Invisalign® Attachments: What Are They?

If you or your child are considering Invisalign®, you may have heard about something called attachments or noticed small, tooth-coloured bumps on someone’s aligners and wondered what they’re for.

While they may look tiny, Invisalign attachments play a big role in making your treatment work effectively. 

Understanding what they are and why they’re used can help you feel more confident and comfortable throughout your Invisalign journey.

What Are Invisalign® Attachments?

Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-coloured shapes that are temporarily bonded to certain teeth during treatment. 

They are made from the same material used for white dental fillings, so they blend naturally with your smile.

These attachments are carefully placed on specific teeth to give the aligners something to “grip” onto, allowing them to move teeth more precisely.

They are not permanent and will be removed at the end of your Invisalign treatment.

Why Are Invisalign Attachments Needed?

Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to move teeth into their ideal positions. Some tooth movements like rotations, tilting, or vertical shifts need a bit of extra help.

Attachments act like tiny handles that allow the aligners to:

• Rotate teeth more effectively
  
  
• Move teeth up or down
  
  
• Shift teeth into better alignment
  
  
• Improve overall treatment accuracy

Without attachments, certain movements would be slower or less predictable.

Do Invisalign Attachments Hurt?

The process of placing attachments is quick and painless. Dr Aggarwal gently bonds them to your teeth, no drilling, no needles, and no damage to your enamel.

You may notice a bit of pressure when you put in a new set of aligners, but that’s simply a sign that your teeth are moving as planned.

Most patients get used to their attachments within a few days.

Are Invisalign Attachments Visible?

Because attachments are tooth-coloured, most people won’t even notice them especially when your aligners are in.

They are:

• Small
  
  
• Smooth
  
  
• Designed to blend with your natural tooth colour

This means Invisalign remains a discreet and confidence-friendly way to straighten your teeth.

Can I Eat and Brush Normally with Attachments?

Yes! You remove your aligners when eating, so you can enjoy your usual foods. Attachments stay on your teeth, but you can brush and floss normally just with a little extra care to keep them clean.

Dr Aggarwal will show you how to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment.

What Happens to the Attachments After Treatment?

Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, the attachments are gently removed. Your teeth are polished, leaving your smile smooth, clean, and beautifully aligned.

There’s no lasting effect on your teeth, just a great final result.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthy Smile

Invisalign attachments may be small, but they play an important role in helping your treatment go smoothly and efficiently.

If you’re thinking about Invisalign or already wearing aligners and have questions about attachments, our team is always happy to help.

Book a consultation today to learn how Invisalign® can give you the straight, confident smile you’ve been looking for.