If your orthodontist mentioned "attachments," you may be picturing something like braces. They're much smaller than that. Here's what they are and why they matter.
What are attachments?
Attachments are small bumps of tooth-colored composite, the same kind of material used for white fillings, bonded to the front of selected teeth. Your aligners have matching pockets that fit over them. Not everyone needs them, and those who do usually have them on only some teeth.
Why do you need them?
Smooth plastic on a smooth tooth can slip. Attachments give the aligner a handle to push against, which helps with movements that are hard for plastic alone, such as:
- rotating rounded teeth like canines and premolars
- moving a tooth up or down (extrusion and intrusion)
- tipping or moving roots
- helping aligners stay seated
How are they placed?
- The teeth are cleaned and lightly prepared.
- A template aligner is filled with composite and pressed onto your teeth.
- A curing light hardens the material.
- The template comes off and extra material is cleaned away.
It's usually painless and takes part of one appointment. No drilling or anesthesia is needed.
Living with attachments
- Tighter aligners. Aligners grip more firmly, so they can be harder to remove. Start at the back molars and work forward.
- Rough edges at first. Your lips will get used to them within days.
- Clean carefully. Plaque collects around attachments, so brush around each one.
- Watch for staining. Take aligners out for coffee and tea; see eating and drinking with aligners.
If an attachment falls off
Keep wearing your aligners and tell your orthodontist. That tooth may move less well until the attachment is replaced, and a missing one can show up as a poor fit. See aligners not fitting.
At the end of treatment
Your provider polishes the attachments off, leaving your teeth smooth. It's quick and usually painless. Then you move on to retainers.
Track it instead of guessing
TrackMyAligners logs your wear time with one tap, reminds you when aligners are out too long, and tells you when to switch trays. Free on iPhone.
The bottom line
Attachments are small, nearly invisible helpers that let aligners do harder work. Keep them clean, tell your provider if one comes off, and they'll be gone when treatment ends.
Frequently asked questions
Do aligner attachments hurt?
Placing them usually doesn't hurt. Your teeth may feel a bit sore afterward because the aligners grip more firmly. Rough edges can rub your lips at first.
Can attachments stain?
They can pick up some color from coffee, tea, or curry over time. Good brushing and taking aligners out for colored drinks helps.
What happens if an attachment falls off?
Keep wearing your aligners and contact your orthodontist. A missing attachment can reduce grip on that tooth, so they'll usually replace it at your next visit or sooner.
Are attachments removed at the end of treatment?
Yes. Your provider polishes them off, usually quickly and without pain.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your orthodontist or dentist knows your case, so follow their instructions if they differ from anything here.