Many people are surprised when they’re told that they need to get attachments as part of their Invisalign treatment. They naturally have a number of questions, such as “Why are the attachments necessary?” and “Will it hurt to have the attachments removed?” It’s important to be prepared before you start your Invisalign journey, so here’s a look at what attachments are and what you can expect when the time comes to have them taken off your teeth.
What Exactly are Invisalign Attachments and Why are They Necessary?
Invisalign attachments are essentially small bumps of composite resin that are applied to specific teeth. They are used when the aligners by themselves would not be enough to move the teeth to where they need to be. The purpose of the attachments is to effectively help the aligners grip the teeth, thus providing additional force so that the proper movements can be made.
It should be noted that while it is technically possible to wear Invisalign without attachments, doing so could significantly lengthen your treatment time. If you want to achieve a straighter smile as quickly as possible, then it’s best to have attachments placed.
Will It Hurt to Have Your Attachments Removed?
When it comes to having the attachments applied to the teeth, there’s generally no pain to worry about. (There may be some slight discomfort afterward, but that is simply a result of pressure being applied to the teeth. It should fade over time.) But what happens when you reach the point where your attachments need to be removed? Can you expect the process to hurt?
Fortunately, the answer is no; having Invisalign attachments taken off the teeth is actually relatively painless. A special instrument will be used to gently chip away at the material to remove it from the enamel. The process is so comfortable that there’s typically no need to use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. That being said, the attachments should only be removed by a professional. You should never attempt to take them off by yourself.
What If Your Attachments Come Off by Themselves?
Not every orthodontic treatment goes perfectly according to plan. Sometimes your attachments may come off your teeth prematurely, especially if you put too much pressure on them with bad habits such as tearing open packages with your mouth. In the event that an attachment falls off, let your dentist know immediately so that it can be replaced as soon as possible.
In short, there’s no need to be nervous about receiving Invisalign attachments, as the processes of placing and removing them involve little to no discomfort. Ultimately, the attachments will play a crucial role in helping you achieve a straighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sheri McIntosh went to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for her Doctor of Dental Surgery. She’s proud of being able to provide modern dentistry while maintaining old-fashioned values, and she offers a wide array of services, including Invisalign for straightening teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. McIntosh at Distinguished Dental in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 337-8300.