Do you find that your clear aligners are getting lodged on your teeth, and you are having trouble getting them out? If this is a frequent occurrence for you, there are some techniques that you can use to help. It is important that your aligners are fitted close to your teeth so they move effectively, but when it comes time to take them out, it can be a challenge. Here are five tips to help you get your Invisalign aligners out with ease.
Remove Your Aligners from the Back
Instead of tugging at your aligners from the front, try to remove them from the back. By positioning your fingertips on the back molars and pulling the aligners away from your teeth, you can slowly and effectively remove them. You could also try to take turns on each side of your mouth until they pop out.
Avoid Cold Drinks Beforehand
If you take a sip of cold water right before you take out your aligners, this can make the process more difficult. Ultimately, the plastic is less flexible when it is exposed to a cooler temperature, making it more challenging to loosen the grip on the teeth. On the other hand, you should also avoid drinking hot beverages of any kind while wearing your aligners. This can distort their shape, making them even more difficult to remove. Ideally, you should remove your aligners when they are at room temperature.
Dry Off Your Aligners Before Removing Them
To get a better grip on your aligners, try to open your mouth for a few seconds before you take out your trays. This will temporarily dry out your mouth, making it easier for you to get a hold of. On top of that, it also helps to have dry fingertips during this process.
Use an Aligner Hook
Aligner hooks look like small crochet hooks. These tools are a helpful way to remove your aligners when there are additional attachments keeping them in place, like buttons. To use an alignment hook, place it at the end of your aligner and gently use the hook to lift it from your teeth and detach. Be especially careful not to hook onto your gum tissue.
Cut Your Nails
Long, manicured nails look classy and beautiful. However, they can make it more challenging to remove your aligners effectively, and you could accidentally end up with broken nails and mouth injury. Ultimately, it is more strategic to trim your nails before trying to take out your aligners.
Clear aligners can take some time to get used to, but with a little bit of practice and by using the tips listed above, you will get the hang of it.
About the Practice
At Avion Dental & Orthodontics, we have a team of family dentists and orthodontists serving patients in the area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof! To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (972) 807-9887.