Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional orthodontics because it’s a more comfortable and discreet treatment. However, if you have more severely misaligned or stubborn teeth that don’t want to budge, your dentist may need to place attachments on your teeth or trays to help move things along.
Once you’ve finished your treatment, these inclusions are removed so you can show off your newly straightened smile. If you’re concerned that it will hurt to have them taken off, keep reading to learn why you can set your fears aside!
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Before you can proceed with this alternative orthodontic method, you must consult with your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate. Issues like cavities and gum disease must be addressed so your mouth is clean. Then, they’ll take digital impressions, images, and scans of your teeth that special computer software uses to design your aligners. Typically, you wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours daily, then switch to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks.
Although this wear-time is usually sufficient, some patients have stubborn teeth that don’t shift as quickly as intended. In these instances, your dentist may attach small, tooth-colored bumps made of composite resin to your enamel. These additional anchors allow the plastic to grip your teeth more firmly for better results.
What Are Invisalign Attachments Made From?
Many teens and adults choose Invisalign because the clear trays allow their natural grin to shine through. If you picked it for cosmetic reasons, you might worry that getting attachments will detract from the way you look.
Thankfully, that’s not the case! These bumps are made of the same composite resin that’s used to fill cavities or cover chips and cracks, except instead of color-matching it to your natural hue, it’s in the color “translucent,” so it’s clear. That way, your dentist doesn’t have to worry about selecting the correct shade, and the additions won’t interfere with your appearance.
Does Removing Invisalign Attachments Hurt?
It’s normal to feel some sensitivity or tenderness once the attachments are placed because your dentist applied pressure to your teeth while working on them, but removing them is a different story! In fact, the procedure is so simple that it may only take 15 minutes to one hour to complete.
To remove the buttons, your dentist gently shaves them down until there’s no material left on your enamel. Then, they polish your teeth to a shine to ensure no residue is left behind.
When you leave the dental office, you’ll have a beautifully realigned grin to show off!
About the Practice
At Coats Dental Group of Longmont, you and your family benefit from a father-son dental duo with 25+ years of combined experience. Drs. Brian and Kevin Coats provide a wide array of services to patients of all ages to meet your needs conveniently under one roof, including cosmetics. They take the time to get to know your concerns and goals, then tailor treatment plans to help you address them. Plus, their friendly office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort and produce accurate results. If you’re considering Invisalign, you can request a consultation on the website or call (303) 776-4090.