Have you recently started wearing clear aligners to straighten your smile? Not only is this treatment effective and quicker than traditional metal braces, but you also won’t have to worry about any food restrictions throughout the process. Before you can enjoy your favorite meals and beverages, however, you’ll need to take off your orthodontic trays. Read on to learn five simple ways to make removing clear aligners easier for you in the long run!
#1: Stay Relaxed
It’s important to remain calm when experiencing a challenging situation. The more you feel panicked or rushed, the more difficult a task can become. This can also cause you to accidentally damage or break your clear aligners, which can lead to complications and interference in your treatment. To avoid this, be sure to stay relaxed, take a deep breath, and be patient while removing them.
#2: Keep Your Mouth Warm
Drinking a cold beverage can often cause your clear aligners to become stiffer and more difficult to take off. To ensure they’re flexible enough to handle, you’ll want to warm up your mouth by leaving it open. You can also try drinking lukewarm water to help loosen them. Be sure not to drink hot beverages, as this can damage and warp your clear aligners. Keep your fingers dry as well so that you have a better grip on your trays when removing them.
#3: Begin Lifting at the Back
Try to start taking off your clear aligners from the back of your mouth and gradually shifting them to the front. You may even consider lifting on one side and then working on the other. This can be challenging if you also have attachments on your teeth. If so, make sure you hook your fingernails under the edge of your aligners before lifting.
#4: Try Using Aligner Hooks
You might consider investing in orthodontic tools like OrthoKeys and Pul tools to remove your clear aligners if you aren’t able to do it with your fingernails. These dental appliances are designed to hook under them effectively to help you lift them off your teeth. This can make your routine much easier to perform, especially if you have attachments present.
#5: Switch Aligners at Night
Even if you’re able to remove your clear aligners efficiently, you may want to switch to your new set before bedtime. Since you’ll be asleep, you won’t have to worry about feeling discomfort while your teeth adjust to the pressure. Once morning arrives, your smile will already be more accustomed to them, allowing you to feel more comfortable while being able to easily take them off.
Make sure to take over-the-counter pain relievers as you practice these steps, and you can be sure to have a simpler time removing and caring for your clear aligners. Speak with your dentist if you have any concerns along the way, and they’ll be happy to help.
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and has delivered outstanding care for over three decades. He also regularly seeks advanced training to expand his expertise so that his patients receive the best treatments they deserve. He offers a wide selection of high-quality services, including ClearCorrect for a straighter smile. If you’d like to know more about caring for your clear aligners, visit his website or call 405-341-7773.