Help! My Invisalign Button Fell Off! What Now?
POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics
Youβre taking out your trays to have a quick snack, and suddenly – POP! You do a quick mirror check and realize an Invisalign button is MIA. Losing an attachment is a totally normal hiccup and definitely not a reason to stress about your progress. Luckily, if your Invisalign button fell off, you just need to give your orthodontist a quick call to let them know. Theyβll schedule you an appointment to take a look, make adjustments, and make a new attachment for your Invisalign trays!
Letβs break down what these tiny tools actually do and exactly how to handle the situation.
What are Invisalign Attachments and Invisalign Buttons?
Invisalign buttons (also called Invisalign attachments) are small, tooth-colored dots placed on your teeth during treatment. Attachments are made of a durable composite resin designed to blend right in with your natural enamel. While they might feel a little strange at first, some patients require them for a successful treatment plan.
Sometimes, Invisalign trays need a little extra grip to move teeth. While aligners are fantastic at shifting teeth, they struggle with more complex maneuvers. If your orthodontist needs to rotate a stubborn tooth or move one downward, Invisalign attachments can apply extra pressure to guide teeth into their proper places. In many treatment plans, they are the unsung heroes working to make big movements happen.
Sometimes Invisalign Buttons Be Poppinβ Off
There are a few common reasons these little guys go missing. The most frequent culprit is food. Biting into something overly crunchy or hard can snap an attachment right off your tooth. While Invisalign offers the flexibility to eat snacks that patients with braces canβt have, there are still risks to chewing ice or eating almonds.
Your removal technique can also play a role. Taking your trays out with a bit too much force, twisting them awkwardly, or pulling from the wrong angle puts extra stress on the resin. It is always best to gently ease them off from the back molars first. Finally, every so often, the dental adhesive just doesn’t get a perfect seal on the tooth during your initial setup. It happens to the best of us, and it is a remarkably easy fix.
Your Invisalign Button Action Plan
When you realize an attachment is gone, follow this simple three-step action plan to keep your smile on track:
- Keep wearing your aligners. Even minus one anchor, your trays are still working hard to keep the rest of your teeth moving in the right direction. Leaving your trays out entirely is the worst thing you can do!
- Give us a ring. Call the Paramus or Middletown office as soon as you notice the missing piece. Our orthodontic team will review your treatment plan to determine whether we need to replace it right away. Sometimes, you can safely wait until your next check-in if the missing button wonβt get you off track.
- Toss the piece. Thereβs no need to save the little bit of resin (if you happen to find it). We will simply sculpt and cure a new one for you when you come into the office. Yes, itβs that easy!