Throughout the Invisalign process, you’ll be able to take your clear aligners out of your mouth at any time. While this is certainly convenient when it comes to meals or oral hygiene, it’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours every day if you want your treatment to be a success. Below is a closer look at why meeting the required Invisalign wear time is important, as well as a few tips that can make it easier to do so.
Why Do Invisalign Aligners Need to Be Worn for 22 Hours a Day?
Invisalign aligners work somewhat similarly to traditional metal braces in that they help move the teeth by putting a small amount of pressure on them. Of course, this can only happen while the aligners remain in your mouth; if you don’t wear them enough, the teeth won’t make the required movements. To keep the Invisalign treatment on track, it’s best to keep your aligners in your mouth for most of the day.
How Can You Meet Your Invisalign Wear Time?
Reaching the ideal Invisalign wear time of 22 hours means that your aligners shouldn’t be outside of your mouth for more than 2 hours a day. This may seem like an all-too-narrow window, but the following tips can make meeting it significantly easier:
- Set aside specific amounts of time for your aligners to be outside of your mouth for meals and oral hygiene. For example, you can reserve 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, 60 minutes for dinner, and the remaining 15 minutes for snacks, brushing, and flossing.
- Save time by cleaning your aligners while you eat. It’s recommended that you soak your aligners with cleaning crystals at least once a day, and the most convenient time to do so is during dinner.
- Download the TrayMinder app. It comes with a number of features that make it easier to keep track of your wear time along with your treatment progress.
- When you’re ready to move on to the next set of aligners, wait to make the switch until right before you go to bed. It’s not uncommon to experience a certain level of discomfort when you first start wearing a new aligner, which can make it tempting to remove it. Making the change shortly before you fall asleep can go a long way toward helping you avoid this temptation.
Be sure to follow any additional instructions or tips your orthodontic team gives you regarding how long you should wear your Invisalign aligners. Sticking to the right wear time will help ensure that you’re able to enjoy a straighter, healthier smile that much sooner!
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Cohen is a board-certified orthodontist who helps children, teens, and adults in Highland Park overcome crooked teeth and various other orthodontic issues. She is proud to be able to offer Invisalign as an option for patients who want to straighten their smiles without braces. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen at her practice, Dr. Jessica Cohen Orthodontics, visit her website or call (224) 427-6800.