admin
Invisalign is one of the most common orthodontic treatments, and it’s quite comfortable. The aligners are transparent, making the orthodontic treatment less obvious. However, some people need attachments during the treatment, depending on the severity of their teeth misalignment. Attachments are small dots placed on the surface of the teeth to ensure the teeth shift as they should.
If your Invisalign treatment requires attachments and you are concerned about the attachments being obvious, these tips can help you make sure the aligners are less noticeable?
Why may Invisalign attachments be necessary?
Invisalign attachments are becoming more necessary for Invisalign patients to help them have a better treatment outcome. In some cases, Invisalign aligners are not enough to effectively move the teeth, especially in moderate to advanced orthodontic issues.
Your Invisalign provider may decide to place attachments on your teeth to make the trays grip your teeth better to move them to the right positions.
Attachments are tooth-coloured resin also used in cosmetic bonding and fillings. The provider will attach them to specific teeth to aid certain movements like intrusions, extrusions or rotations. Attachments do not damage the enamel or increase the risk of decay or tooth loss. However, if you use attachments, you may experience slight staining around the aligners if you do not care for your teeth properly.
The following steps can prevent staining and make your attachments less obvious.
- Avoid beverages that may stain your attachment
Dark coloured beverages such as coffee, red wine tea can stain your teeth. During Invisalign treatment, it’s advisable to remove your aligners before drinking anything besides water, so you don’t stain the aligners. However, you cannot remove your attachment, so if you need attachments, you may want to reduce your intake of stain-causing food and drinks or avoid them.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine
With attachments, you can’t undergo teeth whitening alongside your Invisalign treatment, but teeth whitening is possible afterwards. However, you can do other things to keep your teeth white and brighter during your treatment.
Avoiding foods and drinks that may stain the teeth and brushing your teeth regularly help keep your aligners and make your attachments less obvious.
It is best to also floss between your teeth at least once daily during your Invisalign treatment because food particles can get stuck between attachments and make them more visible. Ensure you have floss with you always to remove food particles that may make your aligners and attachment more noticeable.
- Avoid lipsticks
Your lipstick can easily stain your attachment and the Invisalign aligners, so if you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, you may want to use a more natural lipstick colour. However, you should try to avoid using lipstick to keep your aligners and the attachments clean.
- Avoid bad habits
Smoking and using other tobacco-containing products can cause teeth discolouration and affect the clarity of Invisalign aligners. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes can leave your mouth with a foul smell.
Smoking can make your aligners and teeth appear yellow within a short period, so if you smoke, it may be best to quit before your Invisalign treatment.
- Attend your check-ups
During your Invisalign treatment, you would have routine dental exams. Your provider will replace your aligners during your appointments to ensure they shift your teeth into the perfect positions. The appointments are a perfect time for your Invisalign provider to check for changes during the treatment and determine how your lifestyle affects the treatment.
If you are considering Invisalign treatment but concerned about the visibility of attachments the dentist may fit, visit the Adult Braces Clinic. You can also call 020 3137 3179 to book an appointment with an Invisalign provider who will manage your treatment to prevent your attachments from being obvious.
