One of the most powerful tools developed by Invisalign are SmartForce™ attachments. These small devices are like little anchors, adding grip and dexterity to the clear aligners. They give your dentist precision control and predictability in movement, so your teeth straighten faster and more reliability.

What are Invisalign Attachments?

Attachments are small, tooth-colored dental pieces that affix to certain teeth during your treatment. They act as grips for the Invisalign aligners to hold onto. The aligners fit snugly over the attachments, which helps hold them in place to slowly and gently move your teeth into their correct positions.

SmartForce™ attachments are a patented technology specifically designed for use with Invisalign aligners. They come in different shapes and sizes, each one designed for a specific movement or particular grip. Your dentist will choose which shape and size is right for the movement of each tooth.

SmartForce™ attachments use exclusive state-of-the-art designs and premium materials to provide the most effective support for your Invisalign treatment, resulting in beautiful, healthy, long-lasting smiles.

Do I Have to Get Attachments?

Most cases do require attachments to be effective, but it depends on the specifics of your case – some simpler cases may not need them.

During your consultation, your dentist will design your treatment plan and determine whether you will need attachments.

SmartForce™ attachments are tiny and barely noticeable, especially with the aligner fit snugly over them. Their grip provides enhanced reliability and treatment speeds, so attachments help you finish your treatment faster, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy smile and straight teeth to last a lifetime!

How will my Dentist affix the Attachments?

Before you receive your first set of Invisalign aligner trays, your dentist will do attachment bonding. This means they will affix the attachments to a few of your teeth using dental bonding glue.

They will remain in place for the duration of your Invisalign therapy, and each set of aligners will be specially designed to fit over them, giving the aligners the necessary grip to safely and effectively move your teeth into place.

Each set of aligners slowly adjusts your teeth a little more towards their correct positions. The patented technology in SmartForce™ Invisalign attachment design gives the aligners a handle to grip onto, which enhances the precision of movement and the speed and effectiveness of your teeth shifting!

When your treatment is complete, your dentist will remove the attachments. They will not leave any permanent damage.

Do Invisalign Attachments Hurt?

They don’t hurt coming on or off. When you first get them, they may feel uncomfortable as your mouth adjusts – but the discomfort only lasts a day or two before you get used to the attachments and the aligners.

How Are Invisalign Attachments Removed?

When your treatment is completed, the dentist will remove the Invisalign attachments in a simple procedure. They use a specialized tool to remove most of the dental composite materials that kept the attachment on your tooth, and then another tool – usually an ultrasonic scaler, to gently remove the remaining bits of material off your teeth.

Getting your attachments removed does not hurt: you may feel a bit of vibration against your teeth, but no pain.

Do not attempt to remove attachments yourself: they are bonded to your teeth and need to be removed with the proper instruments, so that your dental enamel does not get damaged. If an attachment is loose or falls off, don’t try to scrape away remaining material. Your dentist will take care of it at your next visit.

Can the Attachments Be Removed During Treatment?

It’s best to keep the Invisalign attachments on during the course of your treatment, but in certain cases they can be removed (e.g. for a special occasion). This is likely to incur an additional cost as the dentist will have to remove and reapply the attachments. Speak to your dentist prior to booking your treatment if you think there may be an occasion you would need to have the attachments removed.

What happens if the Attachments Break or Fall Off?

This does happen occasionally – don’t worry, it isn’t a big issue! Let your dentist know as soon as possible and a new one can be attached at your next visit. If your aligners are still fitting well, the tooth will still move properly, and you can continue wearing your aligners until then.

Do Invisalign Attachments Stain or Damage Teeth?

The attachments won’t damage your teeth, as long as you take proper care of your oral hygiene throughout your Invisalign treatment.

The attachments can stain if you drink a lot of dark liquids like coffee, tea, or red wine. Invisalign attachments respond well to whitening, so you can bleach them throughout your treatment, just like your teeth. Your teeth shouldn’t be stained when you have the attachments removed, though a whitening treatment is likely to enhance the results of your new smile and is recommended!

Can I Use an Electric Toothbrush with Invisalign Attachments?

Yes, your attachments will not break off or be damaged by the toothbrush. Be sure to brush your teeth during treatment, twice a day, to prevent bacteria and tooth decay!

Are there any Foods I Shouldn’t Eat with Attachments?

One big benefit of Invisalign removable aligners is that you can eat everything! You just need to remove aligners while eating and brush regularly. There are no specific foods you need to avoid.

Can I Whiten My Teeth with Invisalign Attachments On?

Yes, you can safely get professional dental whitening with Invisalign attachments!

Are Invisalign Attachments Noticeable?

Invisalign attachments are barely noticeable, especially when wearing the clear aligners over them.

They are very small and the same color as your teeth, so they blend in seamlessly.

Can Invisalign Attachments Go On the Back Teeth?

Typically, Invisalign attachments are put on the front and side teeth for the most effective results, not the back teeth, but it all depends on your specific case.

The specific placements of the SmartForce™ attachments are determined by your orthodontist, who will examine your teeth and jaw and decide what will be most effective for your treatment.

How Many Invisalign Attachments Will I Need?

The more complex the case, the more attachments you will need. Some Invisalign patients do not require attachments, and others require up to 20. Most require somewhere in between. Your dentist will make the ultimate decision depending on your case and diagnosis.

Why are The SmartForce™ Attachments Different Shapes?

Each tooth is different shape and requires different kind of movement to align in the correct position. Your orthodontist will carefully select the proper size and shape of attachments, in order to best move your teeth to the correct positions.