Compared to regular braces, Invisalign tends to be more convenient. Its aligning trays are clear and subtle, not to mention removable for eating and oral care. That said, the treatment does have some challenges. In particular, getting the aligners off your teeth can be a bit tricky at times. Thankfully, though, your local dental practice has ways to make that process easier. To learn more, here are four tips for removing clear aligners from a Lakewood dentist.
Calm Down
Before removing the aligners, it’d be helpful if you tried to relax. You see, feelings of panic can make the trays harder to take out. After all, they can lead to shaky hands and a poor grip.
To calm yourself down, then, take a few deep breaths first. You could even wait ten minutes to ensure your mood is stable. Such things could make the difference between successful removal and failure.
Warm Your Mouth
If your mouth is cold from a recent drink, your aligners’ plastic might feel less flexible. As such, do an oral rinse with warm water to heat the area. From there, grab the trays once your fingers and mouth are dry. You should be able to remove them after keeping your jaw open for a few seconds.
Start from the Back
Sometimes, it’s easier to get aligners off “bit by bit,” so to speak. For instance, you could lift them off your molars on each side first, then gradually move towards the front. Alternatively, you might want to work from one side of the mouth to the other. If necessary, you could also find your own approach.
If your trays have an attachment, they may be harder to remove. In that case, lift off the easier bits and reach the attachment areas last. For the latter sections, hook your fingers under the edge of the aligner and lift it up and over.
Use an Aligner Hook
Of course, you don’t just have to use your fingers to get aligners off. Items like Pul Tools and OrthoKeys are also practical, and they’re available on Amazon. They can remove clear braces by hooking under the edge and lifting it away from the tooth. You might find them especially helpful for trays with attachments.
In the end, removing clear aligners in Lakewood doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just follow the tips above to make things simpler.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino is a dentist in Lakewood, CO, having earned his DDS from the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine. His specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments, not to mention emergency care. Furthermore, he’s also a qualified provider of both BOTOX® and Invisalign clear aligners. You can thus count on him for top oral care! Dr. Artino currently practices at Lakewood Complete Dentistry and is reachable on his website or by phone at (303)-238-2800.