Invisalign braces are being hyped as the almost invisible and completely comfortable way to straighten teeth. But is it true? Most patients with more serious bite issues would probably claim otherwise, especially if their treatment involves the use of attachments.
Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen says, “Most Invisalign patients will require the use of buttons or attachments to attain the smile they want, The amount of attachments needed varies for each patient.”
What Are Invisalign Buttons and Attachments?
Small, tooth-colored dots, attachments are made from dental bonding and placed in particular areas of the teeth to provide extra traction for the aligners. They serve as the anchor point that helps to enforce the aligner. On the other hand, buttons are small brackets that serve as an anchor so the orthodontist can initiate rubber bands into the treatment plan.
“Sometimes the use of attachments and buttons comes as a surprise to patients who have read about Invisalign,” says Dr. Nikaeen. “The use of buttons and attachments isn’t always discussed because Invisalign is often touted as the ‘no wires, no brackets’ treatment. But unless you have a very minor issue with your bite, your orthodontist will probably need to utilize some combination of buttons and/or attachments to achieve your smile.”
To insert the attachments, your orthodontist will use an aligner that has them built into it to place them on your teeth. First, the surface of your tooth will be roughened up a bit to create a surface that the attachment will adhere to. Next, the aligner will be put in, and the gel that will harden to become the attachment will be inserted in those gaps. Once the gel has been hardened using light, the template aligner will be taken out and any excess gel will be removed.
“I always want my patients to be educated about any orthodontic treatment they may be considering,” says Dr. Nikaeen. “An informed patient is often a happier patient because they know what to expect throughout the course of treatment. Invisalign may be a great option for some patients, but it won’t be for all. Like anything else in orthodontics, there isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all solution. Before opting for any treatment, it is important to fully explain the treatment process, as well as to read reviews from real patients to understand how it works in real life.”
About Nikaeen Orthodontics: Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen believes that every person – young or old – deserves a healthy and beautiful smile. She takes a conservative and detailed approach to orthodontics while incorporating the latest technology, which sets her apart from other orthodontists.
