What are attachments, and how are they used?

Attachments are the small bumps you may notice on the teeth of someone wearing Invisalign. They are tiny, rounded, and created from tooth-colored resin, so they blend in naturally with the teeth. Not every patient requires them during treatment. If we recommend attachments, it is important to consider them seriously because they make tooth movement significantly easier throughout the treatment process. Attachments help the aligners grip the teeth more effectively and apply additional pressure so the teeth can shift properly. Since they are removable, they are taken off once your treatment plan is complete. Buttons may also be used instead of or together with attachments. They function differently because, although they are bonded to the teeth, elastic bands are commonly attached to them.

Which is the better option for me, Invisalign or braces?

This is the most important question because the answer depends on your individual needs. Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, can require one to two years to complete. Even mild alignment issues may require orthodontic treatment for approximately one year, while eighteen months is considered the average treatment timeline. This means you need to feel comfortable with the treatment plan and confident that you can commit to orthodontic treatment long enough to complete the process successfully. Otherwise, you may not achieve the results you want. Fortunately, you have several options available. By asking questions and scheduling a consultation with our dental office, you can determine which treatment path is best for you. While making your decision, remember that Invisalign offers the greatest convenience when it comes to eating the foods you enjoy. It is also easier to maintain oral hygiene because the aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing as usual instead of requiring special cleaning tools for braces. You should also keep in mind that clear aligners allow your appearance to remain natural throughout treatment. Instead, you can enjoy watching your smile improve over time rather than waiting until the end of treatment as you would with braces. As your teeth gradually shift into place, your smile becomes more attractive, giving you or your teen even more confidence to smile.

At Alamo Family Dentistry, we are confident in our ability to transform crooked smiles into beautiful smiles using Invisalign aligners. If you are unsure about what your final results may look like, we can provide a projected rendering to help you visualize how significant the transformation could be. We can then help you decide whether Invisalign or braces would be the better solution. Our portion of the discussion will focus on the physical improvements expected with your teeth and bite alignment. You will need to provide feedback regarding your lifestyle and treatment expectations so that together we can create a treatment plan that works both now and in the future. To learn more, call 805-520-1711 and schedule an appointment with our Simi Valley, CA dental office.