If you’re starting or researching your clear aligner journey, you’ve probably heard the word attachments come up a few times. But what are they exactly, and why are they such a big deal?
These tiny, tooth-coloured bumps are doing a lot behind the scenes to help you get the smile you’re after and at Urban Smile, we include them in every treatment.
Let’s break it down.
First, what are attachments?
Attachments (sometimes called “buttons”) are small, tooth-coloured shapes made of dental composite — the same material used for white fillings. They’re bonded to certain teeth during your aligner treatment and are nearly invisible.
The attachment’s job is to act as anchors, helping your aligners grip your teeth and move them more effectively.
Why attachments matter
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth into better alignment. But some tooth movements, like rotating a stubborn tooth or pulling down a tooth that hasn’t fully erupted, may need a little bit of extra help.
That’s where attachments come in. They give the aligners more leverage, allowing for:
- More complex tooth movements
- Better grip and control, especially on rounded or hard-to-move teeth
- More predictable treatment outcomes
- Faster and more efficient progress
Think of it like this: aligners without attachments are like trying to open a jar with slippery hands! The attachments give you the grip you need to get the job done.
What happens if you skip attachments?
Avoiding attachments when they’re recommended can slow down your treatment or lead to less-than-ideal results.
Here’s what may not happen:
- Teeth may not track properly – meaning they don’t move the way your treatment plan intended.
- Treatment could take longer – because your aligners can’t apply the right amount of pressure.
- You might not get your ideal outcome – especially if you have more complicated movements planned.
- You risk needing refinements – extra sets of aligners that could’ve been avoided with attachments.
At Urban Smile we provide advanced attachments with every treatment because we believe they have a very important and essential job to do.
Some providers provide ‘cheaper’ aligners but do not offer attachments or they add this cost on after.
Do they look obvious?
Nope! Attachments are painless to apply and remove. They blend in with your natural teeth and are barely noticeable, especially when wearing your aligners.
If you have a special occasion like a wedding and would like to have your attachments removed, this is also possible, and then you can have your attachments replaced at a later date (fees apply)
Do attachments hurt?
You might feel a bit of pressure at first or notice your aligners clicking into place more snugly, which is a good sign they’re working!
Final Thoughts? Attachments = big impact on your Dream Smile
They might be small, but attachments are one of the secret weapons that make clear aligner treatment so effective. If you’re going to invest in straightening your smile, it’s worth doing it right, and that often means letting attachments do their thing.
Got more questions about attachments or wondering if you’re a good candidate for treatment?
Book a Free Consultation at an Urban Smile studio and if clear aligner treatment is right for you.