whole procedure takes just a few minutes.
Can I eat with them?
Of course, the attachments won’t get in the way when you’re chewing.
One thing you do need to bear in mind, however, is that these tiny little “dots” tend to trap plaque more easily, so it’s even more important to brush your teeth thoroughly (and use dental floss) after meals before you snap the aligner back into place.
What happens at the end of the treatment?
Once you’ve achieved the smile you’ve always dreamed of, your dentist will simply polish them off your teeth. It’s painless, leaves no trace, and your tooth enamel will be just as smooth and intact as it was before the treatment.
Summary
Despite their small size, attachments play an extremely important role in clear aligner treatment. With their help, the aligners can move the teeth more effectively and precisely, making the outcome of the treatment much more predictable. Although their presence may seem unusual at first, most patients get used to them completely within a few days.
