When your orthodontist took your Invisalign in and out, it seemed so easy. Now that you are home and trying to do it yourself, you may be struggling. Don’t panic though! You will get them off. In fact, you can do so painlessly and seamlessly with these must-know tips on removing clear aligners.
Tip #1: Take a Deep Breath
If you’ve found this blog in a state of panic while searching Google for how to remove your Invisalign trays, take a deep breath – it’s going to be okay. Attempting to take them off your teeth in a state of frustration may result in you accidentally breaking them in the process. So, relax, take a break if you need to, and read on.
Tip #2: Don’t Drink Cold Water
Sipping on cold water can make the plastic less flexible. Of course, you don’t want to drink a hot beverage, like coffee, either since it can warp and stain your trays. The best thing to do is use dry, clean hands to gently remove your aligners. If you’re having trouble getting a grip on them, try using a paper towel.
Tip #3: Use an Aligner Hook
Removing your trays with your fingernails is certainly possible. In fact, many patients find it’s a convenient and easy way to pop their aligners in and out. However, it may be worth investing in an aligner hook, like the Pull Tool. This little gadget will help you get your aligners off your teeth quickly and painlessly.
Tip #4: Start from the Back
To put your trays on properly, you line them up with the front of your teeth and push them into position. When you take them out, you do the opposite. Instead, start at the back of your mouth, where your molars are. Simply start at one side of your mouth (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 bits if necessary.
The first few times you may find removing your clear aligners to be a bit difficult. Luckily, this process will get easier and easier with time. Plus, if you have any questions in the meantime, you can reach out to your orthodontist!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, our day-to-day lives involve all things braces. Of course, that’s generally not the case for our patients, which can make the transition into life with Invisalign tricky at times. To prevent that from happening, we happily share all of our tips, including how to painlessly remove your clear aligners. If you have a question about life with Invisalign, we encourage you to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (508) 281-5188.