November 7, 2025
An orthodontic treatment that is only getting more popular is clear aligners. This discreet service uses plastic trays that help straighten your smile without any metal! They are removable, so you’ll need to take them out of your mouth before you eat. However, while you don’t have to adjust your diet, you may have trouble popping them out at first. It can be tricky if you’re new to them, so here are four tips to try.
1.) Drink Lukewarm Water
With your new trays, you can only drink water while having them. But if you just enjoyed a nice cool glass, then this might’ve made them less flexible. It can be more difficult to take them out afterward.
Simply take some gulps of lukewarm water. Just be sure it’s not too hot to protect you from burns, but to avoid warping your aligners as well. Waiting a few minutes can also be an option for your mouth to naturally warm up.
2.) Start Toward Your Back Teeth
If you are pulling from your front teeth and have no luck, then consider doing it from your molars first. Be sure to wash your hands and use your fingertip to shimmy off your trays from one side. Once you get success, head over to the other and see if you can remove them more easily.
3.) Try a Towel or Glove
Some people may have trouble getting a good grip since the plastic aligners can be slippery when wet. You can wrap your finger in a towel or wear a glove to give yourself a better grasp. These can either absorb a bit of saliva or give you better friction, letting you get a handle on them.
4.) Use an Aligner Hook
Lastly, you can consider getting an aligner hook! Struggling to remove your trays is something that happens to many patients, so a special tool was created! It’s a plastic hook that has a ring at the end. You’ll put your finger through it and position the other end at the end of your trays, and gently pull them away from your teeth. Don’t do it too hard, as you may slip and injure yourself; just be patient with it!
Try out these tips above or even combine them to help ensure you find success. Once you find what works for you, remember it; that way, you become a pro at removing your aligners. Then you can start digging into your food with no time to waste.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Lim earned his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University. With over 800 hours of continuing education and being a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, he is dedicated to giving you an effective orthodontic treatment. Dr. Lim will stay with you every step of the way to ensure you feel confident in adding your plastic trays to your daily routine. If you want to learn how you can better care for your aligners, schedule an appointment or call his office at (817) 375-0400.