What are teeth attachments for clear aligners and what are they for?
Before talking about dental attachments, it’s important to remember a little about orthodontics in general. Orthodontics is the science of aligning teeth to improve people's oral health and aesthetics.
There are many types of orthodontics. Patients are able to weigh the options and choose the device based on their wants and needs.
Of these options, invisible orthodontics is one of the best. Clear aligners offer many advantages over the alternatives - they’re more hygienic, comfortable, clean, discreet and aesthetically pleasing.
What are attachments?
Teeth attachments for aligners, also known as engagers, are composite reliefs that are placed on certain teeth to exert extra pressure at a particular time during treatment. Depending on the case, the patients may have more or fewer depending on what is needed.
These composite dental attachments are made from the same paste as traditional fillings. The aligners work with the attachments to exert the optimal pressure to make the necessary changes determined by the doctor.
They are basically unnoticeable, just like clear aligners. They are normally only about 1 to 3 mm in size and are the same color as the enamel so they are hardly visible to the naked eye.
What are the dental attachments for?
Now that you know what the word “attachment” means, it’s important to know what their function is, since they are often essential for the correct progression of invisible orthodontic treatments.
On the one hand, the aligner attachments can help when correcting a problem with a patient’s bite or assist a complicated dental movement. On the other hand, the engagers can also prevent unwanted movements in teeth that may naturally attempt to shift during treatment.
Types of teeth attachments and their classifications
As with any kind of orthodontic treatment, each patient is different and so not all procedures are the same, since the process is personalised.
Usually clear aligner attachments are rectangular in shape, but this can vary, depending on what the doctor intends to do with each specific movement.
Rotation
Rotation attachments for clear aligners are those that allow the lower and upper canines to turn or rotate. Their function is to apply more force for quicker rotation.
Extrusion
Extrusion attachments help the aligners push the upper and lower teeth forward that are set too far back.
Root control
In this case, the function of the attachments is to help the root of the tooth to change and adopt the optimal position.
How many engagers must be placed?
As we previously mentioned, there is no universal answer to this question, since each case is different depending on what the patient needs.
Likewise, you should also note that attachments for clear aligners are not always placed on the same teeth. They can even change place or shape during treatment.
It’s also true that not all patients require them, since there are cases that don’t need that extra pressure.
At Impress we carry out a video simulation of the entire process for our patients, in which they can see the final result of their smile.
How are clear aligner attachments applied?
The application is super simple, and most importantly, doesn’t hurt or cause the patient any discomfort.
- Once the aligners are ready to be fitted, the dentist will place a gel on the surface of the tooth where the attachment will go.
- The tooth must be totally clean and dry, so the doctor will wash and dry it with the necessary instruments. Once the tooth is ready, the attachments are added to the inside of the aligner, the aligners are fitted, and then the specialist will use a curing light so that the material adheres correctly to the tooth.
- Once finished, they’ll turn off the light and proceed to carefully remove the aligner to see if the engagers have stuck to the surface of the tooth.
- Ready! The dental attachment is in place and the patient is ready to continue using their aligners with their new attachments!
How long do I have to wear them?
As with everything else in orthodontics, it depends on the patient's case and how the doctor has planned the treatment.
There are patients that require the clear aligner attachments for months, whilst others may not need them at all.
Once the treatment is over, the dentist will easily remove them. One of the good things about the material is it does not damage the enamel of the patient's teeth at all.
It is important to always follow the doctor's instructions so that the entire process is carried out safely and effectively.
Clear aligner attachments during an Impress treatment
At Impress we are specialists in invisible orthodontics. Throughout the entire process, our orthodontists will be supervising all the steps of the orthodontic treatment and will be in charge of placing the dental attachments, in addition to carrying out all the necessary diagnostic tests and check-ups.
If you want to start your orthodontic treatment and show off an advertising smile, You can contact us to book an appointment, by filling out the form through our website, by phone or WhatsApp at +44 20 3808 1072.
Come to your first visit and discover your personalized treatment plan at your nearest Impress clinic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do attachments hurt?
The attachments themselves and their placement does not hurt at all. But just like when a patient begins invisible orthodontics, they may notice slight pressure or discomfort, just because there is something new inside their mouth. Attachments do not produce sores nor do they cause wounds, since the surface and material is soft.
Is it normal for my attachments to fall out?
Losing attachments happens sometimes - but don't worry, they can be easily put back on.
What happens if an attachment falls off?
As we’ve mentioned, attachments are essential for the proper development of the treatment, so if at any time one falls off or breaks, it’s important to visit the clinic as soon as possible so our doctors can look for the best solution. It’s crucial that this visit to the doctor be as soon as possible, so the attachment can go back to functioning effectively.
Can I eat with the attachments on?
Yes, of course! You can absolutely eat with the attachments. As the attachments are attached to the dental surface and are small, they won’t cause any problems when eating. The only thing you have to do when you go to eat is take out your aligners, but that’s it.
