If you’re using SureSmile clear aligners, you likely think they’re pretty convenient. After all, they don’t use metal brackets or wires as traditional braces do. You can also take them off for meals and dental care. That said, aligning trays can still have challenges. In particular, you might struggle to get them off your teeth due to their snug fit. Fortunately, there’s a way to make that process easier. Here are four tips for removing clear aligners from your Sparks dentist.
1. Give Your Mouth a (Literal) Warm-Up
If you’re trying to remove your aligners after a cold drink, you’re only making things harder for yourself. You see, the beverage will have cooled your mouth and made the trays’ plastic less flexible. Therefore, try drinking some warm water to heat the area.
After sipping the water, ensure that your fingers and mouth are somewhat dry. If possible, open your jaw for a few seconds before trying to remove the trays.
2. Start from the Molars
When pulling the aligners off your teeth, start from the molars on each side first. From there, gradually move towards the front. Alternatively, you may find it easier to work from one side of the mouth to the other. Take the approach that works best for you.
If your aligners have attachments, they may be harder to remove. In that case, lift off the easier bits and get to the attached areas last. For those final sections, hook your fingernails under the aligners’ edges and lift them up and over the attachment.
3. Use an Aligner Hook
Items like Pul Tools and OrthoKeys are very effective at removing aligners. Thanks to their crochet hooks, they go under the aligners’ edges and lift them away from the teeth. As such, they’re especially helpful for people with attachments.
To find these aligner hooks, try browsing your local supermarket or pharmacy. You could also buy them from online retailers.
4. Change Your Aligners in the Evening
One way to remove new aligners more quickly is to insert them at nighttime. That way, you can take them off in the morning after they’ve already shifted your teeth. As an added perk, you’d also get to sleep through the period when they’d feel overly tight and uncomfortable.
You could also take a mild painkiller before bed to be extra safe. Doing so would keep any aligner-related aches from keeping you awake.
As you can see, removing clear aligners in Sparks doesn’t have to be that hard. Just use the tips above and talk to your dentist for other suggestions.
About the Practice
Vista Dental Care is based in Sparks, NV. As led by Dr. Marc Thomas, our practice welcomes patients of all ages to receive a wide array of dental care solutions. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. Plus, you can trust you’ll receive quality results thanks to our advanced dental technology. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us at our website or by phone at (775)-626-3535.