Removal Remedies: How to Take Off Your Clear Aligners with Ease

Beginning your treatment with clear aligners is an exciting time. As you put them on, you realize that you’re taking your first steps toward a healthier and more aesthetic smile. However, you may not feel that way about taking them off. Many patients have trouble removing their clear aligners like Invisalign or SureSmile for their first couple of weeks. That doesn’t have to be you!

If you want to learn the secrets to taking off your clear aligners, continue reading.

1. Make Sure Your Mouth Is Warm

Many patients say they have the most trouble taking off their aligners after eating or drinking something cold. The thing is, as the aligner gets cooler it tends to contract and get less flexible. This ultimately makes them much harder to remove.

To counteract this, you could rinse your mouth with warm water or wait for your breath to heat them slightly. Avoid putting your aligners into contact with hot foods or beverages as this can cause warming and damage to your aligners.

2. Start from the Back to Remove Clear Aligners

Pull up the aligner from the back molars and work your way to the front. Alternatively, you can start at the back on one side of your mouth and work around the other side. Either way, this method will help keep the aligner flexible as you pull it off your teeth. This can be especially helpful if you have attachments on your teeth so the aligner can more easily pull around them.

3. Use Latex Gloves, a Paper Towel, or a Tool

Some patients find it difficult to remove the aligners because they’re slippery. Using a latex glove or paper towel will dry the aligner slightly and give you a better grip as you try to remove it. The gloves can be especially nice because you can feel the aligners as you manipulate them.

There are also small tools called aligner hooks that can be bought and used to pull off your clear aligners. These can be especially helpful for patients who also have attachments.

4. Relax and Take Your Time to Remove Clear Aligners

It’s important to remember that, like most skills, removing your aligners will take a little time to master. With this in mind, try to stay calm while you’re trying to take them off. Getting frustrated and tugging at them recklessly could result in damage to your aligners or your teeth.

Using these simple, but effective tips, you’ll be able to take off your aligners like a pro. Invisalign and SureSmile are two great ways to have orthodontic treatment done discreetly, but it can take some time to adjust. If you need additional guidance, don’t be afraid to call your dentist and ask for advice. They’re just as invested in your smile’s success as you are!

About the Practice

Dr. Marco Caballeros and Dr. Carlos Parra are your friendly and knowledgeable dental team at On Point Dentistry. They love getting to know their patients and using their ultramodern techniques to restore their smiles and see them thrive. At their state-of-the-art facility, your treatment will be efficient, affordable, and pain-free. If you want straighter teeth, their treatments can help. Call (469) 476-4092 to schedule an Invisalign or SureSmile consultation at On Point Dentistry, or visit the website to discover more.