Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign can sometimes seem too good to be true. Not only are its aligners clear and subtle, but they’re also removable! However, it does have its challenges. The biggest, perhaps, is that the trays only work well when you wear them for 22 hours daily. Thankfully, there are ways to make this requirement realistic in the long term. To learn more, here’s why the aligners’ 22-hour wear-time is important and some related Invisalign tips from your Skokie dentist.
Why Wear the Aligners 22 Hours Per Day?
Generally speaking, Invisalign trays nudge teeth into alignment over one year. They do so with micro-movements, small shifts spread out over several months. Micro-movements, which are gradual and subtle, cause low discomfort during treatment.
Given the above features, aligners only work when worn for 22 hours daily. Wearing them for less time will allow your teeth to revert to their earlier, unaligned position. Should that happen, the straightening process will face complications or even treatment delays.
Tips for Making the 22-Hour Wear-Time Realistic
While wearing your trays for 22 hours per day may seem unrealistic, it’s possible when you follow the right tips. Some of these include the following:
- Only Remove Aligners at Certain Times: Set a rule that you’ll only remove your aligners for 15 minutes at breakfast, 30 minutes at lunch, and 60 minutes at dinner. Doing so will make you less likely to remove the trays at random hours and leave enough wiggle room for snacks and maintenance.
- Use An Application: Some smartphone applications are designed to track your Invisalign wear-time and remind you to put the trays back in your mouth. For example, Tray Minder is one such popular app.
- Multi-task Throughout Your Treatment: You might remove your trays more than necessary if they have food clinging to them. Therefore, try placing them in a glass of water with cleaning crystals during your meals. That way, they’ll get cleaned while you’re eating.
- Establish a Good Oral Hygiene Routine: Make it a habit to brush and floss your teeth, as well as rinse your mouth, before re-inserting your trays. The resulting routine will make wearing your aligners a natural part of oral care.
- Start Wearing New Trays Right Before Bed: Doing so will keep your discomfort to a minimum and prevent you from wanting to remove your aligners.
In the end, meeting your 22-hour Invisalign wear-time is essential and doable. Feel free to learn other Invisalign tips from your Skokie local dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss is a dentist based in Skokie, IL, having earned his dental doctorate from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry. Thanks to his 20+ years of experience, his specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency dental treatments. He is also a qualified provider of Invisalign clear aligner procedures. Dr. Weiss currently practices at Weiss Dental Arts and can be reached at his website or by phone at (847)-864-0188.