If you’re starting or researching clear aligner treatment, you’ve probably heard the word attachments come up. But what exactly are they, and why might you need them?
These small, tooth-coloured shapes are bonded to specific teeth to help your aligners achieve certain planned tooth movements. At Urban Smile, attachments may form part of your treatment plan depending on the movements your Specialist Orthodontist has prescribed.
Here’s how they work and what to expect.
First, What Are Attachments?
Clear aligner attachments are small, tooth-coloured shapes made from dental composite, similar to the material used for white fillings. They’re bonded to specific teeth during treatment and work with your aligners to help achieve certain tooth movements.
Attachments come in different shapes, sizes and positions depending on the movement they’re designed to assist with.
Why Attachments Matter
Clear aligners apply controlled forces to gradually move your teeth according to your treatment plan. Some movements can require additional grip or control, which is where attachments come in.
Depending on your treatment plan, attachments may help your aligners:
- Rotate certain teeth
- Move teeth in specific directions
- Provide additional grip on particular teeth
- Apply force more effectively for certain planned movements
Not everyone will need the same attachments. Their shape and position are determined by the tooth movements included in your individual treatment plan.
Think of attachments a little like the grip you need to open a stubborn jar. They give your aligners something extra to hold onto when certain movements need a little more control.
Do I Have to Have Attachments?
If attachments are included in your treatment plan, they’ve been prescribed to assist with specific tooth movements.
Your Specialist Orthodontist determines where attachments are needed as part of planning your treatment. If you have questions or concerns about them, talk to your Urban Smile clinical team before treatment begins. We can explain what they’re for and where they’ll be placed.
Are Clear Aligner Attachments Noticeable?
Attachments are tooth-coloured and designed to blend in with your natural teeth, so they’re generally quite discreet. How noticeable they are can vary depending on their size, position and the colour of your teeth.
Have a special occasion coming up? If you’d prefer to have your attachments temporarily removed for an event such as your wedding, talk to your Urban Smile clinical team. Where clinically appropriate, we can remove them beforehand and rebond them afterwards so you can continue with your treatment plan.
Do Attachments Hurt?
Having attachments bonded to your teeth shouldn’t involve drilling or injections. You may notice that your aligners feel a little more snug once attachments are added, and the attachments themselves can feel unfamiliar against your lips and cheeks at first.
If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort or something doesn’t feel right, let your Urban Smile clinical team know.
How Are Clear Aligner Attachments Removed?
When your attachments are no longer needed, your clinical team will remove the composite material from your teeth and carefully finish the tooth surface.
Attachments may also be removed and replaced at different stages of treatment if directed by your clinical team.
Small Attachments, an Important Job
Attachments might be small, but they can play an important role in achieving specific tooth movements during clear aligner treatment. Whether you need them, where they’re placed and how long you wear them will depend on your individual treatment plan.
If you’re considering clear aligners and want to know what your treatment might involve, book a free consultation at your nearest Urban Smile studio. We’ll assess your teeth and bite and talk you through what to expect.
Consultation required to assess suitability. Our orthodontists will advise if this treatment is right for you.