At a glance
- Attachments are small, tooth-coloured bumps made from a material similar to that used for white fillings.
- They give the aligners something to grip, so teeth can be moved in a specific direction.
- Their shape, size and angle depend on the movement each tooth needs.
- Not every tooth needs one, and some simple cases need none.
- At the end of treatment they are removed and the teeth are polished.
Why attachments are used
If you are starting clear aligners, attachments will probably come up. In this video, Dr Sarah Sadek covers ten things to know: what they are, why they are used, how visible they are and how they are placed and removed.
Attachments can feel odd for the first few days and may catch your lips, but most people adapt quickly. Being tooth-coloured, they are usually far less noticeable than people expect.
AddaSmile clear aligners
AddaSmile is a more affordable clear aligner option, planned and overseen by our orthodontic team. Each plan includes an in-person 3D scan, whitening and retainers in one price. Ask about it at your free consultation.
Find out about AddaSmileYour questions answered
Can people see Invisalign attachments?
They are tooth-coloured, so they are usually hard to spot at a normal distance, particularly with aligners in. How visible they are depends on where they sit.
Can attachments harm my teeth?
They are bonded to the enamel and removed at the end of treatment, and the surface is polished. Your orthodontist checks the teeth when they come off.
Is it possible to have aligners with no attachments?
Some simple cases need none. Whether you need them depends on the tooth movements in your treatment plan.
Save on treatment with an SW3 Dental plan
Student Smile members get 15% off all treatments, including aligners and braces. Smile for Life plan members get 10% off private treatment, including aligners. Both plans also cover your check-ups and hygiene visits.
Student plans from £12.95/month → Practice plans from £14.95/month →
12-month minimum term. Student plans need a valid student card. The SW3 Essentials plan discount does not include aligners; full details and exclusions are in the terms. Student terms · Practice plan terms.
Seeing us in Chelsea
SW3 Dental is on the first floor at 295 King's Road, London SW3 5EP, a short bus ride from Sloane Square and within walking distance of South Kensington station. Call 020 3474 6302 or book online.
In this video
Dr Sarah Sadek
Specialist Orthodontist & Clinical Director
GDC No. 114943 · Chelsea · Waterloo · Croydon