Opens on YouTube. The aligners shown in this video are Invisalign. Many aligner systems, including AddaSmile, can use attachments.
Key points
- Attachments are small, tooth-coloured shapes bonded to the surface of some teeth.
- They give the aligners something to grip so they can move teeth more precisely, including rotating or lifting them.
- They are placed quickly at the start of treatment, without injections or drilling into the tooth.
- They are designed to blend in, but can pick up stains, so good cleaning and care with coloured drinks help.
- Attachments are polished off at the end of treatment.
Summary
Many people are surprised to find out that aligner treatment often involves small bumps on the teeth. These attachments are a key reason aligners can achieve more complex movements than they could on their own.
In this video Dr Sarah answers the most common questions about attachments. Whether you choose Invisalign or AddaSmile, a clear aligner brand, we will explain if and where attachments are needed in your plan.
Questions about this topic
Will everyone have attachments?
Not always. Whether you need them, and how many, depends on the tooth movements in your plan.
Are attachments noticeable?
They are tooth-coloured and usually hard to see from a normal speaking distance.
Do attachments damage teeth?
They are bonded to the surface and polished off at the end of treatment. The process is designed to protect the enamel.
What if an attachment falls off?
Let us know. It may need replacing so your aligners can continue to work as planned.