Why Are My Invisalign Attachments Coming Off?

I got Invisalign two months ago. The first month was great, but three attachments have fallen off within the past three weeks. Of course, I put them back on, but why are they coming off? I contacted my dentist about it and am waiting to hear back on what to do. Should I ask for new aligners? Thanks. Ashlee

 

Ashlee,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group. We will discuss the purpose of Invisalign attachments and what to do if attachments consistently fall off.

What Is the Purpose of Invisalign Attachments?

The purpose of Invisalign attachments is to help the aligners grip your teeth for more precise movement. Attachments help your dentist achieve more effective and thorough results. A dentist and the Invisalign lab may recommend attachments for more complex tooth movements or teeth that are challenging to move.

Why Might Invisalign Attachments Fall Off?

Invisalign attachments can fall off if your teeth shift and pressure from the aligners moves the attachments, and it is not a cause for concern. Although it is not unusual for attachments to fall off, notify your dentist if yours consistently or frequently fall off. Otherwise, the attachments will not help.

Below are five reasons that Invisalign aligners may loosen and fall off.

1. Attachments fit too snugly on your teeth. Your doctor may need to lightly polish the attachments to loosen the fit of the aligners over them. Invisalign aligners should be snug enough to grip the aligners yet easy enough to remove.
2. Lack of bonding strength. A dentist uses composite bonding to stick the attachments to your teeth. The attachments can easily pop off if the bonding materials are expired or weak.
3. Eating sugary or acidic foods. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and drink plenty of water to neutralize the acid in your mouth. Acidic or sugary foods and drinks can weaken the seal between your tooth enamel and the attachments.
4. Pressure when putting on or taking off aligners. Twisting the aligners while putting them on or removing them causes stress. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you are removing the aligners properly.

Your Invisalign provider can examine your aligners, attachments, and teeth to determine why the attachments fall off and how to resolve the concerns.

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