Removing Invisalign Buttons the Right Way

If we’re honest, the best part about Invisalign® is completing treatment. At Seasons of Smiles in Camden, ME, we love to witness our patients’ reactions when they see their final results. Did you know that many cases require the use of Invisalign buttons or attachments? These components are bonded to the teeth at strategic points so that pressure can be applied appropriately. By doing so, the teeth are moved safely into their proper positions. When treatment is complete, it’s important to remove Invisalign buttons. Today, we’ll tell you how Dr. Medina removes the attachments so your best smile can be revealed.
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, reach out to one of our team members. Call Seasons of Smiles today at (207) 236-4740.

What are Invisalign buttons?

In general, the buttons referred to during Invisalign treatment are made of composite resin. These attachments are applied directly to the surfaces of the teeth, and they are an important part of achieving optimal results. Why? Because sometimes a tooth sits at an angle. Other times, the movement itself is more challenging than usual. The idea is that these simple Invisalign buttons serve as anchor points which direct forces to the teeth more effectively.
Because Invisalign is marketed as virtually invisible, we use tooth-colored composite resin for buttons. This keeps treatment as discreet as possible.
However, the bad thing about Invisalign buttons is that they blend in so well with the natural teeth, they’re often difficult to see when trying to remove them. As a result, your final Invisalign appointment can be a time-consuming process. But here at Seasons of Smiles, we have a special trick up our sleeve…

The Magical Blue Light

Under natural lighting, composite resin is designed to be indistinguishable from the surrounding tooth structure. However, when a fluorescent UV light is shone on the teeth, the Invisalign buttons suddenly become quite visible. This makes locating and removing them a breeze!

How the Removal Process Works

Removing Invisalign buttons is actually fairly straightforward once the attachments are visible. Special instruments are often used to “pop off” the bulk of the composite material. Then a carbide bur or ultrasonic scaler is used to carefully eliminate any residual resin. While you’ll feel a bit of vibration, nothing should hurt during this process.
An important factor in removing the buttons is to keep the natural enamel intact. If too much is removed, the teeth are more susceptible to damage and discoloration. That’s why our blue light comes in so handy; it allows us to see everything!

What will my smile look like once the Invisalign buttons are removed?

Many patients worry that their teeth will appear discolored after we remove the buttons. Most of the time, regular brushing and flossing can help counteract this possibility. However, if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or colas, there’s a chance your teeth could become slightly stained during Invisalign treatment. If this occurs, it will become more evident once the buttons are removed.

If this happens to you, don’t worry! A simple cleaning with your hygienist is usually enough to address the issue. And if you desire a brighter, dazzling smile, teeth whitening can help you achieve those results.

Find Out if Invisalign is Right for You

Are you considering straightening your teeth with Invisalign? If so, schedule a consultation with Dr. Medina at our Camden, ME practice. You can contact us online anytime or call us at (207) 236-4740.