If my aligners call for attachments, shouldn't I have attachments?

Good question.  Depends on lots of things.  An elite provider has lots of experience, so their opinion carries some weight.  Some Invisalign products come with "default attachments" -- they are there regardless of the need for them.  Perhaps the doctor feels the teeth are tracking fine in the aligners without them and they would simply be a waste of time to apply and remove.   Sometimes they put slots for attachments on teeth with crowns or veneers where the material would not stick without roughening the surface and harming the gloss of the porcelain.  And -- you are the first person after 1200 odd cases that I have heard might want them on in the first place.  Most celebrate when the "barnacles" don't go on their teeth.Make sure your teeth are all fully in the aligner and there are no air gaps other than the attachment slots before you go to your next aligner.  If there are gaps, don't go forward until you see your dentist.

Invisalign attachments serve a very important purpose and that is to aid in tooth movement.  If the attachments are not present, does that mean that the teeth will not move? No. However, to maximize the tooth movement into an ideal position it is recommended to have the attachments present as directed by Invisalign.  

Dear straightalk,Thank you for posting your question on Real Self. I will do my best to answer your question with the information given. Regarding attachments, your concern is a legitimate one.  The purpose of attachments is to help guide the teeth more efficiently.  You can imagine that moving round teeth with a plastic material can be difficult. Attachments are very important if you want to get the most ideal results with Invisalign.  If you feel that your aligners are "slipping" or light is showing between the aligners and the teeth then you should definitely address this issue with your orthodontist.  I would also advise that you get a second opinion.I hope that this helps and wish you all the best with your treatment!Best,Dr. Jenn

Attachments are to assist in moving the teeth more efficiently--there can also be bumps and indentations that are not to have an attachment on the tooth-- these are to add pressure or change the biting surface while in treatment. You ask a question where it is difficult to address--the main thing is that the teeth continue to track well--this means that your aligners continue to fit well and be like a second skin over the teeth--as long as that holds true the teeth are moving correctly.. I hope this helps..Dr Merrill

Invisalign uses attachemnts to help direct forces for specific tooth movements.  If the Clin-check that she showed you had attachments then they should be put on.  Otherwise, she should have made those adjustments on the clin-check and asked for a clincheck without attachments.  If you have any doubts get a second opinion.