If you’ve gone through a particularly complex Invisalign treatment, you’re probably familiar with the small, tooth-colored attachments that help guide your teeth into place. But, now that your treatment is ending, you might be wondering—does getting them removed hurt? Continue reading to learn what to expect when saying goodbye to your Invisalign attachments.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Not everyone who goes through Invisalign treatment needs attachments, but when they’re necessary, they do a lot of work! These are small, bumps of composite material that are bonded to your teeth to give the aligners a better grip. They help apply the right amount of pressure for more precise and complex tooth movements.
However, while they’re incredibly useful during treatment, they don’t contribute to anything afterward, so can be safely removed.
Does It Hurt to Have Attachments Removed?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort when their attachments are taken off. Your dentist will use a special tool to gently buff away the composite material, much like polishing your teeth after a cleaning. The process is completely non-invasive, meaning no drills, no needles, and no pain!
Some patients report feeling mild vibrations or slight pressure during removal, but nothing more than what you’d experience during a normal dental cleaning. If your teeth are sensitive, let your dentist know. They can adjust their technique to keep you comfortable.
What Happens After Invisalign Attachments Are Removed?
Once your attachments are off, you may notice slight discoloration or unevenness in your enamel where they were placed. But there’s no need to stress. This roughness is temporary and can be corrected with a professional cleaning or whitening treatment if needed.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your treatment, your dentist will also provide a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. This appliance is critical to keeping your results, so be sure to wear it as instructed.
As you can see, removing Invisalign attachments is a simple and painless step toward completing your smile transformation. If you have any concerns about sensitivity, talk to your dentist beforehand. They’ll be happy to make any adjustments you need to keep the process as smooth as possible.
About the Practice
At Charm Smile Dental, we love seeing our patients smile. That’s why our team of talented dental experts is dedicated to providing modern solutions like Invisalign to help every patient achieve a gorgeous grin. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, call (603) 228-0123 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at our Concord office or visit our website to see more about our other treatments and services.