5 Common Questions About Invisalign® Attachments
The goal of Invisalign is to correct issues like crowding, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. In the past, Invisalign clear aligners have been recommended only to patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. Invisalign attachments make treatment for more complex orthodontic problems possible.
Dr. Jean E. Barthman in Redwood City, CA, has been trained and certified to offer Invisalign treatment to patients with various bite issues. Contact our office today to learn if you are a suitable candidate for this innovative, convenient, and comfortable orthodontic treatment.
Not all Invisalign patients need attachments, but many do. Continue reading to learn about what attachments are, how they work, why you might need them, and more.
What Are Invisalign Attachments and What Do They Do?
Invisalign SmartForce® attachments make complex tooth movements possible. They are small, tooth-colored circles, squares, or triangles that are bonded by composite resin directly to the tooth surface. The aligners use these attachments as handles to push the teeth with more force in the right direction.
When Are Attachments Necessary?
Traditionally, clear aligner therapy was only sufficient for minor to moderate bite issues. Attachments have broadened the use of clear aligners for more complex cases.
If you have one or more teeth that are significantly turned or positioned the wrong way, dentists will simply add attachments to those teeth. Attachments also help pull teeth down or push them up so they line up properly with the rest of the teeth.
Attachments called buttons may also be recommended for patients with underbites and overbites. Buttons are small hooks that interarch bands use for leverage while correcting these bite issues.
Do Attachments Make Invisalign More Effective Than Brackets and Wires?
Attachments make Invisalign clear aligners more accessible, but they aren’t always more effective than traditional metal braces. Even with modern technology, metal brackets and wires are sometimes still necessary for patients with severe alignment and bite issues.
Will They Damage My Teeth?
No. Once the orthodontic treatment is complete, the attachments can be easily removed with a polishing tool. There should be no indication that they were ever there. This is much less risky than having metal brackets bonded to your teeth.
However, if patients do notice any discoloration around where the attachments were, whitening treatments are always an option.
Do Invisalign Attachments Affect Treatment Cost?
As with any other orthodontic option or dental treatment, more complex cases typically cost more money. Patients who only need aligners and no attachments will probably pay closer to $5,000 for treatment. Depending on how many attachments and other additional treatments a patient needs, the cost could be as much as $7,000.
Talk to your dental insurance providers to discover how much of the cost of Invisalign treatment they cover.
Transform Your Smile in Redwood City, CA
At the office of Dr. Jean Barthman, patients experience compassionate, comfortable dentistry in a spa-like setting. Dr. Barthman is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal oral health and beautiful smiles through preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care.
To learn if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign clear aligners, contact our Redwood City office today at (650) 367-4967 or message us online.