What are those bumps on people's teeth? We explain what attachments are, why they are necessary for complex movements, and how noticeable they really are.
Many patients think clear aligners are completely invisible plastic shells. Then they come for their fitting and we get out the bonding kit. "Wait, what are you gluing to my teeth?"
These are Attachments (sometimes called buttons). And they are the reason ProAligners work so well compared to old-school aligners.
What is an Attachment?
It is a tiny blob of tooth-coloured composite material (the same stuff used for white fillings). We bond it to the front of specific teeth. It serves as a handle for the aligner to grip.
Why do I need them?
Plastic is slippery. If you try to rotate a round tooth with smooth plastic, it just slips. By adding a small bump, the plastic has something to push against. It enables:
- Rotations: Turning a tooth.
- Extrusions: Pulling a short tooth down.
- Root Control: Keeping the root upright while moving the crown.
Dr Yasha Shirazi's Honesty Policy:
"I show patients where their attachments will be on the 3D scan before they sign up. No surprises. Yes, you can see them if you look closely, but they are far less visible than metal braces. Most friends won't notice them."
Are they visible?
They are the exact colour of your tooth. However, they create a small 3D bump that catches the light. They are most noticeable when you have the aligners out. When the aligners are in, the plastic smooths over them.
Do they hurt?
Putting them on is painless (no drilling). Taking them off is painless (we polish them off). However, they can feel rough against your cheek for the first few days while you eat, until your mouth toughens up.
Can I refuse them?
Technically, yes. But it might make your treatment impossible or much longer. We try to place them on side teeth or keep them small on front teeth whenever possible.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Yasha Shirazi • GDC: 195843