Bumpy Bolsters: Do Invisalign Attachments Hurt?

If you’re longing for a straighter smile but aren’t eager to get traditional braces, Invisalign may be a great fit for you. This treatment relies on clear plastic aligner trays, instead of bulky brackets, to gently reposition your teeth. If you’ve been told you need attachments, however, you might start to worry. Many patients don’t understand what these attachments are and whether it hurts to have them placed and removed. If you’re new to Invisalign, keep reading to learn more about these additions!

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Although Invisalign is a great alternative to braces, it doesn’t always have the same capacity as the traditional technique. The standard method uses metals, wires, and bands that can be manipulated to reposition even the most stubborn, twisted, and torqued teeth. Invisalign, meanwhile, fits over your pearly whites and works more gently to reposition them. If you have more extreme gaps or crowding, you might need attachments to provide an extra hold for your aligners to complete their job.

These small grooves are made from the same composite resin used for fillings and cosmetic bonding. It’s color-matched to your grin and applied directly to your teeth to create small handles for the plastic aligners to grasp onto. They’re typically placed before you receive your first set of trays and often remain there until treatment is complete. With them in place, your dentist can use Invisalign effectively in situations that might otherwise require traditional orthodontics.

Does Removing Invisalign Attachments Hurt?

Because these small bumps are bonded to your enamel, it’s natural to wonder if it hurts to remove them. Fortunately, the process of taking them off is considered so painless that your dentist likely won’t even need to apply a topical anesthetic. Plus, it may take as little as 15 minutes to complete so you’ll barely have a chance to settle into the dentist’s chair before it’s done.

Your dentist will use a special instrument to gently wear down the composite resin that was applied until the surface of your tooth is even again. Then, they’ll polish your pearly whites to ensure that they look and feel clean. These steps are the same whether you have one or several attachments to contend with, although it can take a little longer to remove multiple bumps. Once your dentist has finished, you’ll have a perfectly straight smile to be proud of!

Invisalign attachments are a helpful addition to your orthodontic treatment, and as a bonus, you don’t even need to worry about discomfort during their removal!

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches takes pride in helping people improve their self-confidence and oral well-being by giving them beautiful, healthy smiles. He first attended East Central University then went on to the University of Southern California to earn his dental degree. Since then, he has continued to hone his knowledge and skills through continuing educational courses. His state-of-the-art facility is frequently updated to stay current with technological advances that improve patient comfort and create long-lasting results. If you’d like a straighter teeth and are interested in Invisalign, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (918) 928-2383.