Invisalign attachments: what they are and why they matter.

Aligners are smooth plastic, and so are your teeth. For simple moves, that is enough. But turning a tooth, moving it up or down, or tipping its root takes more grip. An attachment gives the aligner a place to push from, in exactly the right spot.

Not every tooth gets one. Dr. Greenberg, Dr. Rana and Dr. Apigo plan the size, shape and spot of each attachment in your digital treatment plan, built from your iTero 3D scan.

No shots and no drilling. Most patients say the hardest part is getting used to the feel with their tongue for a few days.

• We clean and prepare the teeth that need attachments.
• We fill a template tray with tooth-colored material, the same kind used for white fillings.
• We seat the tray and harden the material with a blue light.

• Brush around them every time you brush. Plaque likes their edges.
• Watch coffee, tea and red wine. Attachments can pick up stains. Take your aligners out, drink, then rinse.
• Aligners may feel snug for a day or two with each new set. That is the grip doing its job.
• If one falls off, keep wearing your aligners and call us at (201) 991-4447. We will tell you if you need to come in.

When your teeth are where they belong, we polish the attachments off. It takes a few minutes and does not harm your enamel. Then you get your retainers.

• Will people notice them? They are matched to your tooth color, so most people never notice. Up close, you may see small bumps.
• Do attachments hurt? No. There is no numbing and no drilling. Your teeth may feel pressure with new aligners, which is normal.
• Can I skip attachments? Sometimes, for very simple cases. For most moves, skipping them means slower or less precise results. We will tell you what your plan needs.
• Do teens get them too? Yes. Invisalign Teen uses attachments the same way.