If you are thinking of starting orthodontic treatment but prefer not to be noticed, one of the most popular options among patients is Invisalign.
It is a set of clear aligners that are changed every two weeks and can correct any type of problem related to the alignment and bite of the teeth.
On certain occasions, the splints need to be accompanied by attachments to make the procedure more effective.
If you want to know exactly what attachments are and how they will help improve the appearance and functionality of your smile, read on.
Types of attachments
Attachments are small reliefs of composite (the material used to make dental fillings) that are adhered to specific teeth.
This allows the aligner to better “grip” the tooth in order to carry out the micro-movements that the splint cannot do by itself.
An atache is a very discreet element and is hardly noticeable, especially if they are not bonded to the anterior teeth.
They are very small in size (between 1 and 3 millimeters) and their color blends in with the shade of the teeth.
Orthodontics without brackets
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INVISALIGN BRACKETS
Although at first glance it may seem that all Invisalign attachments are the same, the truth is that each one has a specific size and shape that vary according to their purpose.
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The most common are rectangular, but there are different models.
The choice of one or the other depends on the movement to be made and the tooth to which it is attached.
Depending on their purpose, attachments are classified into the following types:
Rotation: they allow the upper and lower canines to rotate.
Extrusion: they facilitate the extrusion of the upper and lower anterior teeth.
Root straightening: the attachments get the root of the teeth in the right shape.
The following video shows the different types of attachments depending on the movement to be achieved:
How many attachments are placed?
Like the choice of splints and their design, the placement of attachments is completely personalized.
Therefore, each patient will need a certain number of attachments on certain teeth according to his or her specific home.
Also, the attachments do not necessarily have to be placed on the same teeth throughout the treatment, but can be changed depending on the phase of treatment.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that it has a 3D software called ClinCheck.
This is a computer program where the patient can see the result of their invisible orthodontic treatment even before starting it.
3D software
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CLINCHECK SOFTWARE
With the software, the orthodontist also shows the person where the attachments will be placed and how they will look.
In this way, the treatment becomes much more predictable and the patient does not have any surprises as to how their attachments will look.
Invisalign® Braces Placement Process
The placement of the attachments is one of the first steps in Invisalign orthodontic treatment.
It is done through a very simple procedure that begins with the fabrication of templates created with the shape of the attachments and that the dentist fills with composite.
At DrAW Dental Clinic we have the recognition of Invisalign Diamond Provider, the highest level category granted by Invisalign.
Once the templates are ready, the professional engraves the surface of the tooth where the attachment will be adhered with a gel.
After washing and drying the tooth, the templates are inserted into the patient’s mouth along with the composite and hardened by the curing light.
The dentist then removes the splint and makes sure that the attachments are properly bonded to the buccal surface.
Once this process is finished, the aligner is ready to be placed.
Bonding attachments
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CLEAR ALIGNER
The placement of attachments is quick – it only takes a few minutes – and completely painless for the patient.
Do the attachments hurt?
Although the attachments do not hurt, some patients do experience slight discomfort during the first two or three days.
However, these inconveniences are absolutely temporary and occur after the placement of aligners or any other orthodontic treatment (lingual, metal brackets, sapphire…).
Listen to your dentist
For the treatment to be effective, you need to follow your dentist’s instructions and wear the splints for 22 hours a day.
It is necessary to get used to “coexist” with elements until that moment foreign to the oral cavity.
Once the adaptation period has passed, patients report that the attachments do not rub or cause wounds because they are soft to the touch.
When they have fulfilled their function or the orthodontic treatment has been completed, they are removed and the tooth returns to its original appearance but aligned, without causing any aggression to the enamel.
Why choose Invisalign?
Known as orthodontics without brackets, Invisalign is a comfortable system because it is removable, as well as very discreet.
In fact, in our clinic about 90% of adult patients choose this treatment over all other types of orthodontics.
The aligners are very easy to clean, making it a very hygienic treatment, and it does not affect speech or cause sores.
Braces vs. Invisalign
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INVISALIGN IS ORTHODONTICS WITHOUT BRACES.
At DrAW Dental Clinic we have the recognition of Invisalign Diamond Provider, the highest level category granted by Invisalign to doctors with the highest number of cases treated.
The attachments are just another part of the treatment with Invisalign clear aligners.
They do not affect the comfort or esthetics of the treatment, due to their size and ease of blending in with the tooth.
Although their presence may seem insignificant when it comes to moving the teeth, they serve to make the treatment faster and more effective.
