7 Handy Tips to Remove Your Invisalign Aligners
28 July 2021
Does it feel like your Invisalign aligner is stuck to your teeth as you struggle to remove it? Do you find yourself in a washroom longer than expected because you can’t seem to be able to remove your Invisalign tray before your meal?
If you’re caught in any of the above situations, don’t panic.
Invisalign patients may find it difficult to remove their aligner during the initial stages of their treatment but fret not, it’ll get better over time. Just like mastering any other skill, getting the hang of removing your Invisalign aligner will need some practice too. Sooner than you know it, it’ll be an effortless task.
All you’ll need is patience and to learn simple tips on how to remove your aligners without breaking a sweat!
Why does my Invisalign aligner need to be fitted well?
If you’re having some trouble with removing your Invisalign aligner, it is important to note that it’s not due to it being ill-fitted or poor quality.
There’s actually a good reason why your Invisalign aligner is fitted perfectly, which can make it a little difficult to come off. As you already know, each Invisalign tray throughout your treatment is designed just for you to optimise results and comfort. When they’re well-fitted, this makes your treatment progress as quickly as possible as the aligners work to gradually shift your teeth to the ideal position.
Besides that, a well-fitted Invisalign tray is the reason why the aligners are virtually invisible. Imagine having to smile with a loosely fitted tray, which will not only blow your cover but affect the progress of your treatment too.
If you’re having trouble removing your aligner, try the tips below, which can effectively help you to remove your Invisalign aligner.
Tip #1 Remove from the back
Instead of clawing your aligners and trying to remove them from the front, try removing it from the back. Position your fingertip on the inside of your back molar and pull the aligner away from your teeth. Repeat this step on the other side of your mouth and slowly work your fingertips towards the front of your mouth, until your tray is completely removed.
Alternatively, you may start from one end of your mouth and slowly make your way towards the other end. If at any point, you find that your aligner is stuck, simply lift the aligner with your fingertip and over your teeth.
Tip #2 Don’t remove after a cold drink
Removing your aligner after a cold drink tend to be more difficult than removing it from a warm mouth. It’s believed that the plastic material is less flexible when exposed to a cooler temperature. Hence, making it tougher to loosen its grip from your teeth.
If you’re thinking of drinking a hot drink prior to removing your aligner, it’s best to avoid doing so as it could distort its form. The most effective way is to remove your aligner when your mouth is at room temperature.
Tip #3 Dry mouth
Just for a couple of seconds, a dry mouth might make it easier for you to remove your Invisalign tray. All you’ll need to do is to open your mouth for a few seconds prior to removing your tray. It also helps to have dry fingertips during the process to ensure that you have a better grip.
Tip #4 Get help for a better grip
If you find it difficult to get a good grip of your tray, perhaps use a thick kitchen paper towel or surgical rubber gloves to help you out. These pocket-friendly items can make a huge difference in increasing your grip against your Invisalign tray. Hence, making it easier for you to remove it.
Tip #5 Use an aligner hook
An aligner hook is a tool that helps to remove your Invisalign aligner. Looking similar to a crochet hook, this tool is especially useful if your Invisalign aligner has attachments to them. To use an aligner hook, all you’ll need to do is to place it at the end of your aligner, gently use the hook to lift it away from your teeth and detach.
A note of caution: Be careful when using an aligner hook to prevent gum or teeth injury as well as aligner damage.
Tip #6 Have short nails
This tip is especially for the ladies. If you enjoy having long, manicured nails, this is one sacrifice that you’ll have to make when wearing Invisalign. Long nails might not only deter you from removing your aligner effectively, it could also cause unwanted consequences in the process such as broken nails and mouth injury. Therefore, it’s best to have short nails throughout your Invisalign treatment to help you remove your aligner effectively, without the need to worry about breaking your freshly manicured nails or making an emergency trip to the dentist.
Tip #7 Relax
Last but not the least, regardless of your preferred method to remove your aligners, never forget to relax. Take deep breaths, breathe in and breathe out… It definitely helps to remove your Invisalign tray when you’re relaxed. Especially during the first few days, do give yourself a couple of extra minutes as you learn to get the hang of removing your tray. Going through this process with a relaxed mind helps to prevent aligner and teeth damage too.
In the famous words of Robert the Bruce, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. Remember, if you are not able to remove your aligner at the first attempt, take a short break and try again. Be sure to remain relaxed to have a smoother process.
It can take up to a couple of weeks to get the hang of removing your Invisalign aligner but to make it easier, do try the mentioned tips to help you out with the process. If you require help or have questions about Invisalign, our dentists are always ready to address your dental needs.