Are you struggling with removing your Invisalign aligners or researching the pros and cons of Invisalign before staring your own journey? . If you’re one of the millions of people who have turned to Invisalign in Preston to straighten your teeth, you know how effective and convenient this clear aligner system can be.
However, one of the most common complaints among Invisalign wearers is the discomfort that comes with removing the trays.
As teeth are gradually moved into place, there may be some mild pain involved with the treatment, especially when switching to a new set of trays. If you also experience discomfort when removing your Invisalign trays, this post will help.
It will discuss a few tips and tricks that can make removing Invisalign a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned Invisalign wearer or just starting your treatment, these tips will help make the process as smooth as possible.
Is Invisalign Painful?
One of the biggest draws of Invisalign over traditional braces is its convenience and comfort. Invisalign trays are clear, plastic, and much less noticeable than metal or ceramic braces.
And because the trays are removable, patients can take them out for eating and special occasions, which is not possible with braces. In addition, Invisalign is typically less painful than braces, thanks to the absence of sharp metal wires.
That being said, some patients may experience mild discomfort when wearing Invisalign. This is usually due to the pressure that the trays exert on the teeth, which is necessary to gradually move them into the desired position.
The soreness is most common when the patient is trying on their first Invisalign trays or when switching to a new set of trays, which is something that needs to be done every few weeks. But don’t worry; this discomfort is a sign that the treatment is working, and it should subside as your teeth adjust to the device.
Occasionally, patients may experience irritation due to aligner trays having rough edges. This issue, however, is rare with the newer aligner designs on the market today. Another cause of Invisalign pain is deformed trays.
Trays can become deformed if they are warped from hot water or being left in a hot car, if incorrect removal of the trays, or if the patient grinds their teeth while asleep. Now, let’s go to see how to remove Invisalign without pain.
How to Remove Invisalign Without Pain
Pain that comes from Invisalign is often tender and has mild pressure, and it happens most times when the patient is removing the aligners from the mouth. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid removing the aligners. You will need to take them off to brush, floss, or eat and drink certain foods.
That means you just have to learn how to remove the trays without causing you any pain. Here are steps to follow when looking to remove Invisalign painlessly.
To remove Invisalign from the top arch:
- Start removing the tray from the right or left molar – that is, the last tooth at the back of the mouth
- Now use your index finger or thumb to gently push the edge of the aligner from the inside of the molar. Push it down gently and away from the tooth.
- Repeat the procedure for the molar on the other side
- If the tray is still in place, use a fingernail to gently push the rest of the tray down away from the teeth, working around the arch gradually.
To remove Invisalign from the bottom arch:
- Again, start from the right or left molar, but this time, work on the outside of the tooth next to the cheek.
- Use your thumb or index finger to gently push the edge of the aligner up and away from the tooth.
- Do the same thing for the molar on the other side.
- If the tray is yet to come off, use a fingernail to gently push the rest of the tray up and away from the teeth, working around the arch gradually.
Desist from the habit of removing your tray by peeling it away from one side. And don’t rush things over when removing your Invisalign. Take your time. Removing those trays will get easier with practice.
More Tips on How to Remove Invisalign Without Pain
1: Start with dry hands
Before attempting to remove the Invisalign trays, make sure your hands are dry. The trays in the mouth will be wet with saliva, making them slippery. When your hands are dry when attempting to remove them, it will improve your grip on the smooth plastic, making it easier to remove it.
2: Try using a paper towel
Again, to remove the slippery nature of the smooth plastic of Invisalign trays when attempting to remove them, you can place a paper towel between your fingers. This will help you have a better grip on them.
3: Try an Invisalign removal tool
If you are the type that has either long or short fingernails, you may need to use an aligner removal tool to make the process easier. There are different types of removal tools available, but most feature a small plastic hook that you can use to pry the tray away from the teeth gently.
4: Leave new trays in
When switching to a new set of trays, it’s important to leave them in for a while. This is the time that the trays will be the tightest and most difficult to remove. As the teeth move to fit the tray, it becomes much easier to remove.
5: Switch to new trays at bedtime
One way to keep a new set of trays in longer is by switching to them at bedtime. The patient will sleep through the hours when the trays feel the tightest, and by morning they should be easier to remove.
Learn More About Invisalign
If you are considering getting Invisalign to correct certain imperfections in your teeth, it is important you know everything you need to know about the treatment to make the most out of it.
If you have any questions about Invisalign in Preston, you can schedule an appointment with us at Holly Dental Practice.
Call us now at 01772 561748 or send us a message by using our Contact Form.
