Attachments (buttons) question

[espana23]

Hi,

I've been reading about the attachments (buttons) used during an Invisalign procedure. I have a small gap on my front teeth (top) and considering Invisalign to close the gap. Can someone with a similar case share his experience with the attachments? How many attachments were used? Were any attachments used in the front teeth? Are they noticeable?

Thanks.

Mike

[Punkin]

Originally Posted by espana23

Hi,

I've been reading about the attachments (buttons) used during an Invisalign procedure. I have a small gap on my front teeth (top) and considering Invisalign to close the gap. Can someone with a similar case share his experience with the attachments? How many attachments were used? Were any attachments used in the front teeth? Are they noticeable?

Thanks.

Mike

Each case is unique. Requirement/location of attachments are dictated after the molds are created and the orthodontist is using their computer program to determine the best way to move your teeth to get them where they need to be.

Typically, I believe, attachments are used when teeth need to be twisted or turned; not simply moved. But in reality, the only person who can answer this question is a qualified orthodontist or dentist.

My guess would be, if your teeth are straight, and you just want to close a gap, you should be a candidate for Invisalign, and you shouldn't need any attachments on your front teeth - but there isn't a single person here who can say that with any type of confidence - we are not orthos; we haven't seen your teeth.

[espana23]

Thanks for the response Brenda.

[HappyHeart]

To answer the question are they visable. Yes, they absolutely are. However, beats the alternative of metal braces or ceramics with a wire, etc.
It's strange how they become less and less visable to "you" as time goes on.

[espana23]

Thanks HappyHeart. Hopefully I won't get any attachments on my front teeth. That's my only concern. The doctor will be able to tell me. I'll make an appointment tomorrow.

[nan]

I have attachments on my teeth (4 on top, 3 on bottom. I had 4 on bottom, but one came off) My teeth are pretty straight, but I had a gap on the top and a small space on the bottom to close. My attachments aren't to turn or move any teeth, but to stabilize my teeth while the spaces close. I hope that makes sense. I didn't have to get the attachments until I was through a couple of aligners so that those teeth would move first. All of mine are on the side and aren't very noticeable. HTH!

[Snowy]

Honestly? I have attachments on 8 teeth in total - four top, four bottom - and two of the top attachments are right at the front. When I first got them, I was hugely disappointed - I looked in the mirror and to me they were just as obvious as ceramic or metal braces.

Over the past four months, I've watched other people's reactions and had to reevaluate my initial judgment. Almost nobody has noticed my attachments, even though I thought they were painfully obvious. Two coworkers (both of whom I was talking to in bright sunlight, and one of whom has metal braces and is very conscious of teeth issues) have noticed and that's it.

I have to be honest and admit that I still feel quite self-conscious about my attachments. But I will also admit that this isn't supported at all by the reaction I've had from other people. If you get them, chances are you'll feel uber-selfconscious (I know I did) but very few other people will notice at all.