Invisalign has quickly become a leading alternative to traditional braces for several reasons, but mainly, its discretion, comfort, and unparalleled convenience. Not only are the aligners transparent and far easier to wear compared to metal braces, but they’re also completely removable! This is why patients tend to love this treatment option; however, removing the aligners can sometimes be a little tricky at first. Here are some tips to help you out.
1. Start from the Back of Your Mouth
Instead of clawing at your aligners and trying to yank them out from the front, try removing them from the back. Position your fingertip on the inside of your back molar, and then gently pull the aligner away from your teeth, repeating this step on the other side and working slowly towards the front of your mouth. You can also start from one end and slowly work towards the other.
2. Don’t Remove After a Cold Drink
Removing your aligners after enjoying a cold beverage can make things more difficult compared to removing them from a warm mouth. The plastic material is slightly less flexible when exposed to cooler temperatures, which might make it tougher to loosen its grip. However, this doesn’t mean you should drink something hot beforehand, either, since warm temperatures can warp your aligners. This means that room temperature is ideal for removing your Invisalign.
3. Use an Aligner Hook
An aligner hook is a tool that looks very similar to a crochet hook, but smaller and safe to use inside your mouth. To use one, all you’ll need to do is place it at the end of your aligner, using it to gently lift it from your teeth. These pocket-friendly items can make a big difference in increasing your grip on your aligners—after all, that’s specifically what they’re designed for!
4. Relax and Be Patient
This is the most important tip on the list; regardless of how you go about removing your aligners, have a little patience and do not force them out violently. If you’re having trouble, take a break and take a few deep breaths before trying again; being relaxed will make things infinitely easier. During the first few days of wearing your Invisalign, give yourself a few extra minutes each time you need to remove your aligners so you can get down the proper muscle memory.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of just how convenient Invisalign is—just be sure that you’re just as diligent about putting your aligners back in, to keep your treatment right on track!
About the Practice
With Dr. Codi Saunders leading the way, our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served those in North Grafton and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, please call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 839-9350.
Follow Us