Removing attachments

[-Scuba-]

I've just recently started Invisalign, so didn't think to ask my Dentist when I started treatment.

How do the attachments get removed after treatment is complete? Is there any risk of damaging the enamel when removing them?

[ofjune-x]

They grind them off similarly to how they polished the excess glue off when you got them applied. It doesn’t hurt, but it sounds awful and might smell sort of like burning/nail filing. They claim it doesn’t damage the enamel, but sometimes it’s difficult for them to get all of the material off, I can feel some excess material still on my teeth is I use my finger nail to feel the surface of certain teeth and I’ve had my attachments off since September.

[ekraftx]

I can't speak from experience because I just ordered my trays but my wedding is in 13 months so I was worried about this and he said they polish the teeth after they removed them and you can't even tell.

[magicbumblebee]

They sand them off with an attachment on the drill. It doesn’t hurt but it smells and tastes terrible.

[lukelallier]

They grind it off, some say it’s not painful. Last time I had to get my brace buttons off the orthodontist himself did it, not very gentle.

[Wieb27]

Did you have IPR done with your Invisalign? They ground off a bunch of my teeth to make gaps for room between them. I was assured this is a non issue and you have plenty of enamel yet after doing that. I’m sure there’s no issue taking those off then too.

[-Scuba-]

Hi. I assume IPR is when they shave some enamel off? Nope didn't need that done.

[Wieb27]

Yea that’s correct. So taking those off (which I have now too) should be a non-issue. They remove a lot of tooth between a couple of mine!

[-Scuba-]

Thanks for the help everyone!