Invisalign Attachments 101: What They Are and Why They Matter

Invisalign is an appealing option for anyone looking to straighten their teeth without enduring a mouthful of metal. If you’re a qualified candidate for Invisalign there are a few things you should understand about this orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign attachments. These tiny ‘bumps’ can play a crucial role in helping you achieve your dream smile, yet most people know little about them. If you’re wondering what they are and why they are so important then stay on this page for a detailed explanation.

What are Invisalign attachments?

Invisalign attachments are tiny tooth-colored shapes made from dental composite resin – yep, the same material we use in white tooth fillings. They are temporarily bonded to the teeth during your Invisalign treatment. Usually, they’re placed around the middle of a specific tooth or teeth, acting as an anchor point to give the aligners the grip they need to apply the right amount of pressure.

While some people refer to them as dots, Invisalign attachments can be round, rectangular, square or even triangular. It all depends on what movement your dentist is trying to achieve – tooth rotation, intrusion or extrusion.

Customised to fit your treatment plan, these tiny helpers are strategically positioned to assist the aligners move your teeth into their ideal positions. Not every Invisalign patient will require attachments; generally, they form part of the process in cases where the tooth movements are more complex.

Why are Invisalign attachments so important?

In relatively straightforward cases, Invisalign aligners do a great job on their own but in more complex cases, certain tooth movements require additional control and precision. Attachments assist aligners to:

• Apply targeted pressure: Provides the grip aligners need to achieve specific movements such as rotating a tooth or adjusting its angle.
• Improve treatment efficiency: Attachments enable Invisalign to handle a broader range of cases from simple spacing issues to more complex bite adjustments.
• Predictable results: Attachments help aligners stay in place by fitting more snugly against the teeth, which, in turn, makes the results more predictable.  

To sum it up, Invisalign attachments are the secret to faster and more precise treatment.

What’s involved in the process?

The process is quick, around 30 minutes, and painless. These are the steps you can expect.

1. Tooth preparation – The teeth receiving attachments are cleaned by your dentist or orthodontist.
2. Placement - A template aligner with pre-made spaces for the attachments is fitted over your teeth. Composite resin is applied to these spaces, creating the attachments.
3. Hardening the resin – A special light is shone to cure the resin and bond the attachments to your teeth.
4. Polishing – To ensure comfort, the attachments are smoothed and shaped.

Will my Invisalign attachments be noticeable?

The resin is color-matched to subtly blend in with your natural teeth but the attachments will be more noticeable if they are placed on your front teeth.  Although the aligners remain clear, in certain lighting the attachments may make them more noticeable.

In fact, the attachments are less visible when you’re wearing aligners, so what better motive is there to keep the aligners in your mouth for longer? If you do feel self-conscious about your attachments, remember they’re only temporary and play a vital role in giving you your dream smile.

Living with Invisalign attachments

Although the attachments are small and unobtrusive you should bear the following points in mind:

Irritation– Some patients complain that Invisalign attachments irritate their mouth when they’re not wearing the aligners. This being the case, try using dental wax on any areas of the mouth that feel sore or tender until your mouth adapts.

Oral hygiene - Other patients find that food particles build up around their attachments. It’s key to be diligent with brushing and flossing after every meal to avoid tooth decay and cavities.

Eating and drinking – Like natural teeth, attachments can stain. Try and steer clear of highly pigmented foods and beverages like tea, coffee and wine which could discolor them. If you do indulge, then rinse your mouth immediately afterward with cold water.

Fitting your aligner – You can’t just pop your aligner in and out on a whim with attachments. You will need to take your time and place your aligners with precision into your mouth since the attachments are designed to click inside them to make the aligners more secure.  Removing your aligner can also be a bit tricky. Using an aligner removal tool or your fingertip, gently wiggle the aligners off taking care not to apply too much pressure on the attachments. It will get easier with practice, honestly!

Will I need attachments?

Not necessarily. If your case involves mild crowding or spacing issues, attachments may not be required. However, if your case involves correcting a bite issue or moving a rotated tooth, then attachments are more likely. Either way, your dentist or orthodontist will determine your requirements as they plan your treatment.

What happens when it's time to take my aligners off?

The attachments are removed at the end of your treatment by gently buffing them off with a special dental tool. Don’t worry, the procedure is non-invasive and painless. But first, your dentist will do one last check to ensure your teeth have moved into their correct positions and may perform a 3D scan which will be used to create your retainers.

Ready to start your Invisalign journey?

Don’t let the thought of attachments put you off from going ahead with your Invisalign journey. You may not need attachments and even if you do they’ve got to be less visible than metal braces, right?

If you’re ready to take the first step toward you’re dream smile, we’re here to help. We’ll be with you for every step of your Invisalign journey. Make 2025, the best year ever with a brand new smile you can be proud of. Call Chesterfield Dentistry at 314-936-3621 to schedule your consultation or use our online booking service.