One of the greatest features of SureSmile treatment is that the aligners are removable; you can (and should) take them out when you eat, drink, and clean your teeth. But what if removing your aligners is a bit more challenging than you anticipated? Perhaps your fingers keep sliding off, or the aligners seem to be too snug to pull off. Here are some practical tips that might help:
Wait Until Your Mouth Is Warm
Many people find that it is more difficult to remove their aligners immediately after consuming a cold drink, such as ice water (water is the only thing you should be drinking while your aligners are in your mouth). Waiting until your mouth warms back up to its normal temperature might make your aligners a bit more flexible and easier to remove.
Please note: If you are thinking of warming up your mouth by sipping on hot water, be extremely cautious. If the water is too hot, it could warp your aligners, causing them to lose their shape. Lukewarm water may be best.
Start at the Back
Instead of gripping your aligner at the front of your mouth, consider starting at the back. Place a fingertip on the inside of your back molar and gently slide it upward, then do the same thing on the other side of your mouth. Continue in the same pattern, alternating between the sides of your mouth, until the aligner is loose enough to remove.
Dry Your Mouth a Little
It is often easier to grip the aligners if they are dry. Keeping your mouth open for a minute or so can allow air to circulate in your oral cavity, which may allow your aligners to dry enough for you to slide them off of your teeth.
Get Help for a Stronger Grip
If your fingers just seem to slide right off your aligners, you might find it beneficial to use a paper towel of surgical gloves to grip your SureSmile instead. These items are easy to fit into your pocket, and they have a texture that can make it easier to grip your aligners.
Trim Your Fingernails
Long fingernails can look pretty, but they can cause problems when it comes to removing your aligners. You might accidentally injure yourself, and it could be difficult to get a grip on your aligners. Shorter fingernails are much more practical.
Removing your SureSmile aligners should not be a chore. Use the tips in this blog post to make the task as simple and easy as possible.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Venn Peterson and Spenser Cammack are proud to bring their extensive experience and impressive skillset to the Lacey, WA, community. If you would like to straighten your teeth and are curious about the SureSmile experience, our team would be happy to answer your questions. Contact our office at 360-459-4420.