Invisalign has been the preferred way to straighten teeth for teens and adults. Since its debut in 1997, over 10 million people have jumped on the Invisalign bandwagon. So what makes Invisalign so appealing? Not only are the clear plastic aligners comfortable, they’re virtually invisible to the naked eye. This means you can undergo orthodontic treatment in a discreet way. You won’t have to worry about metal and brackets that are quite obvious.
In addition, Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out of your mouth every time you eat, drink, brush, and floss. As long as you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, your teeth will slowly but surely shift into their optimal positions. While Invisalign treatment times vary, many are completed within a year. Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, an overbite, underbite, or any other malocclusion, Invisalign can help.
The 411 on Invisalign Buttons
Also known as Invisalign attachments, Invisalign buttons are tiny dots of dental bonding material that are affixed to the teeth. They’re made of composite resin material that dentists often use to fill cavities and fix minor chips. The resin is tooth-colored, meaning it’s almost invisible.
While not every Invisalign patient requires buttons, many do in order to achieve the healthy teeth and beautiful smile they’ve been longing for. They’re designed to increase the effectiveness of the aligners. The Oxford, MS Invisalign specialists at GO Orthodontics encourage patients to always follow the advice of an Invisalign Diamond Plus provider.
If you have a complex case, buttons may be necessary and give the aligners the extra boost they need to do their job. While they aren’t ideal, they can make Invisalign treatment an option. This is great news as most patients with complex patients were forced to undergo traditional metal braces instead.
Keep in mind that if you receive buttons, it may be more difficult to pop your aligners in and out. The buttons will make them fit more tightly. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the freedom of easy brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking. It may just take you a bit longer to remove and reinsert your aligners. You may also require a tool that looks like a plastic pick to help you out.
How Buttons are Placed
Placing buttons is usually a simple process. A dentist will use a template that shows exactly where they need to be placed on your teeth. Then, they will thoroughly clean the teeth that will receive them and prepare them for the bonding material. Next, the dentist or orthodontist will place the bonding material in the marked spots and harden or set the composite material with a special light.
After you complete your orthodontic treatment, we’ll remove them off your teeth without damaging the enamel. Once your buttons are placed, it’s a good idea to spend some time removing them and inserting them. The more you do so, the faster and easier the process will be.
Schedule an Appointment at Tryon Family Dentistry
If you’re wondering whether you need buttons with Invisalign, we’ll be happy to let you know. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office to find out. Call us at 919-249-6799 today! Our dental team can’t wait to meet you!
