Why You Have a Hard Time Removing Invisalign Trays
- Tight Fit:Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. While this ensures effective treatment, it can also make them a bit challenging to remove, especially when you’re just starting the treatment.
- Lack of Experience: In the early stages of wearing Invisalign, patients are still getting used to the process. They might not have developed the muscle memory and techniques required for easy removal.
- Limited Grip: Some people might have shorter nails, making it harder to grip the aligners securely. This can lead to fumbling or struggling during removal.
- Initial Discomfort: In the beginning, patients might experience some discomfort or tenderness as their teeth adjust to the aligners. This can make the process of removing them feel more daunting.
- Anxiety and Nervousness: The fear of damaging the aligners or causing discomfort can lead to heightened anxiety, making the process seem more challenging than it actually is.
- Unique Tooth Shapes and Positions: Depending on the individual’s dental structure, certain teeth might be positioned in a way that makes aligner removal slightly more complicated.
- Inadequate Technique: Without proper guidance or techniques, individuals may struggle unnecessarily to take out the aligners.
- Frequent Changes: Invisalign requires patients to change their aligners approximately every two weeks. In the early stages of switching to a new set, the aligners might fit more snugly, making them slightly more difficult to remove.
- Orthodontic Attachments: In some cases, small attachments may be added to teeth to facilitate specific movements. These attachments can create additional points of contact that require careful maneuvering during removal.
How to Remove Invisalign Aligners Easily
In the initial weeks of wearing Invisalign aligners, I encountered a common challenge – my nails were a tad too long to remove the aligners comfortably. With my right thumb, which I primarily use for this task, lacking any nail to assist, I found myself struggling, almost on the verge of frustration. To remove Invisalign aligners isn’t always a breeze, especially when you’re just starting the treatment. However, fear not, for there are effective techniques and tools that can make this process painless.
1) Relax by Taking a Few Deep Breaths.
Before anything else, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that it’s okay, that you’re in the learning phase of a new routine. It might take a bit longer initially, and that’s perfectly fine. Tension in your muscles will only make the process more challenging. Trust that the aligners will come out eventually. So, take a moment to relax.
Breathe. Be still. Tell yourself that it’s going to be okay. Really.
2) Keep Your Mouth Warm First, and then Dry
If you’ve recently had something cold to calm your nerves, follow it up with a cup of room temperature or warm water. To easily remove the trays, it is important to get hydrated. Then, ensure your hands are dry. Move on to your mouth – keep it open for a few seconds to eliminate any moisture. Now, you’re ready to remove the aligners.
3) Target the Back
The back of the aligners, Invisalign trays, is typically larger, aligning with the size of our molars. Begin by targeting one side. Use your thumb to gently lift the aligner. As a new patient, this won’t feel easy nor comfortable. Believe me; it will eventually get easier and more comfortable. If your nail isn’t quite up to the task, consider trimming it to the right length. If this still proves challenging, proceed to the next step.
4) Use a Paper Towel*
Surprisingly, a paper towel can be an invaluable tool for this task. When nails fall short, I quickly learned that a piece of paper towel could be a game-changer. Place it at the back of your teeth on the aligner, grip it with the paper towel, and gently lift. The dryness and thickness of the paper towel provide excellent leverage for a smooth removal.
5) Find a Pair of Surgical Gloves
If you happen to have a pair of clean surgical gloves, they can also do the trick. While I prefer the paper towel for its simplicity, my orthodontist and the clinic’s assistant have always relied on these gloves for seamless aligner removal. It might be worth a try!
6) Have You Heard of an Aligner Hook?
For those diving into Invisalign treatment, an aligner hook is a wise investment. Resembling small plastic sticks with hooks at one end and a ring at the other, they’re designed to aid in easy aligner removal with gentle force. You can read this article to find out helpful tools for Invisalign treatment.
7) Take a Break
Should you still find it challenging to remove the aligners, take a step back and rest. High-stress situations rarely lead to success. Hydrate, sit down and take some deep breaths. Once you’re calm and collected, return to the above options for aligner removal.
