Invisalign: How to smooth down the sharp edges using a Dremel

[@JawnathanTownsend]

My 512E just came in the mail today and I filed down my aligners and can finally talk normal again with no lisp or discomfort!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@kelliekrawczyk8718]

I have never needed a tutorial more than this one. I am a Montessori teacher and could barely talk to my students, much less smile at them, with my Invisalign tray in place. Those sharp edges were destroying my tongue and inside of my lower lip area. Hugs, high fives and tears of joy! Thanks to you and Vissy (Cathy)!!!

[@eatscrayons4538]

I thought my Invisalign were going to be hellishly uncomfortable after the first day. Second day I took your advice and now I hardly notice them. Seriously, thank you. My quality of life has increased greatly from this.

[@HelpfulMike]

Glad to hear that! I smoothed down my first ten or so trays I think. Then I only needed to do it every 3 or 4 trays when my tongue detected a sharp area and wouldn't leave it alone.

[@sherylking]

Thank you so much for posting this. I appreciate it. I appreciate that you 1) are a grown up, 2) use good grammar, 3) don’t giggle, 4) don’t presume I’m an idiot, 5) actually show how the tool works, and, last, but by no means least, seem to have solve a very serious problem of mine. I think I love you!

[@sultana4777]

It's not often I leave a comment but I just had to for this video. All the other comments are right - this will literally save your life. I just started my treatment and no amount of filing was helping with the sharp edges. I decided to give this a shot and it is such a life saver I cannot put it into words. If your aligners are cutting you then absolutely give this a shot, it is so worth it.

[@smokepony]

I saw Vissy's post and came looking for a video... I have to say, without exaggeration, following your lead here on my invisalign trays (I'm only a few weeks in) has been LIFE CHANGING. OMG, the trays went from sheer torture to downright comfortable. Thank you, Mike (and whoever Vissy is) for making the holidays happy for me!

[@betspath]

You’d think after thousands of $$$ they’d finish the edges before they put these in your mouth....INSANE. I’ve been using dental WAX pressed into the ridges! I’ve tried everything, trust me.

[@tinaloye2014]

Does it work?

[@betspath]

@@tinaloye2014 I used the wax and eventually stopped wearing. Sad, but I’m older and I cherish my sanity….

[@phreeow42]

Holy s***, this saved my life, my tongue, my lips, and probably my marriage since I was driving my husband nuts with all my whining about the pain from the sharp edges. My treatment involves rubber bands, so my aligners have these little hook-like cut outs for the band anchors to sit. Well, those cut outs were like fish hooks stabbing me in the lips and cheeks. I had huge canker sores, and using wax, while effective, was a PITA. The Dremel worked a treat! Many thanks for the demo!

[@HelpfulMike]

Glad my tutorial helped! I love reading messages like yours. I remember the huge difference the Dremel made on my trays like it was yesterday, I knew right away I needed to share the info. :)

[@robertfakinos3861]

Life saver! Just got Invisalign, had a serious sharp edge problem, and this solved it!

[@sharonbunratty]

HOLY WOW !! I have been sanding my liners by hand, and really struggling. I tried this method today. What a difference! Thank you SO MUCH. It is a shame for all the money we spend that we need to go through this. I've had my orthodontist's tech file them down, but they are still too sharp, and I have to do it at home.

[@matthewdarrin]

I found the same forum and did the exact same thing last week for my first tray. Although my issue with the top tray above my two front teeth scratching the underside of my top lip. And even though the 512E bit works great to smooth out the sharp edges, I found that it still left small scratches on the plastic that still irritated. I found by using a 429 polishing bit after the 512e helped make it smoother. Thanks for posting for all us Invisaligners! Makes me want to say, “Invisaligners!! Mount up.”

[@TA-hg8qm]

Thanks for the info! It really helped with the scratches.

