If you’re considering straightening your teeth, but wondering ‘what are Invisalign attachments’, we’re exploring how these small grips can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.  

Whilst Invisalign treatment is highly effective, sometimes stubborn teeth need a little extra push to move into the right place. If teeth are particularly protruding or twisted around, Invisalign attachments might be secured on these teeth to help the aligner have some extra grip. 

The great thing about Invisalign attachments is that they are highly discreet, and whilst you might notice them if you look closely, the majority of people in everyday interactions won’t know they’re there. This can help you feel more confident wearing them as they blend in with your natural tooth colour. 

At LUME Dental, helping people achieve healthier, straighter smiles is our priority. From LUME aligners, to Invisalign, we provide a range of discreet options to help you smile with confidence. Led by award-winning cosmetic dentists Dr. Lalia and Dr. Rosh, our Wilmslow, Cheshire team is known for its patient-first care and extensive expertise.

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-coloured resin dots that are secured onto certain teeth to help move them into position. They act like an anchor for your clear aligner to attach to so it can pull or push on your teeth more effectively.

They also help secure the aligner tightly so it feels snug and stays firmly in place. By helping to guide complex teeth into the right place, Invisalign attachments can make certain tooth movements more accurate and predictable throughout your treatment journey.

Whilst they are virtually invisible and blend with your natural tooth, you might feel a raised lump if you run your tongue over them. 

How Do Invisalign Attachments Work?

Not everyone needs Invisalign attachments when undergoing Invisalign treatment, so this will be discussed during your consultation. Your dentist will identify if there is a need for the attachments or if the clear aligner alone will work.

If you need attachments securing, this will only take around 30 minutes and your dentist will usually do the following:

 

• • Clean and dry your teeth – Your dentist will thoroughly clean and dry the teeth that the attachments are securing onto. This helps prepare the surface so the attachments can be bonded in place.

• • Identify where the attachments will be placed – A special template, based on your treatment plan, is used to show where each attachment needs to sit on your teeth.

• • Apply the resin to certain teeth – A small amount of tooth-coloured composite resin is placed onto the required teeth using the template. The size and shape of the attachments can vary depending on how much movement is needed.

• • Harden the attachments – Your dentist will use a special curing light to harden the resin, so that each attachment is secured onto the surface of your tooth.

• • Check the attachments – Once the resin has hardened, the template is removed and your dentist will check each attachment, removing any excess material.

• • Fit your Invisalign aligners – Your clear aligners are then placed over your teeth and attachments. Small spaces within the aligners fit around the attachments so they have extra grip.

Once fitted, the attachments remain on your teeth throughout your Invisalign treatment. They will be monitored during check-ups to make sure they’re working effectively and moving teeth into place. 

Do Invisalign Attachments Hurt?

Invisalign attachments are not generally painful to have fitted, although you may experience some mild discomfort when the attachment is being placed onto your tooth. To ensure they are properly fitted in place, your dentist will need to apply a small amount of pressure but any discomfort should soon subside.

You may also experience some tenderness when wearing your Invisalign aligners, especially when moving on to a new set. That’s because each set is slightly tighter than the last, helping to gradually push teeth into the right alignment. Most patients quickly become accustomed to how they feel as any discomfort is temporary. The attachments should soon become a normal part of your routine.  

Why Might Invisalign Attachments Be Used?

Invisalign attachments are not always necessary, as clear aligners alone are highly effective. It’s often in more complex cases where attachments might be required to give the aligners extra grip for more precise tooth movements. Your dentist might recommend Invisalign attachments in situations such as the following:

 

• • Turning a tooth – some teeth can be more difficult to rotate. Invisalign attachments give the aligner extra grip to help guide the tooth into the right position.

• • Moving a tooth up or down – attachments can help move teeth that sit slightly higher or lower than the surrounding teeth to make your smile more balanced.

• • Tilting a tooth – if a tooth needs to be moved to a particular angle, an attachment can help the aligner guide it more accurately.

• • Closing gaps – Invisalign attachments can give the aligners more control when bringing teeth closer together.

• • Moving teeth with shorter or rounded shapes – these teeth can be harder for an aligner to grip, so attachments can provide an extra anchor point. 

• • Keeping your aligners in place – Invisalign attachments can help the aligners fit more securely against your teeth and prevent unwanted movement.

How to Take Care of Invisalign Attachments 

Taking care of your Invisalign attachments requires the same good habits as taking care of your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and attending hygiene appointments. Make sure to brush around the attachments in particular to remove any food or plaque that might have become trapped around them.

Whilst brushing twice a day at home is a minimum requirement for maintaining good oral hygiene, having a deep clean at the dentist means any plaque is removed from areas that can be difficult to reach.

By attending hygiene appointments every 6 months, you can be sure that your teeth and gums are being properly cleaned and checked throughout your treatment.