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Clear aligners are popular among orthodontic patients because of how convenient they are. Unlike traditional braces, they can be taken out before meals, meaning there are no dietary restrictions for the year or so you’ll be wearing them. Some people, however, have a little bit of trouble removing their aligners when they get them. It can be tricky at first, but taking out your trays will soon become second nature. Until then, here are a few tips that can help you if you’re struggling.
Start at the Back
It’s natural to want to try and pry your aligner off of your front teeth, but it’s actually much easier to start at the back and work your way forward. You might also find it helps to start on whichever side is looser.
Warm your Mouth
Cold drinks can cause the plastic on your tray to contract, which can make the aligner as a whole a little less flexible. If you’re having a little bit of trouble taking off your tray, open your mouth for a few seconds to let its temperature return to normal. If it’s cold outside, you might also try a few sips of warm water.
Use an Aligner Hook
Clear aligners’ popularity has meant that there’s an emerging market of accessories that can make patients’ lives easier. The aligner hook is a small plastic tool designed specifically to hook under the edge of the aligner and pull it off of your teeth. They tend to be especially helpful for patients with attachments, which can make the aligners more difficult to remove.
Try Adding Some Grip
It can be hard to get a grip on your aligners with your bare hands. Some people have found that paper towels can be a major help in getting ahold of the plastic. Surgical gloves can be similarly useful, with the added benefit of keeping your hands clean.
Learning to properly remove your aligner takes time, just like anything else. Be patient, stay calm, and you’ll be a pro before you know it.
About Our Practice
At Ocean Oaks Dental Group, our team of incredible dental experts will put the latest techniques in oral medicine at your disposal. We have two experienced dentists on staff to ensure that all our patients get the one-on-one attention they deserve. We also make use of cutting-edge dental technology, so we can confidently say that you’ll be happy with the results you get from us. If you have any questions about straightening your teeth with clear aligners, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (772) 569-4424.