How Can I Wear My Invisalign Clear Aligners for Twenty-Two Hours Every Day?

Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent way to achieve a healthier, straighter, and more beautiful smile. While patients report that these orthodontic appliances are more comfortable and easier to comply with than traditional metal braces, Invisalign still requires no small amount of discipline on the patient’s part. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s important to wear your clear aligners for twenty-two hours every day as well as a few tips for hitting that important mark.

Why Is It So Important to Wear My Aligners for Twenty-Two Hours Daily?

Similarly to traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners work by exerting constant pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into more optimal positions. However, since clear aligners are removable, the patient must take care to wear them for at least twenty-two hours every day to achieve their desired results and prevent delays in treatment. As soon as the clear aligners are removed, the teeth will begin to slowly shift out of position, and allowing this to go on for too long can lead to complications that require costly treatment adjustments.

How Can I Wear My Clear Aligners for Twenty-Two Hours Daily?

Ideally, your clear aligners will only be removed for meals and oral hygiene sessions. Invisalign clear aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, so eating with them damage them. You should also abstain from drinking anything but water while wearing them to prevent dental stains and tooth decay. It might be a great idea to cut back on your coffee consumption since this beverage is high in pigments and dyes that can discolor your teeth.

Invisalign patients must be mindful of how long they take their aligners out to eat. It’s crucial to brush and floss after eating before you put your aligners back in. This doesn’t leave the patient with much wiggle room since it’s ideal to wait at least thirty minutes after meals before brushing. It’s best to get used to snacking less when wearing Invisalign.

Many patients might think it’s okay to put their clear aligners on a napkin next to their eating space when enjoying a meal, but this can make it too easy for them to get swept up and thrown away afterward. Bring an aligner carrying case everywhere you go so you have a safe place to store them when not wearing them.

Invisalign can deliver magnificent results if you put in the necessary effort. By making sure that you consistently wear your clear aligners for twenty-two hours every day, you can keep your orthodontic treatment as brief and comfortable as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was elected to the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Lewisville, TX, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To book a consultation for Invisalign treatment, contact his office online or dial (972) 436-1325.