Invisalign Attachments - Woodinville, WA

Chances are you know someone who has undergone Invisalign®, the invisible alternative to traditional braces. Teens and adults have benefited from treatment thanks to its ease and effectiveness. Woodinville, WA dentists Dr. Cristin Dowd and Dr. Ken D. Wu are proud to offer this treatment to patients, which continues to evolve and improve. In recent years, add-ons to Invisalign treatment have emerged, which optimize the treatment process in new ways.

Invisalign is such an effective and elegant solution to traditional orthodontics, which may make you wonder why any additions are necessary. The team at Signature Smiles will discuss the purpose of Invisalign attachments and why they may be right for you.

Why Does Invisalign Need Attachments?

Some cases of malocclusion cannot be treated with traditional Invisalign treatment. In such cases, attachments are used as grips and holds for Invisalign aligners. They function much like brackets and wires during traditional orthodontic treatment. The aligner trays can use the leverage from these attachments to achieve more dramatic orthodontic results comparable to traditional braces.

In short, Invisalign attachments allow dentists to achieve even better and more dramatic results through invisible orthodontic treatment.

Types of Invisalign Attachments

There are two kinds of Invisalign additions used: attachments and buttons.

Invisalign Attachments

Invisalign attachments are bumps that are placed on the surface of the teeth to act as grips or holds. These are like the brackets of Invisalign.

Invisalign Buttons

Invisalign buttons are structures that are used to attach rubber bands. This allows even more controlled tension to be applied to misaligned teeth.

Will I Need Invisalign Attachments?

Not necessarily. Many patients are able to undergo traditional Invisalign without attachments to address their case of malocclusion. During the Invisalign consultation, the team at our Woodinville practice can determine if you will need to have attachments or buttons placed to get the most out of invisible orthodontic treatment.

How Invisalign Attachments Are Placed

Invisalign attachments and buttons are made from tooth-colored bonding materials applied directly to the teeth. It’s similar to a dental bonding procedure in some ways. The Invisalign aligner trays will have bumps in them to accommodate the attachments and buttons.

How Visible Are Invisalign Attachments?

Most people will not be able to notice your Invisalign attachments or buttons since they are the same color as your natural teeth. Up close, people may be able to see the attachments and buttons, but they are subtle thanks to their small size and careful placement.

What to Expect from Invisalign Attachments

Invisalign attachments can make the treatment process a bit more uncomfortable since more tension will be applied to the teeth to shift them into place. Patients may also notice that food particles get caught around and along these attachments and buttons after meals or snacks. That’s why diligent oral hygiene becomes even more important during Invisalign treatment.

We can discuss additional concerns for care during your visit to the practice.

Invisalign Attachments Can Be Crucial for Success

Overall, Invisalign attachments and buttons are an essential part of invisible orthodontic care. Our team can now offer patients many options for straightening and enhancing their smile that do not simply rely on traditional braces.

Learn More About Invisalign

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and how it help you have a straighter and healthier smile, be sure to contact our skilled team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach our office in Woodinville by calling (425) 489-1177.