It’s been a few weeks of my new life with Invisalign attachments, buttons, and bands, but I can honestly say it’s been a pretty simple transition. Before I get into my experience with them, I thought it would be important to describe what each of them actually are. Before I received my attachments and buttons, I actually thought those were interchangeable terms. I feel like I’m learning a whole new language!

What are Invisalign Attachments?

Attachments are small tooth-colored dots of dental bonding that are placed on certain teeth. They may be rectangular, square, circular, ellipsoidal or triangular in shape. The shape and placement of a button changes based on the purpose it serves. Attachments may promote tooth rotation, translation, intrusion or extrusion.

What are Invisalign Buttons?

Buttons are small plastic or metal brackets that serve as anchors for bands. One button may be placed on an upper eyetooth and the other on a lower molar, with an elastic band running between them.  In some cases, one of the anchor points may be the Invisalign® aligner itself. 

What are Invisalign Bands?

Bands are small elastic loops that hook onto the buttons. The thickness (or strength) of the bands varies based on need. The purpose of the buttons and bands are to correct any bite issues by encouraging proper alignment.

The longest Invisalign appointment for me, to date, has been the one where I received all of these extra bits and pieces. I was in the office for about an hour and a half while they applied each attachment and button. I’d keep that in mind when you finally schedule that appointment! I’d also recommend, if possible, to do it later in the day in case you have any irritation or soreness. The process itself didn’t hurt, but there is definitely a transition period after having them applied. It was difficult for me to eat for a day or two after I received my attachments, because they seemed sharp against my mouth as I chewed. A few days later, I barely noticed them!

The amount of attachments you receive is totally dependent on your individual Invisalign case. Some people have none, some people have a few, and some people have them on every tooth. I have attachments on every tooth but my top and bottom front teeth, two buttons on my back molars, two anchor points on my top aligner, and a band on each side of my mouth. And yet I still don’t feel annoyed by them! I’d say that is a huge success. The only things that have really continued to affect me in the slightest are my bands. I don’t open my mouth as wide to talk now, so my speech has changed a little bit. Other than that, none of my Invisalign additions are all that noticeable.

If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment!