What is an attachment?
A small, tooth-coloured composite shape bonded to a tooth during aligner treatment.
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What are the small aligner attachments for?
Attachments are small, tooth-coloured composite shapes bonded to individual teeth. During aligner treatment, they give the tray extra surfaces to grip and help support planned movements. They are fitted according to the treatment plan and later professionally removed.
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A small shape with a specific role
The attachment sits on the tooth surface. The clear tray fits around this shape, allowing it to transmit forces to the tooth more precisely.
Position follows the plan
Not every tooth needs an attachment. Its shape and position depend on the planned movement. The attachments form part of the coordinated aligner system.
Clean carefully and report changes
The areas around attachments need thorough cleaning. If an attachment comes off or the aligner fits differently, the treating practice should decide the next step.
At a glance
What does it do?
It provides an extra gripping surface for the tray and supports planned tooth movements.
What matters in everyday care?
Clean thoroughly and tell the treating practice if an attachment comes off. Do not reattach it yourself; the ongoing aligner plan needs checking.
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Often confused
Attachment or bracket?
An attachment is a small composite shape that an aligner grips. A bracket is a component that holds the wire of fixed braces.
Quick answers
Are attachments visible?
They are tooth-coloured but can be visible depending on their position, shape and the light. Complete invisibility cannot be promised with aligner treatment.
Can I reattach an attachment myself?
No. Position and shape are part of treatment planning. The treating practice should decide whether and when it needs replacing and how to continue wearing the aligners.
Do attachments stay on teeth permanently?
They are usually professionally removed after their planned use. Subsequent stabilisation of tooth positions follows a separate retention plan.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which attachments does my treatment plan include, and what should I watch for when cleaning and checking the aligner fit?
At her practice, tooth alignment is considered in relation to the findings and the broader treatment plan.
Questions about aligner planning can be discussed together in relation to your tooth positions.
Book an aligner consultationChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Composite attachment
- A small, planned shape made from tooth-coloured filling material and bonded to the tooth surface.
- Force transmission
- How the aligner acts on the tooth. An attachment can provide an extra surface for the tray to grip.
- Retention
- Stabilising the new tooth positions after active movement, for example with a retainer.
Know the difference
An attachment supports active aligner treatment. A retainer maintains the result afterwards and has a different role.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.