Dihedral misconception
 

There is a common misconception as to how dihedral works that talks about how the difference in vertical components of lift. This video addresses this misconception well at 1:47

https://youtu.be/CFFHogLjUkc

Im having an incredibly difficult time explaining to people why the difference in vertical lift doesn't affect net torque and roll the plane back. Anyone have any suggestions on possible explanations? For students they see that one wing is generating for vertical lift than the other, so they assume that because of that, the lowered wing will roll the airplane upright again. I'm not confident on a way to explain why that isn't the case.

Demonstrate adverse yaw with aileron and proverse roll with rudder application. This is what makes it self righting. The airplane will do the exact opposite if there is not enough dihedral for the wing location. All FAA certified airplanes exhibit this behavior to varying degrees. Try trimming a model airplane perfectly neutral, you will learn much about design and flight characteristics.