Outies: an aligner removal tool (no, not your belly button)

If you started teeth straightening treatment with aligners recently, you might be struggling with one of the most common practical challenges – taking them out.

An outie, also called an outie tool or removal hook, is a small plastic tool designed to aid the removal of invisible aligners without using your fingernails.

Many customers struggle with this one thing at first; you’re not alone. So, we’re here to help with an easy-to-follow guide on using your ‘outie’ to help you get your aligners out.

Want to know how to remove your aligners without breaking a nail or a sweat?

Here are the advantages of using an outie aligner tool:

More hygienic than using your fingers: Many people tend to use their fingers to remove their aligners, but our hands are great playgrounds for bacteria when you think about it, coming into contact with lots of surfaces and dirt throughout the day.

Using your hands brings those germs into your mouth which can increase the risk of infection. Using an outie, which you can store inside your case, is a hygienic and safer alternative.

Avoid damaging your nails or gums: If you've ever tried to remove your aligners with your fingernails, you know what can happen: bent nails, sore fingers, or even small cuts on your gums if you're not careful. The Outie eliminates that risk, allowing you to remove the aligners without straining or damaging any part of your mouth or hands.

Helps preserve your aligners: Forcing the aligners out with your fingers can cause them to deform, crack, or wear out prematurely. The outie applies pressure to the appropriate points, preventing sudden movements and helping your aligners stay in good condition for as long as you need them.

How do aligner ‘outie’ hooks work?

It has a curved end that is inserted between the aligner and the tooth, usually from the back. It allows you to gently pry the aligner up without bending or breaking it. It's especially useful at the beginning of treatment, when the aligners are tighter.

Now you’ve got a handle on those outies, here’s our round-up of other tips and aligner hacks to help you through treatment:

Tip 1: Dry mouth could actually help you remove your aligner

Opening your mouth for a few seconds before removing your aligner can help dry your mouth and reduce the slippery, saliva-covered surface of your teeth, helping you get a better position with the hook, or your finger if you’re without your outie.

Tip 2: Switch to new aligner trays at bedtime

It’s no secret that adjusting to your new aligners can be a pain, so we recommend swapping to new aligner trays before bedtime, so you can sleep through the peak period of any discomfort and wake up in comfort after positioning your new aligner tray.

Tip 3: Don’t leave aligner trays out too long

Your aligner trays work by repositioning your teeth, applying pressure gently. The longer you leave your trays out, the harder it can be to get them back in, and the tougher you might find it to adjust to the pressure they’re meant to apply to align your teeth.

Guidance for dental aligners is that they should be worn for 22 hours a day, which can radically impact your ability to see results when followed as directed.

Tip 4: Brush and floss your teeth between use

Keeping a great standard of oral hygiene should be a priority for anyone that wants to maintain great teeth, but it’s particularly important for customers going through aligner treatment.

It’s an important aspect of ensuring no other issues with your dental health occur throughout your treatment, it also helps to maintain the correct fit of your aligners by removing any stray particles of food and debris between teeth after eating. Rinsing your aligners and drying them well, storing them in the travel case, is just as important as brushing and flossing your teeth, too!

All that’s missing now is your free orthodontic evaluation!

If you’d like to know more about starting aligner treatment and how Impress can help you transform your smile, take the aligner match quiz, book a free orthodontic evaluation at a clinic near you, or send us a message on WhatsApp.