Make Wearing Your Invisalign Trays for 22-Hours Daily Easy with These Tips

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that can address dental alignment issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites with removable and virtually invisible clear aligners. While many patients report that this method is significantly simpler and easier than traditional braces, the treatment still requires a considerable amount of discipline on the patient’s part. Here’ s a brief guide to how you can consistently wear your Invisalign clear aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours daily.

Why Must I Wear My Invisalign Clear Aligners for Twenty-Two Hours Daily?

Invisalign clear aligners work by fitting snugly over the teeth to exert the consistent pressure necessary to shift them into healthier and more visually pleasing positions. However, your teeth will immediately begin to shift toward their former positions as soon as you remove your aligners. To prevent this, it’s best to only remove your aligners for meals and oral hygiene sessions. Even after you have completed your treatment, you will be advised to wear a retainer from then on to keep your teeth in alignment.

When Should I Remove My Aligners?

Invisalign clear aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing and can shelter sugary deposits and harmful bacteria from your mouth’s natural cleaning process. To prevent this, take care to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything but water. It’s also essential to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners to prevent dental stains and oral infections.

How Can I Meet Invisalign’s Twenty-Two Hour Requirement?

Luckily, there are a few ways to make wearing your Invisalign aligners sufficiently each day easy. A few of these include:

• Plan around your meals: Since it’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing, you won’t have a lot of time for snacking between meals.
• Make water your primary beverage: Your aligners can protect the sugar and acid present in coffee, soda, and juice from the mouth’s cleaning process. Make sure to only drink water when wearing your aligners to keep your teeth clean and minimize how many times you must remove your appliances.
• Bring your protective case with you: Always place your aligners in a safe and sanitary container when not wearing them to keep them from being damaged or thrown away.

Invisalign has allowed millions of patients to achieve healthier and more beautiful smiles. Abiding by your orthodontist’s instructions is the best way to keep your treatment on track.

About the Author

Dr. Amar Singh earned his dental degree at Howard University College of Dentistry and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His office in Levittown offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about Invisalign, contact his office online or dial (267) 580-9657.