You’re excited about the idea of straightening your teeth with discrete Invisalign aligners, but there are least two things that don’t make sense. Why do you have to wear them for 22 hours per day? And how on earth are you supposed to accomplish that?
The 22-hour wear time is recommended for good reason, and fortunately, hitting that goal might not be as difficult as you think! Keep reading to learn more about the why’s and how’s of this requirement!
Why Do I Have to Wear Invisalign for 22 Hours?
It all comes down to how Invisalign aligners work as an orthodontic appliance. Like braces, they gradually shift your pearly whites into straighter positions by applying increasing levels of pressure. Unlike braces, you have the opportunity to remove Invisalign. Leave them out of your mouth for too long, however, and your teeth will start to slide back into their crooked alignments. If you’d rather not prolong your treatment, it’s best to meet that 22-hour wear time!
Invisalign Wear Time Tips
Keeping track of how long Invisalign aligners are in your mouth can be tricky if you’re not properly prepared. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make life with Invisalign easier. Here are some tips for wearing them 22/7:
- Consistency is your friend. If you remove your aligners for the same amount of time every day, it’s much easier to figure out how long they’ve been out of your mouth. Aim to take them out for 15 minutes at breakfast, 30 minutes at lunch, and 60 minutes at dinner. This will leave you some extra time for snacks and cleaning.
- There’s an app for that! You can log your Invisalign wear time with phone applications like Tray Minder.
- Multi-task, multi-task, multi-task. Investing in some Invisalign cleaning crystals, for example, will allow you to give them a cleansing soak while you eat one of your meals, streamlining maintenance.
- Keep an oral hygiene routine. This is important for your oral health! Protect your mouth from harmful bacteria by maintaining a consistent aligner – and dental – cleaning schedule.
- Have pain relievers at the ready. Sometimes, new trays feel a bit uncomfortable. You might be tempted to remove them, but it’s better to take pain medication and let your teeth adjust to the fit.
Everyone is different, so if you think of habits or tools that might help you meet the 22-hour wear time, give them a try. Your dentist, in fact, might have more personalized Invisalign tips. Ask them for additional pointers, and they’ll be happy to provide advice.
About the Practice
Dr. Brian and Kevin Coats go out of their way to get to know their patients so they can provide quality personalized treatment plans. If Invisalign seems like a good way to straighten your crooked teeth, they’ll gladly see you for a consultation and help you work out the details – like getting in your 22-hour wear time! To contact Dr. Brian and Dr. Kevin’s office, call 303-776-4090.