Airport Security

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#1 Post by **pompompadom** » Thu May 14, 2009 12:16 pm

Hi there

I'm flying next month and have no idea how i'm going to get through security at the airport (Manchester) with my metal crochet hook thingey.

There is no way I can get my alligners of without it.

Does anyone else have to use some sort of contraption and what did they do when you had to fly anywhere or any suggestions as to what I can take through security.

Thanks

#2 Post by **smilesunset** » Thu May 14, 2009 4:31 pm

I use one of those wooden sticks for pushing the cuticles back on your fingernails! It's not quite as effective as the crochet hook thing, because it only has a sort of pointed wedge at the end, not a hook, but any port in a storm, I say! I just sort of point the wedge end down into the trickiest bit of the aligner (where one of the attachments is) and push it down and out.
That said, I often fly with my very sharp tweezers and even a couple of times with nail clippers, so you might be fine.

#3 Post by **Wireless** » Thu May 14, 2009 5:27 pm

There are "Appliance Removal Tools" available commercially. I just ordered 2 at www.dentakit.com, which I have seen listed by other board users here. I was doing fine until I had to get two attachments replaced and my ortho "supersized" them to be sure I didn't have more problems with them not tracking the bubbles on my aligners. Now I need both hands to get either the top or bottom out.

I don't know if you can receive these from the US in time for your flight. They are about $3.50 each. I wonder if a plastic crochet hook is available and if you can cut it off to a shorter length as an option?

I fly about once a month and have found a number of things helpful.
- I take an empty water bottle through security then fill it at a water fountain inside the airport. While many places have bottled water past security, I have been to airports where there are no vendors for bottled water. The water is really good for dryness or to rinse my my mouth if I drink any beverages.
- I usually get a window seat and look out the window while I'm removing or replacing my aligners for snacks. Before my new attachments, this was really easy - now its going to be more of a show! Usually the passenger next to me isn't paying attention or, if I'm lucky, asleep.
- Water in the lavatory is typically for handwashing only and not recommended for drinking. This isn't a good place to try to rinse your aligners.
- A collapsible cup is a handy thing if you have a place to store it. I needed something to double as a retainer case, so I ended up taking an old one from a previous ortho encounter, drilling holes in the top and covering the ones in the bottom so it could double as a small cup. This helps when I brushing my teeth in an airport when I land. I do hope none of my clients ever see this thing!!
- I pre-paste a travel toothbrush that has a good cover on it and keep it in my pocket. When I get to my destination, I clean it and let it dry - then pre-paste for the next travel segment.

All of this works with TSA in the US - www.TSA.gov lists our restrictions. I'm not sure if the British rules are very different.

This is a real nuissance for a "road warrior" but the best I could come up with.

I would really like to know what other road warriors are doing!!

#4 Post by **myhollywoodsmile** » Thu May 14, 2009 7:45 pm

Hi there,
I have only ever used my fingers to remove mine, so I'm not sure about the removal tools, but I know that when I struggled at the beginning a paper tower worked very well. It allows you to grip the aligner which then comes out pretty easily. I have 5 attachments and it has worked fine for me.
Maybe you could try it before you go and see if it would work. I don't think you'll have much joy getting your hook through security.

#5 Post by **pompompadom** » Fri May 15, 2009 5:41 am

Thanks for all your replies.

Hollywood - I've tried and tried just to do it with my fingers but it just isn't happening - they are well and truly stuck on there! I'm getting more attatchments (that'll be about 15 in total) just before I go so i'll be putting on quite a show even with a hook.

I've ordered a Appliance Removal tool, - thanks Wireless

And i'll be buying a cuticle remover - thanks smilesunset.

I've had that many pairs of tweezers taken off me, Manchester Airport is very strict.

I was thinking at the end of the day maybe I could just eat with them in and brush them at the other end when I get my luggage back, or is that gross?

#6 Post by **smilesunset** » Fri May 15, 2009 9:06 am

I eat with mine in all the time (on my ortho's recommendation), but I whip them out straight afterwards to clean the aligner and my teeth. It won't be a problem to eat with them in, just avoid pretzels or nuts, as they will scuff up the surfaces (though it won't damage the aligners, they are made of implantable-grade plastic!). Assuming you are not flying to Australia, it won't be a problem at all to keep them in for a couple of hours after you've eaten. Just take a bottle of water to the bathroom and rinse your mouth out afterwards. It's not like you are doing it all the time, just on this one occasion. Oh, and don't eat anything with spinach or chopped parsley in, unless you want some strange looks at Customs!