Attachments (sometimes called activators) are sometimes used in order to provide extra grip for the aligner to accomplish difficult tooth movements. With the Orthosnap Clear Aligner System, our aligners fit so snugly that we require far fewer attachments than other systems, however there are some movements that require attachments, for example the extrusion of a canine cannot be accomplished without some sort of attachment.
The placement of attachments will be clearly indicated in your treatment plan, as well as instructions on your portal. You can specify in the Rx what attachment preferences you have, and prior to approving the treatment plan, can work with us to limit or eliminate attachments with an understanding of the impact on the treatment and outcomes.
Here is a video that shows the complete attachment placing process (on a dental model instead of a live patient).
Orthosnap uses very simple attachment shape of a hemisphere, which is placed on the tooth at the step indicated in the treatment plan attached to your case online. We then send you a Matrix, which is a jig or template that is used to help place the attachment on the patient's tooth. The matrix is made of a thinner material, both to allow the UV light to cure the composite, and to be flexible for removal.
The matrix is loaded with a composite material, and then placed on the patient's prepared teeth (using etching and bonding as required).
Note that we recommend the use of regular composite versus flowable composite. Regular composite will tend to be more durable and resistant to wear over time.
We have also designed a special UV lamp nozzle that is particularly useful for placing our attachments as it fits exactly over the attachment on the matrix and allows for firmly pressing the attachment, focusing the UV light, and preventing overflashing of excess or surrounding composite material, which makes cleaning up very easy!
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Related Topics and Information:
Click to learn more about how the aligners are manufactured and what happens if the attachments fall off.
If you have questions or need to speak with someone at Orthosnap, please reach out to us at support@orthosnap.com.