Exploring Invisalign SmartForce Attachments

• Apr 11,2025
• |
• by Admin

Introduction

Also known as Invisalign buttons, Invisalign SmartForce attachments refer to a kind of Invisalign treatment which involves placing tiny, nearly invisible bumps on your teeth. These attachments are custom made to fit properly on your teeth and their purpose is to guide your teeth movement in the right direction. They function as handles in supporting your clear aligners to push on gently against your teeth. This is used by orthodontists to apply extra pressure on areas of your aligners which require external help.  

The Invisalign treatment system is based on certain proprietary innovations, and SmartForce attachment features are one of them. Innovations like SmartForce attachmentsare such a feature that enables experienced Invisalign orthodontists to treatmost cases with Invisalign clear aligners, which could typically be treated with traditional braces earlier. In this way, orthodontists can ensure your effective teeth movement along with minimising unwanted movements.

Do I need SmartForce attachments?

It can be determined by your orthodontist whether you need SmartForce attachments. If your one more tooth other than those under Invisalign aligners’ treatment requires significant movement, the orthodontist will suggest you to try SmartForce attachments. 

Will SmartForce attachments be placed on all my teeth?

The number of SmartForce attachments you need depends on the specific condition of your orthodontic malocclusion. You might require these attachments on each of your teeth, or might need them to support just a couple of teeth. Your orthodontist can guide you on choosing the best course of action for your bite correction and individual alignment.

Are my SmartForce attachments noticeable?

SmartForce attachmentsare discreet as they are made from a material similar to your natural tooth colour. While some attachments are more visible, some are less noticeable; this depends on the location they are placed on. For instance, if you have attachments on your front teeth, they are more likely to get noticed than those on your molars. 

If you are concerned about the visibility of your Invisalign SmartForce attachments, speak to your orthodontist. An efficient orthodontist will definitely try their best to place the attachments in such locations so that they become the least noticeable.

How does the orthodontist place the SmartForce attachments on your teeth?

Applying SmartForce attachments on your teeth is a straightforward process which requires not more than 30 minutes to complete. Before beginning with the attachments, your orthodontist will first take a look at your ClinCheck scan and then figure out where you need to get the attachments.

For this, your teeth will first be prepared by cleaning and drying them. This helps the bonding substance to easily adhere the Invisalign attachments to your teeth. Next the dentist will use a template aligner, which is an appliance with little space for accommodating the attachments. The composite resin material for attachment is first loaded into these spaces and then the dentist places the resin containing template aligner in the right place over your teeth.

 The dentist then applies gentle force for proper adherence of the attachments to your teeth. A special curing light is then used to harden that attachment material. Finally, the dentist removes the template aligner from your teeth and any additional bonding material like composite resin from your teeth after achieving the desired results.

Do these Invisalign attachments hurt?

After getting your SmartForce attachments, you might initially experience slight discomfort.This discomfort is really mild in nature and does not usually last long. This discomfort occurs due to your teeth requiring time to adjust to the new pressure applied by the attachments. This is completely normal and indicates that your treatment is working well. Certain pain relievers can help manage this discomfort in most cases.

Can SmartForce attachments fall out of place?

Try to avoid activities which create excessive pressure on your teeth during treatment. When you use your teeth as tools to bite on or chew food, your SmartForce attachments tend to fall off or loosen. 

Taking proper care of your teeth, including regular brushing and flossing, helps preserving the bonding material that keeps your SmartForce attachments and teeth bonded. This prevents the attachments from getting loose. Also remove your aligners safely as per your orthodontist’s instructions.

If any one of your SmartForce attachments falls out of place, do not panic. Contact your orthodontist to get it replaced. 

How long should I wear these SmartForce attachments?

The overall time you require to put on your SmartForce attachments depends on your individual case. These attachments are bonded to your teeth and you need t typically keep them on throughout your Invisalign treatment, which lasts around 6 months. The orthodontist can give you a more accurate estimate of the duration you need to wear these attachments, based on your individual needs and expected outcomes.

What to do when you have to take your aligners off?

By the end of your Invisalign treatment when you have achieved your desired results, the orthodontist will take off your SmartForce attachments. These attachments are removed gently through a non-invasive, painless procedure. Before removing the attachments, the orthodontist will perform a last check to check if your teeth have reached their desired positions.

The orthodontist might want to take a new scan of your teeth after removing the attachments. This helps in the fabrication of the retainers which you need after the treatment. Lastly, you will receive specific instructions from your orthodontist on proper care of your teeth and retainers. Finally, with the removal of your SmartForce attachments, you can enjoy your straight and radiant smile with a perfect bite.

Contact Dental Clinic London today to get in touch with our Invisalign specialists for a perfectly straight smile.