Do You Always Need Attachments for Invisalign Treatment?
The idea of straightening teeth incognito appeals to many people. And the ability to remove an aligner at your convenience, within reason, is another plus factor for those wishing to straighten their teeth. But one issue that puts some people off is the need for attachments. Namely, the thought of having attachments on one's teeth for the duration of treatment is unappealing.
But not everyone that undergoes a course of Invisalign will need attachments. These little bumpers are only necessary when a case requires more targeted movements, or for cases that are more severe.
Severe Crowding Requires Attachments
When a patient's teeth have moderate to severe crowding issues, a series of aligners won't be enough to make the desired changes. More force will be necessary in order for each aligner to do the job your orthodontist programmed it to do. The addition of attachments allows for the use of more force.
In this case, the attachments help your aligner to better grip your teeth and apply more force where necessary. And as you progress through your treatment, your orthodontist will add and remove attachments to achieve their aims.
Specific Movements Require Attachments
Attachments are necessary when a tooth or teeth require a very specific and targeted movement. For instance, if one of your front teeth is longer than the other one, then in order to extrude the shorter tooth so that it matches the longer tooth, your orthodontist will need to add an attachment.
Attachments are similar to the handholds that you find in children's playparks for climbing. And they come in different shapes and sizes. The varied shapes and sizes mean that your dentist can choose the one they think will help move your teeth in the right direction.
Mild Cases Don't Require Attachments
Mild cases of malocclusion don't need any attachments. The aligners by themselves should be enough to straighten your teeth. If your teeth are a little crooked or crowded, you probably won't need attachments. Only your orthodontist can decide this.
Attachments Are Easy to Remove
Attachments won't damage your teeth. This is because your orthodontist will affix your attachments, should you need them, with a bonding resin that they can easily polish off once you no longer need an attachment. But you do need to ensure that you brush around your attachments to prevent bacteria from congregating along the edges. This will protect your teeth from decay and tartar.
Attachments are almost invisible. And they don't damage your teeth. So, don't worry if your orthodontist tells you that you might need attachments. Attachments will allow your dentist to achieve the look that you desire.
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