Patients looking for an alternative to braces treatment have found great results with Invisalign clear aligners. Smiles by the Bay has been providing our patients treatment with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen for years, and we know how excellent the results can be. Our patients have a general idea about Invisalign, but they’re often surprised at certain aspects of Invisalign treatment — such as using Invisalign attachments.
As Invisalign’s technology has evolved, the treatment has come to include a variety of attachments that make it easier to treat more severe cases. Whereas Invisalign used to treat only mild orthodontic patients, Invisalign attachments have made it easier to treat cases where teeth are turned, open bites are severe, or teeth are impacted. So what are attachments, and how does Smiles by the Bay use them to give you the smile you’ve always wanted? We’ll explain!
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign trays are clear aligners that are custom-molded to your teeth. They’re designed to exert gentle pressure to move your teeth into their proper positions. Some teeth may be more out of place than others, or you may have a nasty bite that needs correction with more pressure in one area of the mouth than the rest.
This is where Invisalign attachments come in. These small attachments are colored to match your teeth and are made up of a composite resin or a dental bonding material. Some attachments are applied directly to your tooth and, unlike the Invisalign trays, are not removable. Others can be found on the trays themselves. Invisalign attachments come in different shapes — usually a button or a small wedge. By design, Invisalign attachments aren’t made to be noticeable. Not everyone will get extensions, but those who do tend to wear them throughout their treatment.
What Are the Types of Invisalign Attachments?
Different shapes of Invisalign attachments have different functions. Usually, their main function is to apply a little extra pressure to that tooth or mouth area. The attachments bonded to the teeth may be of different shapes, such as a wedge or a square. Some attachments may move certain teeth slower while moving others faster. As for the trays, you may have “buttons” that hold elastics.
Treatment with Invisalign is like a dance. For everything to end up as it should, specific steps or moves must be made, so each step is planned carefully. Which attachments are used where is part of that dance.
What Do Invisalign Buttons Do?
Invisalign buttons are a different type of attachment. Instead of being attached to your teeth, they are attached to the trays. They are designed to hold elastic bands in place, much like small hooks hold elastics on braces.
Rubber bands with Invisalign work the same way as rubber bands with braces. They are designed to stretch from the top jaw to the bottom to repair a tooth or a bite issue. Again, only some Invisalign patients will get elastics during their treatment. If you do, though, please wear them! Not wearing them means you will not have the perfect smile you want.
How Do I Use Invisalign Elastics?
Elastics are used with Invisalign, much like braces. We will show you which direction your elastics need to go and from which tooth to which tooth. You will hook the elastic over one button, pull it down to the other, and attach it. Sometimes, it’s easier to hook it in reverse, from bottom to top. Either way is acceptable if the elastics are attached to the proper teeth.
Again, we will show you how to attach your elastics when you visit Smiles by the Bay. We’ll also check your progress regularly when you visit us to get your new Invisalign trays. You get several sets every few weeks and switch out each every 1-2 weeks. Then, you return to us and get the next sets of trays. We’ll also supply you with elastics if you need them.
How Do I Clean Invisalign Attachments?
Your Invisalign trays may fit more snugly with attachments. This is perfectly normal, but you must be more careful removing your trays so you don’t warp or bend them. Make sure you pull the trays out evenly by pulling both sides simultaneously. It’s one of several tips we have for maintaining your Invisalign.
Once you have your trays out, brush and floss your teeth normally, but make sure you get around the attachments well. We recommend an electric toothbrush with a spinning head to get around the attachment. We also recommend you brush after every meal before reinserting your Invisalign. The last thing you want is to get tooth decay while you’re trying to build your perfect smile! You also don’t want dark foods and drinks staining your attachments and making them more visible. Though stain-resistant, the attachments can stain over time, so keep them clean!
Invisalign Treatment in Annapolis, MD
Invisalign treatment has come a long way in the last few decades. They can solve many more dental issues than in the past, thanks in part to Invisalign attachments. If you’re interested in seeing what Invisalign can do for you, schedule an appointment with Smiles by the Bay for Invisalign treatment in Annapolis, MD, Kent Island, MD, or Denton, MD. We would love to show you what Invisalign or Invisalign Teen can do for you!
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