October 26, 2026
Attachments are small tooth coloured bumps that are bonded onto some of your teeth during clear aligner treatment. IPR, short for interproximal reduction, is the polishing of a small amount of enamel from the sides of teeth, where they touch their neighbours. Both are tools a dentist may use alongside Invisalign aligners, and whether either appears in your plan depends on your own teeth and your own treatment plan.
According to Align Technology, the company that makes Invisalign, attachments are "tiny, almost invisible bumps" that help your dentist apply extra, gentle force where the aligners need assistance. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) describes interproximal reduction as a technique used during orthodontic treatment to create space for tooth alignment.
An attachment is a small bump bonded to the surface of a tooth. Align explains that its SmartForce attachments are made from a tooth coloured material, a composite resin, so that they are as discreet as possible. The bump gives the aligner something to push against and something to hold on to.
Tooth coloured attachments are placed at the fit appointment, and they help the aligners grip and add torque for specific movements. You can read more about Invisalign treatment. Not every tooth gets one. Which teeth are chosen, and how each bump is shaped, is part of your individual plan.
Align says attachments help your orthodontist apply extra, gentle force to areas where the aligners need assistance. Dentistry magazine adds that they increase the contact between the aligner and the tooth, which is how force is passed on.
Align describes the process in four steps. The dentist uses a template aligner, which is an appliance with little spaces where the attachments will go. The attachment material is loaded into those spaces. The dentist then applies gentle pressure so the material sticks properly to the tooth, and a special light is used to harden it.
Align says you may feel some mild discomfort after first getting your attachments. It explains that this is caused by your teeth needing time to adjust to the new pressure the attachments apply.
We cover this in more detail in Invisalign myths. Discomfort with aligners is usually mild and temporary, with pressure felt when you switch to a new aligner. Everyone feels it differently, so tell your dentist if the discomfort bothers you.
Align says attachments are gently removed in a non invasive procedure. Your dentist carries this out, so do not try to remove them yourself.
Interproximal reduction is the careful removal of a small amount of enamel from the sides of teeth, in the spaces between neighbouring teeth. The BOS describes it as a technique used during orthodontic treatment to create space for tooth alignment, and says it can also be used to improve the shape of a tooth.
IPR is done to allow space for the teeth to move. In other words, it makes a little room between neighbouring teeth.
The BOS calls IPR a routine procedure that requires skill and experience. It also warns that removing too much enamel can have a harmful effect on the health of the teeth, and says patients should fully understand the procedure before agreeing to it.
Align describes its attachments as tiny and almost invisible, made in a tooth coloured material to be as discreet as possible. How noticeable they are to you depends on where they sit and on how closely the material matches your teeth, so look at your own teeth in a mirror at your consultation and ask where they are likely to go.
The BOS warns that too much enamel removed can harm the health of the teeth. That is the reason it stresses skill, experience and a full understanding by the patient before IPR goes ahead. Ask your dentist how much enamel is planned and from which teeth.
Your dentist sets out the full cost after assessment. You can read more about Invisalign prices, Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Full, and our orthodontic fees list Invisalign alongside braces and retainers. The cost depends on the plan made for your teeth.
Treatment can be spread with 0% finance over 12 months, subject to status, and longer terms may carry interest. We are a credit broker, not a lender, and you can read our dental finance options. Our retainers are priced separately from the aligners, so ask what is in your quote.
Your dentist does, after looking at your teeth and gums and planning your case. A dental examination is the usual first step. If you are still working out whether aligners suit you at all, you can read about who Invisalign is suitable for.
They are small bumps of tooth coloured composite resin bonded to selected teeth. According to Align, they help your orthodontist apply extra, gentle force where the aligners need assistance. They are tiny and almost invisible.
IPR stands for interproximal reduction. The BOS describes it as a technique used in orthodontic treatment to create space for tooth alignment, by removing a small amount of enamel from the sides of teeth. It can also be used to improve tooth shape.
Not necessarily. Align UK says complex or severe cases might need extra treatments such as minor interproximal reduction. Whether attachments or IPR feature in your plan depends on your teeth, and your dentist can tell you after examining your mouth.
Align says you may feel some mild discomfort after first getting them, caused by your teeth adjusting to the new pressure. Tell your dentist if the discomfort bothers you.
Ask your dentist what to expect and whether anything is used to keep you comfortable before you agree to it.
Align says they are gently removed in a non invasive procedure. Your dentist carries it out, so do not try to remove them yourself.
The BOS calls IPR a routine procedure that needs skill and experience, and warns that removing too much enamel can harm the health of the teeth. It says patients should fully understand the procedure first and that whoever plans the treatment should carry out the IPR.
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4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.
Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.
