Many people turn to Invisalign as their orthodontic treatment because of how convenient it is. It uses clear, removable aligners that you can take out when it’s time to dig into your favorite foods. You don’t need to worry about cleaning in between wires and brackets or breaking one, but what if you have some trouble taking the trays out? Thankfully, these four tips can make it a bit easier for you.
1.) Towel or Glove
Your mouth is a moist environment, so it can make your Invisalign just a bit slippery. This can make it harder to get a grip on the plastic aligners, so you can use a towel or glove. Wrap a finger in them, and they can help you get better friction. This might be what you need to pop them out of place and dig into your meals.
2.) Lukewarm Water
If you have just had a refreshing, cool drink, then it can help reduce any soreness you feel. However, it can also make your trays harder to remove since cold makes them less flexible. To fight against this, you can simply breathe out hot air or drink lukewarm water. Don’t make the water too hot, as you can burn yourself!
3.) Aligner Hook
Plenty of patients have a bit of an issue taking out their Invisalign, so a handy tool has been made. They are called aligner hooks, which, as you can imagine, are thin plastic hooks with a ring to put your finger in. You’ll have a good grip and can take your trays out easily with them. Pul Tool or Orthokey are some brands that you can find online or possibly in your local department store.
4.) Start From Your Back Teeth
Trying to remove your aligners from the front may be the problem. Instead, pull from the back of your mouth. With a clean hand, you can use your fingertip and gently shimmy your Invisalign out where your molars are. Once you do one side, head on over to the other, and then when it becomes loose, remove it!
While you might’ve had some trouble taking out your trays, hopefully you will have success with one of these tips! Find the one that works for you, and then you can pop them out like a pro when you get the hang of it. However, if you are still having issues comfortably removing your aligners, then it might be best to call your dentist and get their help toward a solution.
About the Practice
At Wigal Orthodontics of Columbus, you benefit from the skilled expertise of Dr. Timothy Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper. We are here to help the community get the straighter smiles that they adore with Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment. Our team sticks with you every step of the way, so you can feel confident in your end results. If you need some help figuring out how to remove your aligners, schedule an appointment or call our Columbus office at (614) 495-9002.
