Not all patients need Invisalign attachments; however, if you do, you may wonder why and if it will be painful to have them removed. Rest assured that your dentist is always prioritizing your comfort while in the treatment chair, so before you prepare yourself for what you might think will be a less-than-enjoyable experience, learn what the removal process is really like and why you have nothing to fear.
Why Are Invisalign Attachments Necessary?
Your dentist will carefully prepare a personalized treatment plan before you start wearing Invisalign aligners. Although these trays are crafted using innovative technology that promotes predictable movements and results, teeth cannot always be trusted to shift as they should.
This is why Invisalign attachments may be necessary. If your dentist looks at your smile and sees that your pearly whites are not moving as quickly, they can apply these small, tooth-colored “attachments” to the surfaces of specific teeth.
As you progress through treatment, your aligners will be able to grip the attachments, providing a more reliable way to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
Some of the most likely reasons your dentist might suggest them are to not only create a firm anchor for your trays, but also to help them fit more comfortably and snugly.
Does It Hurt to Have Them Removed?
When it’s time to remove your Invisalign attachments, you should remember that only your dentist can do this. Attempting to take them off yourself can lead to serious tooth damage.
The process requires the use of a specialized drill that gently removes the resin attachments. Your dentist will carefully move it back and forth across the material until it no longer exists, leaving your teeth free of these small attachments and appearing smooth once again.
The entire process is virtually painless, with many patients never needing any kind of anesthetic, and it may only take about 15 minutes or less, depending on how many need to be removed.
You can expect your dentist to give your teeth a thorough polishing before sending you off to complete Invisalign treatment. While some cases require these attachments to remain in place until clear aligners are no longer necessary, others can be removed once the dentist believes they have accomplished the desired goal of helping teeth move at an appropriate speed.
Your comfort and safety are your dentist’s priorities, so if you’re scared about having your Invisalign attachments removed, don’t be. Instead, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to say goodbye to them once and for all.
About the Author
Dr. Xhelo Shuaipaj has been providing Invisalign in Downers Grove for many years. Delivering exceptional results that leave patients with straighter teeth and healthier smiles, our team uses custom attachments, if necessary, to encourage pearly whites to move at a more predictable speed. If you’re unsure whether you might need them to improve your Invisalign experience, contact us via our website or by calling (630) 912-7171 to learn more about how we can help.