Aligner Attachments Canada: What They Are and Do You Need Them?

Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular, especially among teens, for their comfort and transparent appearance. Therefore, Dentists now offer aligners with attachments in addition to standard clear aligners to treat severe dental problems as well.

Explore this blog to know what aligners with attachments are, how aligner attachments work, and their difference from standard clear aligners to help you decide a suitable treatment for yourself.

What Are Aligner Attachments?

Aligner attachments are small buttons made of tooth colored composite resin bonded to the teeth, and the clear aligners are molded to fit around them. Here’s how aligner attachments work: they add pressure points to specific teeth, helping aligners apply force where needed. This is an in-office treatment that enhances the predictability of tooth movement and the efficiency of clear aligners.

Who Needs Aligner Attachments?

Mild to moderate dental issues don’t need aligner attachments. However, if you have severe dental problems, your dentist may recommend aligners with attachments as they help position your teeth correctly and enhance your overall treatment.

Type of Aligner Attachments

The six common types of aligner attachments that can be bonded to your teeth, depending on your treatment needs and your orthodontist's recommendation, are shown below.

Pros of Aligner Attachments

Enhanced Tooth Movement

Attachments assist in applying controlled force to achieve specific tooth movements such as rotation, extrusion, and tipping.

Better Aligners Grip

They improve the aligner grip, ensuring trays stay snug and work more effectively.

Faster Results

By improving control over specific tooth movements, attachments can speed up the treatment timeline.

Custom-Tailored Treatment

Attachments are placed only where needed based on your unique dental alignment, making treatment more personalized.

Discreet and Tooth-Colored

Most attachments are small and blend in with your natural teeth, making them hard to notice.

Cons of Aligner Attachments

Slight Visibility

While subtle, attachments can still be visible, especially on front teeth or if stained.

Initial Discomfort

They might feel slightly bulky or cause minor irritation initially as your mouth gets used to them.

Difficult to Remove Trays

Attachments make aligners fit more tightly, which can make removal slightly harder.

Staining Risk

Attachments can stain if you consume dark-colored foods or drinks without proper cleaning.

May Require Additional Dental Visits

Occasionally, attachments can debond and may need to be reattached by your orthodontist.

Restricted Diet

As the aligner attachments are bonded to teeth, there are some dietary restrictions you need to follow to prevent damage.

More Expensive

Since aligner attachments require in-office visits, they tend to be more expensive than at-home clear aligners.

Effective in Specific Cases

Aligners with attachments are generally advised for more complex or severe dental cases.

What Are Standard Clear Aligners?

Standard aligners help you straighten your teeth by applying pressure through custom trays without using any attachments. These clear aligners can easily solve your mild to moderate dental issues, including crossbite, overbite, deepbite, edge-to-edge, midline issues, teeth spacing, and crowding.

Pros of Clear Aligners

Remote Treatment

Clear aligners can be used at home easily, without any dentist visits.

Nearly Invisible

Clear aligners are made up of transparent material that gives you a discreet smile.

Removable

Unlike aligner attachments, you can remove aligners anytime and anywhere.

No Dietary Restriction

The removable feature of clear aligners allows you to enjoy your favorite meals.

Comfortable to Wear

Clear aligners offer a comfortable fit as there are no attachments or brackets in them.

Easy to Clean

Clear aligners are easier to clean, helping maintain fresh breath and preventing aligner odor with proper daily care.

Cons

Not Suitable for Severe Cases

Clear aligners without attachments are not effective in severe dental conditions.

Can be Misplaced

As they are removable, there is a higher chance of losing them.

Requires Discipline

Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours a day. Skipping wear time can delay results.

Comparison between At-Home Clear Aligners and In-Office Aligners with Attachments

Caption: Standard clear aligners vs. aligners with attachments

Here is a brief comparison between at-home clear aligners and in-office aligners with attachments to help you decide which treatment is right for you and most effective in your case.

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

ALIGNERCO offers the most affordable and effective clear aligners to fix your mild to moderate dental problems, including crossbite, overbite, deepbite, edge-to-edge, midline issues, teeth spacing, and crowding. ALIGNERCO offers solutions for both daytime and nighttime wear.

Why Choose ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners?

Custom-Made: These aligners are designed according to your unique dental structure.

BPA-Free Material: ALIGNERCO clear aligners are made up of FDA-approved plastic.

Cost-Effective: Our aligners are 60% more affordable than traditional braces.

100% Remote: Get straight teeth from the comfort of your home. No dental visits required.

Aligners with Attachments or At-Home Clear Aligners: Which One Is Right For You?

It is important to assess the severity of your condition before you decide which treatment to go with. Aligners with attachments can enhance the teeth straightening treatment in severe cases. However, if you are someone dealing with mild to moderate dental issues, standard at-home aligners are a go-to option for you. Standard aligners offer a fully remote treatment that’s more affordable than in-office options with no dental visits, just straighter teeth from home.