The largest appeal of Invisalign is the level of discreetness they offer—they are truly the “invisible” braces! The clear aligners are virtually undetectable and are removable for certain activities, like eating. As you are enjoying these benefits, you may become alarmed when you’re ready for a delicious meal and you are having trouble removing them. No worries! Here are four tips from your dentist to clear the way for the easy removal of your aligners trays.
Tip #1: Relax and Take a Breath
Take a deeeeep breath in through the nose and out the mouth! The more you feel stressed, the more tension you will put on your clear aligners and risk damaging them. If you are frustrated, trying to remove aligners that are stuck can lead to breaking them, which could possibly delay your treatment process. So, breathe, relax, and read on!
Tip #2 Don’t Remove Aligners After Drinking Cold Beverages
Drinking cold water can make the plastic less flexible. If you know you are about to remove your aligners, it is best to stick with room-temperature water an hour or two beforehand. Be sure to not drink hot beverages, like coffee, since it can warp and stain your trays.
Tip #3: Begin from the Back
To put your trays on properly, you line them up with the front of your teeth and push them into position. But when you want to take them out, you do the opposite. Start with your molars, which are located at the back of your mouth. Simply start at one side (on the inside), lifting the aligners off the back teeth. Then, do the same with the other side. Lastly, slowly work your way toward the middle, focusing on the easier places if necessary.
Tip #4: Get a Grip
Removing your trays with your fingernails is certainly possible. In fact, many people find it’s an easy way to pop their aligners out. However, if that isn’t an ideal option for you, there are a few other options that can help you effectively remove them, such as:
- Paper towels—Thick paper towels are not just for spilling drinks! It can help you to easily pull out your aligners. Then you can use the towel to dry them and wipe off any residue.
- Surgical Gloves—Invisalign patients have noticed medical gloves are effective in gripping the trays. Be sure not to use thick rubber gloves you might use around the house because they will not be effective in gaining a hold of the aligners.
- Aligner Hooks—These are tools specifically designed to remove Invisalign trays effortlessly. You can ask your dentist for the best recommendations or do a google search and look at the reviews for the most effective ones.
Aligners are an amazing option for getting the smile you have always wanted, but they can be a challenge to remove initially. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you are stuck! With these tips from your dentist, it will soon be a smooth-sailing part of your day.
About the Author
Darby Creek Dental serves Marysville and the surrounding communities through the expertise of Dr. David Cleveland, Dr. Deric Budendorf, and Dr. Kyle Wylde. Their priority is always helping you maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile at every stage of life. With years of experience and training, they help to make your Invisalign treatment an easy process with complete care every step of the way! If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, visit their website or call them at (937) 303-8901.