Are you currently wearing clear aligners to straighten your teeth? If so, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend additional attachments to help certain teeth move more efficiently. Commonly used as part of the orthodontic process, these add-ons can help keep your smile moving in the right direction. But what are they, and do they hurt when removed? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Clear Aligner Attachments?
When your clear aligners aren’t enough to shift your teeth in the right direction, attachments are often applied.
They are the same color as your natural teeth and made from composite resin. Attached to the surfaces of specific teeth, your aligners will click into place once you reinsert them. This extra grip ensures your teeth move as intended, so you don’t fall behind on your treatment timeline.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Attachments?
Most cases require that attachments remain in place for the duration of treatment. This is to prevent delays and keep stubborn teeth moving in the right direction. If your dentist wants to have them removed before you reach a certain aligner set, they will come off sooner.
Does It Hurt to Receive Attachments?
Some minor soreness is expected in the days after your attachments are placed. The reason is that an additional force is causing your teeth to move. Although you may not like the sensation, you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. Also, trust that the discomfort will only last a few days, and the more you wear your aligners, the less you will notice the soreness.
Does It Hurt to Have Attachments Removed?
You do not need to worry about your attachments causing any pain when they are removed. Your dentist or orthodontist will need to use a drill to remove the resin from your teeth, but it acts more like a polishing stone used with water.
Fortunately, the process requires less than 15 minutes, depending on how many attachments need to be removed.
Clear aligner attachments can be what your smile needs to move into alignment and avoid delays. If you are recommended to receive these special add-ons, don’t worry. The placement and removal process is swift and easy, leaving you with a pain-free orthodontic experience.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
Clear aligners are one of the many services available at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich. Our licensed orthodontist is available to prepare your smile for these custom trays and map out a custom plan to move your teeth into proper alignment over time. If additional attachments are necessary, you can be sure that your smile will benefit. Have questions about clear aligners and the process? Visit our website or call (847) 438-8136 to schedule an appointment.