[@TheRobinMelody]

THANK YOU. Omg this video changed my life. I'm on my 3rd tray and suddenly the new ones were cutting into my gums etc. I watched this, followed instru, and NO more pain. 💗

[@mahermv]

Thank you!!! Just received everything last night and this is a game changer. I barely notice my bottom tray and now my top tray is manageable. I now feel like I might actually survive these devil contraptions!

[@d.m.8175]

Just got 1 out of 43 trays! And immediately noticed that burr on the inside, and tried the E512, and it worked great!! You are a tongue saver! Thanks so much the tip!

[@HelpfulMike]

You're welcome D.M.! I'm on tray 40 and only use the Dremel every few trays now when a sharp section keeps irritating my tongue. When there's something foreign/sharp in the mouth, the tongue can be drawn to it for some reason, at least with some folks. I think smoothing down the first batch of trays trains our tongues to not keep tracing the trays. Good luck!

[@d.m.8175]

Little update, 27 trays in, and I still use this method! I have had a couple of instances while traveling that made it so I couldn't, and what a huge uncomfortable difference! Still definitely recommended, much more comfortable. Have a good one everyone!

[@cutepuppy721]

You a lifesaver!!!! I ran to Home Depot at 9pm to grab this. Fyi, I did have to get the EZ402 Mandrel. The buffing attachment doesn’t work with a standard 402 mandrel.

[@rideroncourse]

Thank you SO much. I'm on tray number 4 and have been dealing with such sharp edges. I saw the same post you did, and then ordered my cordless dremel tool. I ordered the same attachment, but I was sad when it arrived and discovered the dremel tool I bought didn't have the same shaft (?) -- the sander attachment needed a 402 and the dremel I ordered came with a 401. Fortunately my husband had a 402 lying around in his toolbox and saved the day. The true test for me will come when I sand down the next tray before I put it in, as what do you know.. I was already on day 3 and was either starting to break the tray in or break my tongue in, but I did use your video to give me confidence to handle the tray and know I could do this and be safe with it. Thank you!

[@amyndodhia770]

I just want to take a moment to thank you. I was close to just giving up after my second day. I wasn't sure if the pain and discomfort from the razor like edges was worth it. It revived my drive to complete this. God bless you for the video.

[@mzmochashay]

LOL.. I've been calling them "the devil". Thanks for the tip! Much better!

[@IanMichael87]

Thanks for sharing. I too saw that same comment in one of the forums I visited recommending the dremel tool to correct the sharp edges of my Smile Direct Club Aligners. I first tried an emery board as recommended by Smile Direct Club. I couldn’t get the smooth edge I wanted and the aligner was cutting up my tongue. So I went to Fred Meyer and Mclendons and they didn’t sell the 512e arrangement. Ended up going to Lowe’s and they had it! Went home and immediately went to work smoothing out the inside edge of my top aligner. Worked great and the edge is now smooth. Thank you!

[@pablog7358]

You are a genius! Thank you for sharing this. You saved my mouth.

[@luvlocs06]

My invisalign brother, this is a game changer! Thanks to you and Vissy!

[@ayadelaplaya]

Thank you for sharing this!! I just got Invisalign put on yesterday and also have demons in my mouth!!!

[@kellywenzel1680]

OMG I just started Invisalign and my tongue is so sore - I thought I was crazy. Thank you for this tutorial! I 'm going tonight to get a Dremel and this buffer.

[@HelpfulMike]

Right on! The Home Depot near me had the 512e attachment in stock, good luck!

[@d.m.8175]

Hey Kelly, how did it pan out for you?

[@kellywenzel1680]

I didn't get to the hardware store to buy a Dremel yet, but I think Mike is on to something with the daily brushing making the edges smooth. I filed them with a nail file a bit which made them tolerable, but really, it was the brushing. I am totally getting a Dremel before my next set of trays, though.

[@silkbear]

Thank you so much! Went from - big mistake, have to throw them away to - I can do this, no problem! No more little knives in my mouth!

