Are you someone who may need Invisalign attachments or buttons during your Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign accessories (attachments and buttons) are two unique add-ons that some people require during a portion of their Invisalign treatment. These tools allow Invisalign to fix certain alignment issues that only traditional braces could otherwise treat.
If you’re unsure what these Invisalign anchors are and why orthodontists use them, keep reading.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the types of Invisalign attachments and buttons. We’ll also answer some common questions, like:
- Why do orthodontists place Invisalign buttons on teeth?
- What are buttons for Invisalign, and can you get Invisalign without buttons?
- How noticeable are Invisalign attachments?
- Are there different types of Invisalign attachments?
Continue scrolling and reading to learn more about how Invisalign attachments work.
Invisalign Attachments vs. Invisalign Buttons
The general public often uses the phrases “Invisalign attachments” and “Invisalign buttons” interchangeably. Other terms for these Invisalign accessories that people use include:
- Invisalign hooks
- Invisalign anchors
- Invisalign clips
- Invisalign bumpers
Invisalign buttons and attachments are both tooth-colored add-ons that orthodontists cement to your teeth to help fix specific jaw and alignment problems.
However, Invisalign attachments and Invisalign buttons on teeth are two different tools that serve two different purposes.
So, what are buttons for Invisalign, and what are attachments?
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Invisalign Buttons on Teeth
Orthodontists use Invisalign buttons when someone needs to use rubber bands for their Invisalign treatment. Rubber bands attach to the upper and lower jaw to help move the jaw into better alignment.
Invisalign buttons are placed near the gumline of a tooth, and the Invisalign tray curves around the button so that the button isn’t covered up.
These buttons provide a hook for rubber bands to attach to (where the name “Invisalign hooks” comes from). When rubber bands are connected to the buttons, they put pressure on the jaw to move it into the correct position.
The jaw issues that often require the use of Invisalign buttons include:
- Overjet
- Underbite
- Overbite
Historically, only traditional braces could utilize rubber bands and fix these issues. But now, orthodontists can use Invisalign buttons to move the jaw into alignment.
Invisalign Attachments on Teeth
Orthodontists place Invisalign attachments onto the front of one or more teeth. These small, tooth-colored bumps (where the name “Invisalign bumpers” comes from) help the Invisalign tray clip or snap (where the term “Invisalign clips” comes from) into place. Therefore, the Invisalign tray covers up the attachments.
Invisalign attachments also:
- Are small and hardly noticeable
- Allow orthodontists to perform complex tooth movements
- Provide extra force for more calculated alignment
Like buttons, attachments make it possible for orthodontists to fix issues that would otherwise require traditional braces.
Now that you know more about the different types of Invisalign accessories, we’ll take some time to answer some common Invisalign attachment and button questions.
3 Questions Related to Invisalign Attachments and Buttons
Here are the answers to three questions that many people have regarding the different types of Invisalign attachments and buttons.
1. How Do Invisalign Attachments Work?
The first step in the attachment process is to get them placed on your teeth. If your orthodontist thinks that you need them, they’ll:
- Use a prefabricated template aligner
- Place attachment material (tooth-colored filling) into the template
- Clean the teeth with a special gel
- Paint a primer solution onto the teeth
- Place the aligner on your teeth
- Use a special light to harden the attachments to your teeth
Once the attachments are in place, your orthodontist will provide you with the correct trays that will fit over the attachments.
These Invisalign anchors allow the aligner to put the correct force on specific teeth with more severe alignment issues. This extra force helps to straighten and align these teeth that would otherwise require traditional braces.
2. How Noticeable Are Invisalign Attachments and Buttons?
Like the clear Invisalign trays themselves, attachments and buttons are nearly invisible.
Three factors help decrease how noticeable Invisalign attachments and buttons are:
- Orthodontists use tooth-colored material to help attachments and buttons blend into your natural teeth
- The trays themselves cover up attachments
- Buttons are placed near the gumline where your lips can conceal them
Invisalign is marketed as a less invasive and less noticeable way to get straighter teeth, compared to traditional braces. And even with attachments or buttons, most people can’t visibly tell you’re using Invisalign.
3. Can You Get Invisalign Without Buttons or Attachments?
Yes, it’s possible to get Invisalign without buttons or attachments.
Remember, buttons and attachments are extra Invisalign accessories that help solve complex jaw or alignment issues. If you don’t have any of these complex problems, you may not need attachments or buttons.
However, if your orthodontist does suggest that you get attachments or buttons on your teeth, it doesn’t mean you will have them or the entire treatment. Often, attachments and buttons are only used for a short period and then removed once the issue is resolved.
Talk With Richmond’s Invisalign Experts Today
Invisalign is an excellent alignment option for anyone looking to get a straighter smile. It’s a clear, nearly invisible solution that’s comparable to traditional braces.
Instead of using traditional braces to fix more complex issues, orthodontists can use Invisalign attachments and buttons for severe jaw or tooth complications. Also called Invisalign hooks or Invisalign anchors, these tooth-colored add-ons are cemented to the front of one or more teeth.
Orthodontists use Invisalign attachments when they need to put directed pressure on specific teeth to get them into the correct position. They use Invisalign buttons on teeth when someone needs to wear rubber bands to fix a jaw issue, like an overjet.
Since people don’t usually know about attachments or buttons before they get Invisalign, they often have many questions, like:
- How do Invisalign attachments work?
- How noticeable are Invisalign attachments and buttons?
- Can you get Invisalign without buttons or attachments?
If you still have questions about Invisalign itself or any of the Invisalign accessories, you can always talk with a professional orthodontist.
At Bates Orthodontics in Richmond, VA, we’re experts when it comes to Invisalign. We offer a free initial consultation and comprehensive Invisalign treatment options for kids (early orthodontic treatment), teens, and adults. In addition, our in-house orthodontist is a Diamond Invisalign Provider, putting him in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers nationwide—professional experience you can trust!
Schedule your free consultation today to learn how Invisalign can provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted.
