Many patients choose Invisalign because the transparent trays are considered more comfortable and less visible than standard braces. The smooth material typically doesn’t gouge the tissues inside your mouth like metallic brackets can. Plus, they’re removable, so there are no dietary restrictions, and it’s easier to keep your teeth clean.
But some patients struggle with removing their trays because they fit so snuggly over their teeth to shift them. If you’re having a hard time taking your Invisalign out, continue reading to learn about 3 tips that might help!
Tip #1: Avoid Drinking Anything
Have you noticed that it’s sometimes harder to take your aligners out if you’ve just enjoyed a cold glass of water? That’s because low temperatures can make the plastic material less flexible, making it difficult to remove.
You might think that it will help to enjoy a warm beverage instead, but hot temperatures can warp or melt the material, so it no longer fits or can’t function effectively. It’s best to avoid having a drink right before trying to pull the trays away from your teeth so that your mouth remains its normal temperature. This also ensures that your mouth is less moist, so that your trays are less slippery when you grasp them.
Tip #2: Get a Grip
It can be difficult to get a firm hold of your clear aligners in your mouth because saliva can make them slick to the touch. You can try holding your mouth open for a few seconds before trying to remove them, so your fingers can grab them more easily.
You can also try improving your grasp with certain common household items, like a clean paper towel or wearing rubber gloves, which can help provide additional traction on the smooth plastic so that you can get a stronger grip.
Tip #3: Start in the Back
Do you usually try to pull the front of your trays to take them out? This might seem like the most effective method, but your back teeth are larger. That means they have a greater surface area, which can hold your aligners in place if you start tugging at the front.
You might have better luck if you begin by placing your fingertip just inside of your back molar and gently lift the plastic away from your teeth. This can break the seal enough that you can then gently work your finger around the arch until the aligner finally comes free. Alternatively, you can remove the tray from one molar and then the other before working your way toward the front of your mouth.
If you’re still struggling to take your Invisalign out, it may be time to contact your dentist to ensure that it fits properly!
About the Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics, families benefit from three experts who are eager to help them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Podray-Donovan, Dr. Lewis, and Dr. Pelt collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of orthodontic services to meet the needs of people of all ages. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment and materials to provide accurate treatment results intended to last. If your Invisalign doesn’t fit correctly and you need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!