If you're considering Invisalign, you may have heard your dentist mention something
called attachments. Don't worry—they sound more complicated than they really are.
Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-coloured shapes that are bonded to selected
teeth. They work together with your clear aligners to help guide your teeth into their
planned positions.
Why Are Attachments Needed?
Clear aligners are designed to apply gentle, controlled pressure to your teeth. However, some movements are more difficult to achieve with the aligner alone. That's where attachments come in. Think of them as small handles that give the aligner something to grip. Depending on your treatment plan, an attachment can help your aligner rotate a tooth, move it in a particular direction, or make other more complex movements.
What Do Invisalign Attachments Look Like?
Attachments are usually made from tooth-coloured composite resin, so they're designed
to blend in with your natural teeth. They're relatively small and are generally difficult for
other people to notice.
Your dentist or orthodontist will determine where attachments are needed based on
your individual treatment plan.
What About Invisalign Elastics?
Some patients may also need elastics as part of their Invisalign treatment. These small
rubber bands can connect to attachments or hooks on the aligners and provide
additional force to help correct certain bite issues.
Not everyone needs attachments or elastics. Your treatment depends on factors such
as crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, open bite, or other alignment concerns.
At Glenashton Dental in Oakville, we can assess your smile and explain whether
Invisalign could be a suitable option for you. We'll also walk you through what to expect
during treatment, including whether attachments or elastics may be part of your plan.
Ready to book your appointment? Call our office today at 905-842-5500 to get started!