What are Invisalign Attachments and When They are Needed?

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that helps to align your teeth eliminates common dental issues like uneven or gaps in teeth, and generally creates an appealing look. During the Invisalign process, orthodontists use an important component known as attachments. Attachments are like paper clips holding documents together and are useful for keeping the aligner tray firmly anchored in place, at the same time allowing for easy movement of the teeth. With the attachments, there is greater control of tooth movement and quicker results in getting the teeth aligned beautifully.

When Do You Need Invisalign Attachments?

Invisalign attachments are important for the precise positioning of Invisalign and act as anchorage points for the aligner tray. Let's consider some of the dental issues that may require Invisalign attachments:

Crowded and Overlapping Teeth: Do you have large teeth or lost baby teeth? These may cause teeth crowding, which, in turn, creates insufficient space for using the toothbrush and flossing thread to remove tiny food particles caught in between the teeth. Also, due to the lack of space in the jawbone, teeth may overlap. Invisalign trays with attachments will help to get the teeth re-aligned correctly.

Overbite: You may have noticed that when your mouth is closed, the upper teeth rest a tad bit over the lower ones. This is an overbite. An overlap of more than 20% is an excessive overbite. While there may be multiple causes for it, such as a genetic factor like a small jaw, a few other possible causes include constantly chewing your nails or grinding your teeth. To put possible problems created by overlapping teeth, such as gum disease and tooth decay at bay, Invisalign trays with attachments are good to have.

Crooked Teeth: When you lose a tooth, the adjacent tooth shifts into the empty space, and it thus becomes distinctly crooked. The orthodontist will recommend  Invisalign aligners to get the teeth aligned properly and thus Invisalign attachments will be required.

Teeth Gaps: The advantage of using Invisalign with attachments for tooth gaps is that it offers a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. The attachments blend in with the natural colour of the teeth, making them less noticeable, while still providing the necessary anchorage for effective tooth movement. Patients with larger gaps or more complex spacing issues can benefit from attachments as they help achieve more predictable and faster results, leading to a beautifully aligned smile.

Also read: How Clear Aligners Treat Crowded Teeth?

Key Features of Invisalign Attachments

Invisalign attachments play an essential role in improving the effectiveness of Invisalign aligners. Here are the key features of Invisalign attachments:

Discreet and Aesthetically Pleasing: Let's face it; not everyone likes to expose prominent braces with their brackets when they talk or smile. Invisalign attachments are tiny and far more inconspicuous. They are not only located behind the invisible aligners, they merge with your teeth due to their colour, namely, the same as the tooth enamel. Like the clear aligner tray itself, the attachments, too, are aesthetically pleasing.

Customized Types: Like aligners customized for individual patients, so also the attachments. Your orthodontist will take exact measurements, and geometric patterns come into play. A particular type of dental issue may require an Ellipsoid attachment while another, a C-shaped one. Accordingly, the design (shape and size) of the Invisalign attachments depends on the specific orthodontic treatment, such as ones for a space closure or the axial inclination of teeth.

Placement: Just as the design of Invisalign attachments is based on the required orthodontic treatment, so is where they are positioned per their functional requirements. For example, the orthodontist may place them on the premolars in case of a rotation movement. Other dental problems may require them to be positioned on the canines or incisors. Also, they may be positioned slightly up or down from the tooth's central point. Perhaps placing two attachments on a single tooth may even be essential.

Enduring: While Invisalign aligners will require to be changed every couple of weeks, the Invisalign attachments are enduring, staying on the right to the end of the Invisalign treatment when they will be removed. In the rare possibility of the attachment falling off or getting chipped, contact your orthodontist immediately.
 

When You May Not Need Invisalign Trays With Attachments

There are some dental problems for which Invisalign trays with attachments are either not required or may not be useful in resolving the problem. Consider extrusions and intrusions. An extruded tooth has slid out of its socket and thus hangs out. An intruded tooth is the opposite; it is driven into the socket. Both these not only have an impact on your smile but also cause damage to periodontal ligaments which can be painful. To fix extrusions and intrusions, orthodontists will likely recommend traditional braces because Invisalign trays with attachments may be ineffective in shifting teeth up or down. One thing to keep in mind is that while an intruded tooth may not require the attachment, the adjacent one may need it to prevent the aligner from getting displaced. In case you are in doubt whether or not you need the Invisalign attachments, just consult a second specialist.
 

Conclusion

There may be dental problems that result in your teeth going off-tangent from their regular position. In order to have ease of movement for the teeth when using Invisalign trays, attachments are what you need. They are customized for optimal fit, comfort, and functionality and are suitable for everyone from pre-teens to adults. Dentique is among the leading providers of Invisalign in Kochi. If you want more tips, call us today!