[@HelpfulMike]

Awesome! It really is amazing what a difference the Dremel can make. You might not need it on all your trays. Some trays are sharper than others. And I think after you get used to the trays, your tongue won't keep tracing them, so even if they're sharp, you won't be as compelled to touch them. Just a theory...

[@Kelly-td5uf]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to comment that I bought the Dremel Stylo 2050-15 (the cheapest one at Lowes) and then the 512E abrasive puff. FYI, if you buy the same puffs I did, you will need a 402 or EZ402 mandrel and you need to make sure that the collet you have is 1/8". Check your package and make sure you already have the required mandrel and the associated collet!!! I went home with the dremel and the 512E puffs, but did not have the 402 mandrel that I needed so I had to go back the next day, which meant suffering through the pain all night.

[@HelpfulMike]

Thanks for this information! I forgot about the mandrel thing when I made the video. I'm going to add it to my notes above so hopefully people will read it before they go to the hardware store!

[@garciedarling]

Hi Mike, I am 4 months into Invisilign and have struggled with sores in my mouth from the sharp edges and attachments. The current tray set has been the worst.I called my dentist who said to use a nail file.I tried diamond file, jeweler's file,fine grit auto sandpaper wet/dry, glass nail file, dental wax and am getting ready to melt the edges with a soldiering iron suggested to me by a yacht builder friend....am going out tomorrow to but the Dremmel with the512E head.It makes me angry that I paid close to 6G for these dang trays and they don't have better quality control.Thanks again for your help and hope.Your video was extremely well done..I agree, it does feel like a mouth full of demons!!!love the humor!

[@gee3708]

Hi Mike. Vissy here. Thanks for sharing the love.

[@HelpfulMike]

Right on Vissy, thanks for sharing your findings with the world!

[@d.m.8175]

Hey you two, just wanted to say thanks for sharing! I am soon to start treatment, and all I have seen over and over is how the edges are terrible! Excited to have a possible tool in the belt to help if I run into the same issue! Thanks so much!

[@michaelashe5265]

Right on D.M.!

[@lilhottottie]

Thank you Vissy!

[@smokepony]

Thank you, Vissy! You've started a minor revolution, here. :-D

[@rickythefox]

You, sir, should consider putting a donation link in the description! A hint for other sufferers: some dental wax provides relief while waiting for the Dremel to arrive. On day 3 on my treatment the discomfort from constantly touching the inner edge of my upper aligner with my tongue became too much. I couldn't sleep properly or concentrate on work, so I started researching and your video came up. I ordered a Dremel (£140 off Amazon UK) and some abrasive wheels (also off Amazon UK), both with same day delivery. The 512e is not available on Prime here in the UK. Followed you instructions (easy!) and the aligners feel completely different - the edge is still there but the sharpness is gone! Thank you for putting this invaluable piece of information on KZbin!

[@HelpfulMike]

Hurray, I'm happy to hear another person benefitted from my video! It really does make a difference, and works better than any other method as far as I know. (Dremel should send me a free tool or something!) Yes, the edge will still be there, but it becomes super smooth. Your tongue keeps going to it for a little while but it doesn't hurt anymore so the tongue quickly loses interest. That was my experience anyway. I'm just using retainers at night now but I clearly remember that sharp edge from my first days of trays.

[@djsha17]

I just used 150 fine sandpaper and did quick swipes at a slanted angle to smooth the edges

[@AlexaOrchid]

Electric rotating nail file worked wonders for me.

[@cindivan]

Thanks for the tutorial! I also saw Vissy's post but was a little nervous using it on my first set of trays in case I messed up. I think I feel confident enough now to do it. Now if I can only figure out how to make my magnet buttons stop cutting me when the trays are out and I'm eating. (I use wax, but that is a pain to get it on and off every time).

[@ScottSF]

I did this and it made a real difference. I think I might just wear these things now. Thanks so much.

[@betspath]

I’m ordering the Dremel attachment. I’ve been using wax to cover the knife-like demons. If I knew how to, I’d put a flame near the edges and melt!

