Invisalign has gained increasing popularity in recent years as a preferable alternative to braces, but new users can find that there is a learning curve to wearing one. As the aligners need to be removed before eating, Invisalign wearers may find this aspect tricky. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process simpler, and below we look at some tips of use to wearers.
Removing Invisalign: Tips and Tricks
If you’re wondering how to take Invisalign out, don’t worry, you’re not the first to look for help on this! It can be challenging, but look on the bright side. If an aligner came out easily on the first attempt, it would be of limited use in correcting the teeth, so some resistance is actually ideal. First, here is some advice on what not to do:
Don’t hurry: Take a moment, breathe and wash your hands before attempting to remove the aligner. This is a key hygienic step and also stops you rushing.
Don’t tug on it: If one side of the aligner is stuck, don’t jerk on it because it could break in your mouth – and that’s a bigger problem. Just try using your fingertip to lever it out.
Don’t use your fingernails: Even if your fingernails are spotlessly clean, avoid using them when figuring out how to remove clear aligners; There’s a risk of scratching if you do that.
So what should you do? The following are a couple of key steps you should take:
Start from the back: It is easier to get a grip on the aligners at the end of the gums, ie. at the back of the mouth. This will help ease them free.
Wear gloves if it helps: You may find you get a better hold of the Invisalign by wearing latex gloves; if that’s the case, go for it. You’ll also find it’s more hygienic.
Easy Ways to Take Out Invisalign
It’s a simple truth: you’ll need to find a reliable and easy process for how to get Invisalign out, because you will need to do it several times a day. So it makes sense to keep the following easy approaches in mind.
- Use the fingertips, not the nails to pull the aligners away. This ensures a firmer grip which is less likely to slip.
- Apply even pressure on both sides of the aligner. This should see it come out smoothly in one go.
- Especially if you are looking at how to take out Invisalign easily with attachments, an Invisalign removal tool could be to your benefit.
Pain-free Invisalign Removal Tips
One reason that people are a little edgy about removing clear aligners is the concern that it will cause pain. This has the unfortunate additional effect of making you more likely to hurry the process, which can make it more painful. Keep the following tips in mind for how to remove Invisalign:
- Start with dry hands. The Invisalign itself may be slippery and it is easy to lose grip, which can make the process more painful. Keep your hands dry, and it will be easier to maintain grip.
- Go slowly. In time, you’ll hit on the best way to remove your own Invisalign which will become second nature, but until then, just take your time and minimize discomfort.
- Drink cold water before removing your Invisalign. This way, any inflammation will be reduced and the aligner will come out more easily.
Clear Correct Aligners: How To Remove Them
In recent years, Invisalign has seen its market dominance challenged by Clear Correct. Clear Correct aligners work in a similar way to Invisalign but are different in some key ways, so it is worth bearing in mind that the process for how to remove Clear Correct aligners can be different.
For one thing, Clear Correct aligners sit over the gums and are made of a tougher material, which may mean they cause gum irritation. You may therefore need to be extra-careful when removing them. The key question in how to remove clear aligners is related to how strongly they attach inside the mouth; the tighter they feel, the slower you’ll need to go.
Can You Take Invisalign Out Easily?
The truth about Invisalign is that they are designed to be taken out regularly. In truth, you should be taking them out before you eat, brush, or drink anything other than water. This means that they need to come out without a lot of fuss, and be reinserted easily (because, to have the desired effect, they should be in for 20-22 hours a day).
So when you take them out, they need to come out without much resistance – you can’t be putting a damaged aligner back in your mouth. This means you have to do what it takes to remove them comfortably: use gloves or paper towels to ensure a firm grip; use a tool if that makes the removal easy; and if they have attachments, make sure that these remain in place when removing the aligners.
Getting Invisalign Off: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. This prevents the transfer of bacteria onto the aligners, and makes it easier to get hold of the Invisalign.
- Carefully slide the Invisalign over the teeth and out of the mouth. Grip the aligner firmly and work it slowly over the teeth until it can be removed without pressure.
- While it is out of the mouth, clean the Invisalign with a soft-bristled brush and warm water to remove any buildup of plaque or bacteria.
- Rinse the Invisalign in cool water before drying with a clean, soft cloth.
- If you are not instantly reinserting the aligners, store them in their case until you do.
Does Invisalign Get Easier to Remove Over Time?
There is a balance that needs to be struck with Invisalign: you want them to be easy enough to remove, while at the same time not wanting them to come off easily in between removals. This is why it is important to take care with the process of removal; damaging them in any way makes them less secure.
However, over time it should become easier to remove Invisalign; you’ll become more confident in the action of gripping, sliding and lifting your Invisalign from your teeth. After doing it as a routine, it will soon become just like any other self-care process such as brushing your teeth or washing your face.
Removing Clear Aligners: Dos and Don’ts
For clarity then, let’s cover the key dos and don’ts of removing clear aligners to ensure that you get the best use out of your Invisalign product.
- Do ensure that your hands and the aligners are as dry as possible before removal, as this will reduce the risk of slippage.
- Don’t use force to remove the aligners. Doing so will increase the risk of damage to the Invisalign and, more importantly, to your gums and teeth.
- Do use a removal tool if this makes it easier. The most important thing is that you can confidently, repeatedly, remove the aligners when needed.
- Don’t forget to store the aligners in their case when not in use. This will protect them from damage and contamination.
To learn more about Invisalign and orthodontic treatment book a free consultation with our team here at Dunegan & Cole Orthodontics.
