Invisalign clear aligners have allowed millions to straighten out their teeth without the cumbersome and conspicuous metal parts and frustrating dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. While this treatment is among the easiest and most comfortable orthodontic methods, it still requires a significant amount of discipline on the patient’s part to deliver the best possible results. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s important to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 22 hours each day as well as a few tips for meeting this wear time requirement.
Why Must I Wear My Invisalign Clear Aligners for 22 Hours Daily?
Invisalign clear aligners work by exerting consistent pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into healthier positions. This means that while your teeth will be moving into locations when you are wearing them, your pearly whites will immediately begin to drift out of place when you remove your aligners. Invisalign patients must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, and it is ideal to only remove them for snacks, meals, and oral hygiene sessions as well as when drinking anything but water.
How Can I Wear My Aligners for 22 Hours Each Day?
While 22 hours may sound like a lot of time to have to wear your Invisalign aligners each day, there are a few ways to make this wear time requirement easier to comply with. A few suggestions include:
- Stick to a schedule: By budgeting time each day for meals and oral hygiene sessions, you can minimize the amount of time you go without wearing your aligners. For example, you can schedule 20 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and 40 minutes for dinner, giving you enough wiggle room for snacks, hygiene, and maintenance.
- Use an app: There are a number of smartphone applications that can send you reminders of when to remove and reinsert your aligners.
- Multi-task: Soaking your aligners while you enjoy a meal rather than doing these tasks separately can save you a significant amount of time.
- Develop an oral hygiene habit: Habitually brushing and flossing before putting your aligners back in can prevent tooth decay that can lead to costly treatment delays.
While some patients may be daunted by having to wear their aligners for 22 hours each day, this requirement is not hard to meet if you adopt the right habits. By complying with your dentist’s instructions, you can help your Invisalign treatment go smoothly so you can achieve incredible results.
About the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison studied at Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Detroit Mercy and completed the core curriculum of the prestigious Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies. He has also received extensive training in orthodontics and advanced aesthetic reconstruction. His office in Canton offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To schedule your Invisalign consultation, contact his office online or dial (734) 453-6320.