[@michaelashe5265]

I think you'll be quite happy with the dremel. :)

[@lilhottottie]

This saved my life. Thank you!!

[@cbish777]

I had trouble with those devilish sharp edges for the whole first three months of my treatment. I wish I had seen your video sooner! With Covid happening, I didn't think I would be going for 14 weeks since I change trays weekly, but after eight weeks when the orthodontist called to see how I was doing, I found they recommended that I take in the remaining trays to be sanded. It wasn't enough, although it helped a little, so I kept sanding them at home with emery boards (some weeks were worse than others--sometimes I was miserable, sometimes a tray was not as bad but none were smooth enough not to torment me). I used Iodent oral analgesic gel with benzocaine to help, but I started to wonder if I would be able to keep on wearing the trays for the whole 13-15 months. After week 14, I went in and got the next 14 trays, which they had already sanded for me, and the dental assistant told me that my first set may have been rougher than usual, and these next 14 might be smoother, since they were produced in a different batch. I was full of anticipation that the next one would be smoother, but it wasn't. How can something that is so expensive be made to antagonize my tongue and gums so much? My orthodontist was completely surprised that I had this trouble, saying it was highly unusual. That made me feel worse. Then, we found your KZbin with the answer! I ordered the Dremel 7300-PT, which is really made for pet nail grooming, plus the 512E EZ Lock Buffs and then later the EZ 402 EZ Lock 402 mandrell so the buff would fit on the main part. I couldn't find anywhere that had the regular 7300 in stock, even Amazon, but it seems like this PT model works just fine. I tried it and found peace for the first time in months. Your KZbin made all the difference! Thank you so much. .

[@HelpfulMike]

Hallelujah! I'm so stoked this helped. I wish I had mentioned the need for the mandrel attachment in the video but I mentioned it in the info section above after another commenter reminded me about it. Anyway, yeah, I think some of us for whatever reason are more susceptible to the sharp edges. My tongue just couldn't leave them alone. I vividly remember the first time I put the smoothed down trays in my mouth, my tongue traced the edges and the smoothness and relief was incredible. Wearing the trays was still a challenge in many ways but once the sharpness wasn't an issue, I knew I could go the distance. I now have straight teeth. Congrats again on your Dremelling success, take care!

[@dorothyglade9087]

I found the SAME internet post. At HomeDepot now to get the Dremel 512e

[@michaelashe5265]

Ha, nice! Check back in and let us know how it goes. For me it made those early trays WAY more comfortable. Now I only use the dremel every few trays on little sharp spots. "Vissy" commented below too as Cathy. :)

[@kathynavarro-sochel755]

You’re cool, down to earth and funny! Thx for this. Where’d you purchase the dermal?

[@HelpfulMike]

I think I got mine at Home Depot or Lowes, I can't remember now.

[@Kelly-td5uf]

Another thing I figured out is that if you are awake and your tongue hurts, you can cut out the corner of a sandwich bag into a triangle, open it into a cone, and slide it onto your tongue to guard it! I wouldn't recommend doing it at night though since you don't want to swallow it and potentially choke.

[@Chris-de7tv]

thanks this worked well for me.

[@joaopaulomarao7991]

Worked as magic.

[@asuari7305]

I'll be getting these things tomorrow. 3 days into my first tray. These edges are sharp as knives. what the heck is wrong with Alin technology failing to buff these things. I will say however for the sake of being fair that my mouth has "toughened" up some and I have known of people who just suffered for a month and then became desensitized for the remainder of their treatment. It is still a long time to be in this kind of pain nevermind the risk of infection when you have cuts in your mouth.

[@HelpfulMike]

Some trays don't need smoothing down, others need it in certain places. I saw some footage online of how Invisalign smooth the trays down, they're basically put in a large container of abrasive looking material, some kind of sand, and shaken/vibrated around. I guess this process doesn't always smooth down the edges quite enough.

