In some cases, attachments help to achieve better results with Invisalign.
One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is the fact that they are so discreet. Ideal for those who do not like the aesthetic of traditional metal braces, clear aligners are barely visible at all. It is important to know, however, that you may need to have Invisalign attachments placed on your teeth. These are components that help to direct the aligners, and depending on their location, they can sometimes be noticeable. We’ve put together our top tips for making your Invisalign attachments as inconspicuous as possible — read on to find out what you can do to make sure that your orthodontic treatment remains discreet…
What are Invisalign attachments?
If you choose to undergo orthodontic treatment in the form of Invisalign, your orthodontist might recommend that you have attachments placed on your teeth. These attachments are very small, tooth-coloured components that are made from filling material. They are usually placed in the middle of the teeth, and are bonded to the teeth in much the same way as the brackets of braces. Once they have been attached to your teeth, the attachments click into your aligners and help your teeth to move into correct positions over time by serving as a type of anchor for your aligners. Although these attachments are almost completely invisible, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they remain barely noticeable.
What does the process involve?
The process of adding Invisalign attachments is very simple. Your orthodontist will prepare the surface of your teeth for bonding and use a special template to mark the locations of the attachments. The attachments will be hardened and bonded in place. When your orthodontic treatment is complete and you no longer require the attachments, your orthodontist will simply remove them by buffing the surface of your teeth.
Not everyone needs attachments as part of their Invisalign treatment, and your orthodontist will let you know if they are necessary for you. In many cases, attachments make certain tooth movements possible and can help to achieve some excellent results.
How can you make attachments less noticeable?
One of the best ways to keep your Invisalign attachments barely visible is to avoid eating and drinking anything that can stain the surface of your teeth. Try to limit your consumption of dark and acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, tea, soda and highly pigmented sauces, berries and fruits.
It is also advisable that you maintain proper oral hygiene throughout the course of your treatment and brush your teeth regularly. By brushing your teeth, it is often possible to keep surface stains at bay and keep your teeth looking and feeling clean. You should also floss daily so that you can get rid of any food particles that may be stuck between your attachments.
How can we help?
At South East Orthodontics, we offer clear aligners to patients who are looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment. If you are concerned about an oral imperfection, such as crowding, crossbite, open bite, overbite, underbite, or a spacing issue, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will assess your teeth and let you know if clear aligners are a suitable option for you.
If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, your aligners will be custom-made for you. This will ensure that they feel comfortable and that they fit very precisely on your teeth.
If you would like to find out more about clear aligners and what the treatment process involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us here or give us a call on 03 9330 0702.