The day has arrived when you are finished with orthodontic treatment. You’ve made it through all of the aligner sets, and it’s now time to have your Invisalign attachments removed. Thinking back to how long it took to have them put on, you wonder if the process will take just as long when it comes to having them taken off. And what about possible pain? Will it hurt? Find out why you have nothing to worry about when it comes to this fast and painless process.
Why Are Invisalign Attachments Necessary?
When choosing to pursue Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth, your dentist or orthodontist might recommend that you have attachments placed to help with the movement of your smile.
Oftentimes, the clear aligners themselves are not enough to move teeth in the right direction, so attachments are used to assist in this process. Severe crowding or gaps are the most common reasons for them, and although you may not desire these new additions to your smile, they are often tooth-colored, so it’s unlikely that anyone will notice.
Adhering to your teeth, the attachments will make it possible for your aligners to properly grip certain teeth and apply additional pressure to keep them moving.
Does It Hurt to Have Invisalign Attachments Removed?
When it comes to having these attachments removed, you may wonder if it will hurt and/or if it will take as long to remove them as it did to have them put on.
Naturally, the amount of time it takes is based on how many you have. While it’s not a surprise for the application process to take around an hour, removing them takes only 15-20 minutes.
If you’re wondering what the process requires, you’ll be pleased to learn that your dentist will only need to use a drill to remove the resin as well as some sort of polisher. A drill might sound scary, but these spray water, so there’s a good chance you will not feel more than general pressure when having them removed.
In fact, many patients do not need any kind of numbing agent because of how swift and painless the procedure is.
If you’re nervous about the idea of having your attachments removed, don’t be. This pain-free process should not cause you any fear or anxiety. Instead, think of it as another step toward treatment completion and the opportunity to enjoy a straighter, healthier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Parnam “Patrick” Mohanna is a trusted dentist in Glenpool who began his career in dentistry at the age of 16 serving as a dental assistant. After earning his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma, he taught in the university’s clinic for removable prosthetics and helped many students learn more about the design and fabrication of removable appliances. With extensive training in a variety of dental specializations, he and the team at 918 Dentist are ready to deliver straighter smiles with the help of Invisalign. If you or a loved one want to learn more about clear aligners and whether you’re a candidate, contact us at (918) 216-1000.