What are invisalign "buttons" and where are they attached.

I just got my x-rays, etc. yesterday. Can someone explain this attachments/buttons thing to me? That is not something I had been educated on... do they go on the back of your teeth?

I have to say I'm looking forward to getting the whole process going. My two teeth next to my top front teeth are about 1/3 crowded behind my front teeth. I told myself that I'd fix them before I was 30. I'm 29 now so I'm finally getting it done! She is also going to trim down my front teeth - anyone had this done?

2 answers to “What are invisalign "buttons" and...”

A: Attachments help grip tooth and act as anchors; buttons are used to attach auxilliaries

Jason K. Tam, DDS

Attachments are auxilliaries to aid in the movement of teeth by providing a larger surface area for your Invisalign to grip onto.  They are temporarily bonded to your teeth with the help of aligner templates using a white filling material to match the shade of your teeth. They can serve as anchors for... more

A: They act as anchors or halp teeth rotate

Jennifer Jablow, DDS

The invislaign buttons are there for specific reasons and not every case requires them. Mostly they help in rotation movement or in extrsion movement (bring a tooth down). Teeth with round surfaces wonts turn easily unless there is something for the tray to hold onto. There are times if the tooth is severely... more

Comments

Melody5
8 posts
19 Aug 2008

I just had it done today! I would be lying if I said that it wasn't a little painful, but totally worth it. I have seen the 3D version of when my teeth will be done and I am so excited!!!! Go for it!!!!

JPs
5 posts
16 Nov 2008

One of my buttons fell off & the dentist just said, "Oh well." and has not replaced it, nor said if it will be replaced eventually or not. I have a total 10 (now 9)... can this be a set back, or is it no big deal?

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