[@qawahbeautyllc9233]

I agree. This is my second day and I'm ready to punch myself in the face. Medicine doesn't help either and I can't close my mouth and I look stupid. The edges are definitely demonic lol :) Using dremel now :)

[@ichriscrabtree]

Will a 511 work?

[@leonardoulian764]

Same doubt here. They are much cheaper in my place. Did you try this one?

[@catluvtosurf1]

Hi Mike. I am suffering like everyone else on this thread. I ordered an electric nail file and that didn't fix things. I want to order the dremel, but I'm a novice when it comes to shopping for these things. Can you tell me *exactly* all the components I'll need to order so that I have all of the pieces? (I don't own any of this right now). Thank youuuuuu!

[@betspath]

I ordered the attachments, have Dremel, but the attachment doesn’t fit in the mandrel! Doesn’t fit into the mandrel...hole too small!

[@michaelashe5265]

I forgot to include in video but wrote above "depending on what Dremel you have, you may have to buy an EZ Lock Rotary Tool Mandrel (about $10) to connect the Dremel to the 512e abrasive buff attachment."

[@betspath]

Michael Ashe ordered!

[@michaelashe5265]

@@betspath Nice! I'm imagine you're frustrated about needing the extra part. I wish I had included that in the video. But let me know how it all works out. I think you'll find it was all worth it, those edges will feel ultra smooth afterward!

[@elizabethcameron3509]

I went to the hardware store and they figured out the adapter attachment I needed and put it together for me.

[@franartis5899]

My problem is the lower tray against the inside of my lip. I'm on day 2. Hope I don't have to resort to this.

[@yasminn1155]

Does this work on the Dremel 3000 or do I have to buy something extra

[@steelethescene]

Thanks for the vid! btw do u use the dremel attachment on the walgreens machine or did u get a dremel machine and the special dremel attachment?

[@HelpfulMike]

You need a dremel machine. The walgreens thing is totally unrelated and the 512e attachment won't work on it.

[@cesarguerrero4979]

Any idea which models of Dremel work for this?

[@qawahbeautyllc8524]

Hey Mike, just a question, my liners have become burgundy colored and I can't get rid of the discoloration. On top of that I still have dental wax in them so they look disgusting. Do you know how to remove either one ? Thanks

[@HelpfulMike]

Hi Qawah...I"ve never had any discoloration on my trays. My cleaning protocol is every morning I drop them in an F3900 ultrasonic cleaner along with an Efferdent tablet, then rinse them well under the sink, sometimes brushing them with toothbrush (no toothpaste). Before bed I brush them with my toothbrush along with some toothpaste. Hope this helps.

[@MandieLeeAnn]

Does this leave the buffed area slightly dull or rough feeling? I used a white buffer attachment and some polishing compound after sanding with a fine grit tip and while it isn't sharp anymore, it's dull and slightly rough. Before I order this attachment, is this as good as it gets? 😂

[@michaelashe5265]

It's been a while but as I remember the trays felt very smooth afterward and my tongue not only stopped being irritated on the sides but my tongue also stopped feeling so compelled to trace the sharp edges.

[@MandieLeeAnn]

@@michaelashe5265 thanks! Would you say it felt as smooth as the areas that weren't sanded?

[@gabrielaalonso6046]

Where can I find this at? I keep finding the attachment which dremel model is it?

[@LaurieRockenbeck]

I tried my soniccare toothbrush with some abrasive charcoal toothpaste. It did nothing.

[@HelpfulMike]

Ahhh, I'm just reading this now, I guess my theory was wrong! Did you ever end up trying the Dremel?

[@LaurieRockenbeck]

Helpful Mike ... I used the Dremel head you recommended and it worked perfectly!

[@schrobro8964]

Nope you don’t get used to it, ouch

[@elizabethcameron3509]

That is for sure. I thought I'd be in the lucky ones who only had a couple trays in the beginning that felt sharp. I'm on number 15 and only one didn't require sanding. Candid Pro.