(480) 998-3923
When you were with your dentist, taking your Invisalign aligners off and putting them back on seemed like a breeze. Now that you’re back home, you’re having a bit of difficulty. Sound familiar? If so, don’t worry – below is a brief guide on how to easily remove your aligners.
Step #1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Did you know that, on average, human hands can carry over two million bacteria? So, you can see why it’s so important to clean your hands first. When you’re done, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel (this will help give you a better grip). You can also use surgical gloves or a paper towel if you’re having trouble getting a good grasp on your aligners!
Tip: Don’t drink anything directly beforehand, especially ice-cold water. This can cause the plastic to constrict, making the aligners even more difficult to remove.
Step #2: Start From the Back of Your Mouth
After you’ve washed and dried your hands, place your fingertip on the inside of your back molar and gently pull the aligner down. Then, do the same on the other side. If you have a lot of attachments, or your teeth are a bit sore, this may take some time. Do your best to be patient, go slow, and stay calm.
Step #3: Slowly Work Your Way Forward
Once you’ve removed your aligners from your back molars, start working your way forward. Again, this may take some time, particularly if you have a lot of attachments. If that’s the case, try not to pull directly down. Once you’ve made it to the front of your mouth, it should be easy to remove your aligner.
Step #4: Gently Remove Your Trays
After you’ve successfully removed your aligners, don’t just leave them out on your bathroom counter or wrap them in a napkin. These are two of the most common reasons they get damaged or misplaced! Instead, gently rinse them with clean, cool water and place them in their designated case until you’re ready to put them back on.
Still Having Trouble? Use an Aligner Hook!
If you consistently have trouble removing your aligners, you aren’t a fan of putting your hands in your mouth, or you consistently get manicures and don’t want to ruin your nails, consider purchasing an aligner hook. They are relatively inexpensive, they are available both in-store and online, and they make removing Invisalign trays significantly easier. They are even small enough to store in your on-the-go dental care kit!
About the Practice
At Shea Dental of Scottsdale, custom dental care is just the beginning. Our office is also outfitted with the latest dental technology, we offer multiple payment options, and we provide a wide range of services so maintaining, restoring, and enhancing your smile is convenient too. If you are interested in finding out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign or you have a question for us about life with clear aligners, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or by phone at (480) 998-3923.