You’ll have to wear your SureSmile clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day in order for the orthodontic magic to work, so most of the time, your aligners will be in your mouth. But what about when you need to take your aligners out? SureSmile is customized to fit snugly to your teeth, and when you receive a new set of trays, they can be a little tricky to remove.
Never fear, though – SureSmile is designed to be taken out. This how-to guide will help you remove your trays in just a few seconds!
Squeeze the Back of Your Aligners, Not the Front
Your first instinct might be to remove your aligners from the front by pinching the plastic near your incisors. However, it’s much easier to start from the back. Press your thumb behind your molars, and press your pointer finger against the front (so that it’s opposite your thumb). When you squeeze, the tray should pop loose. Repeat the process on the other side of your mouth, then carefully pull the tray free.
If you have trouble using pressure alone, you can also use your fingernails to grip the very top edge of the tray, pushing while you squeeze instead of pulling. Sometimes all you need is a little more leverage!
Make Sure Your Hands are Dry
Have you ever tried to twist open a jar while your hands are wet? Water, sweat, lotion, saliva, and other moist substances will interfere with the friction between your fingers and SureSmile aligners, making it harder to get a firm grip. Make sure your hands are completely dry before attempting to remove your trays, and if possible, try to dry out your mouth as well.
Use A Removal Tool
It pays to have the right tool for the job! There are a couple of different clear aligner removal tools you can purchase, but they all feature a small hook at the end of a handle. To use it, simply get the hook in-between your SureSmile trays and your teeth, starting at the back like you would if you were using your fingers. The hook should release the pressure from your aligners so you can pull them off with ease.
Once you get used to your SureSmile clear aligners, taking them out will be second-nature. In the meantime, keep calm, remember that they are supposed to come off, and follow these tips!
About the Practice
Dr. Ashish Kakadia and Dr. Mohit Kataria (“Dr. Mo”) are welcoming and compassionate dentists in Roswell. Both professionals are wholly dedicated to focusing on their patients. If you have questions about removing your SureSmile aligners or other dental concerns, you can expect Dr. Kakadia and Dr. Mo to give you their full attention and provide you with truly personalized recommendations. To get in touch, contact their office at 770-525-9140.
