When you first get started with Invisalign, your dentist or orthodontist will emphasize that you should wear your aligners as much as possible. In fact, it is best to keep them in your mouth for 22 hours every day! That might seem kind of overwhelming — 22 hours is more than 90% of your time each day! However, there is no reason to doubt that you can meet your Invisalign wear time every day. This blog post provides some simple tips to help you do that.
Why the 22-Hour Rule Matters
Orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, are effective because they apply sustained pressure to the teeth. Over time, that pressure shifts the teeth into their proper positions. Whenever you remove your aligners, that pressure disappears; essentially, your treatment temporarily stops working! If you fail to wear Invisalign for at least 20 – 22 hours every day, you could delay your final results. Your aligners may also cause extra discomfort due to your teeth not moving as planned.
How To Meet the 22-Hour a Day Requirement
Here are some tips that might make it easier for you to meet your daily wear time with Invisalign:
Time Your Meals
If you usually eat a quick breakfast, try to remove your aligners for just 15 minutes or so each morning. That should give you enough time to consume some calories and enjoy a small cup of coffee. You can allow 30 minutes for lunch and 60 for dinner. A longer dinner can give you plenty of time to savor your meal and even eat dessert if you choose. You will also have time to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth, as well as soak your aligners, before you place Invisalign back in your mouth.
Eat Enough at Each Meal
Frequent snacking can significantly reduce your Invisalign wear time. Therefore, it would be best to plan your meals so they are satisfying enough to keep you going for several hours at a time. Be sure to include filling nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Use an App
Many patients use the TrayMinder app to help them keep track of how long they wear their aligners each day. It is available for both iOS and Android.
Be Quick with Your Oral Hygiene
Right after meals, you should brush and floss your teeth. You should also rinse your aligners before placing them back in your mouth. Delaying oral hygiene tasks might cut into your Invisalign wear time.
At first, wearing Invisalign for 22 hours a day might seem tough! Hopefully, it will not take you long to settle into an effective routine.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, our team of dentists and specialists are proud to offer Invisalign as one of our many high-quality services. If you are interested in straightening your teeth, or you have questions about what to expect while wearing Invisalign, we would be pleased to speak with you. We want you to have an easy treatment experience! Get in touch with us at 860-263-0441.