Invisalign clear aligners can be taken out of your mouth at any time, allowing you to continue enjoying all of your favorite foods throughout the orthodontic process. However, when you first start wearing your aligners, you may have some difficulty removing them. This is something that will grow easier over time, but until then, it can help to follow these 5 helpful tips for taking out Invisalign.
1. Start From the Back
Removing your Invisalign aligners tends to go more smoothly when you start from the back instead of the front. This gives you better leverage, and it puts less pressure on the plastic. It’s typically easier to loosen the aligner on one side of your mouth before doing the same for the opposite side. Once the back corners are off your teeth, you can start gradually working forward until the appliance has been fully removed.
2. Use Surgical Rubber Gloves
Are you having a hard time getting a good hold of your aligners? It may help to wear surgical rubber gloves. They are designed in a way to improve grip, particularly in damp conditions (such as the inside of your mouth). Alternatively, you can try using a thick kitchen paper towel.
3. Don’t Remove Your Aligners Right After Drinking Cold Water
If you just had a drink of cold water, you might want to wait to remove your Invisalign. Cold temperatures can make your plastic aligners more rigid. Not only can this make them harder to remove, but they may also be more prone to breaking. Ideally, your mouth should be at room temperature before you attempt to take your aligners out.
4. Use Your Fingertips, Not Your Fingernails
Attempting to remove your aligners with your fingernails can cause you to scratch the plastic by accident. It can also make it harder to get a proper grip. As such, it’s better to use the tips of your fingers for this particular task. To make things easier, it may be a good idea to keep your nails short throughout the Invisalign process.
5. Stay Relaxed
Getting frustrated while removing your clear aligners can tighten your facial muscles, which only makes things more difficult. Do your best to stay relaxed throughout the process. Take a few deep breaths, and give yourself as much time as you need to get your aligners out without damaging them.
If you follow the tips listed above, it won’t be long before removing your Invisalign aligners becomes second nature. Once it does, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the convenience of being able to take your orthodontic appliance out of your mouth for meals and oral hygiene.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua A. Holcomb went to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. He continues studying advanced dentistry under the Spear’s Master Curriculum. At his practice in Collierville, he offers his patients fully personalized Invisalign clear aligners for straightening their smiles. If you think Invisalign may be a good choice for you, feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holcomb by visiting his website or calling (901) 850-0300.