At your first official Invisalign appointment, there is a lot to learn. So, even though your orthodontist will demonstrate how to properly take off your aligners, you might forget some of the tips and tricks they shared when you return home. That’s okay – you’ll find a quick and easy guide on how to remove your clear aligners below!
A Quick Guide on Removing Your Aligners
Remember, you should only take your aligners off when it’s absolutely necessary, like before you enjoy a meal or complete your dental care regimen. When that time comes, make sure to:
- Start from the back, unhooking the aligners from the inside of your molars first.
- Slowly work your way forward, paying special attention to attachments and buttons.
- Repeat the process on the other side.
- Once the aligner is unhooked from both molars, remove it carefully with both hands.
4 Must-Know Tips
When you first get your aligners, or the set you’re wearing is tight, you might need a little extra assistance getting them off. Try the following:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Don’t drink ice-cold water beforehand (this will result in the plastic being less flexible).
- Use surgical gloves or a paper towel to get extra grip.
- Do your best to relax! If you’re getting frustrated, take a break and try again later.
Still Having Trouble? Consider Using an Aligner Hook!
If you’ve tried everything – from drinking room-temperature water beforehand to using dry hands to get a better grip – but you’re still having trouble, consider using an aligner hook! This orthodontic tool is designed to help patients easily remove their aligners. They are usually pretty inexpensive, they are available online and in-store, and they are small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, too!
What to Do With Your Aligners When You Aren’t Wearing Them
After you remove your aligners, don’t just place them on your bathroom counter or wrap them in a napkin. Instead, rinse them with clean, cool water and put them in their designated case. Not only will this protect them from getting damaged, but it will prevent them from getting misplaced, stained, and smelly!
About the Practice
For our team at Worcester Dental Arts, clear aligners are something we deal with every day. We recognize, however, that’s not the case for our patients, which is why we do our best to be an ongoing resource. So, if you have any questions for us about life with Invisalign – from how to remove your aligners painlessly to how to clean them so they don’t start to yellow – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (508) 793-2114.
