Have you started your Invisalign treatment plan? If so, then your dentist probably recommended that you wear them for 20-22 hours each day. You might think this is a long time and may even be tempted to leave them off a little longer than you should. However, it’s essential that you achieve this wear time every day to get the results for a dream smile. Read on to learn why the Invisalign wear time is so important and tips on how to effectively meet this requirement!

Why Is It Important to Wear Invisalign for 22 Hours?

The whole purpose of Invisalign is to gradually move your teeth into an ideal position. This process takes time, and since you opted for clear aligners as opposed to traditional metal braces, your trays will nudge your teeth much gentler than the alternative. While this allows for a more comfortable process, you’ll still have to wear them the majority of the day to get your results.

Some patients decide not to wear their trays the recommended amount of time because of discomfort, which should only be mild. Whatever the reason is, choosing not to wear aligners can interrupt the constant pressure needed for straightening teeth. Without this, your teeth will shift back to their original places.

How to Effectively Meet the 22-Hour Per Day Requirement

Your main goal is to achieve your dream smile, and although the 22-hour wear time may seem difficult, your dentist has several tips on how you can effectively achieve this:

• Avoid using your phone while eating, as this could distract you from putting your aligners back on once you’ve finished your meal. Instead of spending 15 minutes without your tray, you might end up having them off for an hour or more.
• Before going to bed, switch to your next tray so that any discomfort or soreness can happen while you’re sleeping. It also helps if you take OTC pain relievers beforehand to minimize the tenderness that might occur so you can rest well.
• While you’re eating your meals, be sure to simultaneously soak your aligners in a glass of lukewarm or cold water with the cleaning crystals. This will ensure your trays stay clean, you eat a good meal, and you minimize your time with them out all at once.  

The Invisalign process will take some time, but the end result will be well-worth the wait! With these few tips, you can ensure that you maintain the consistent progress you need for the treatment to work smoothly. And if you have any concerns, feel free to contact your dentist for help.

About the Author

Dr. James Olsen provides top-quality dental services for Ann Arbor, MI and the surrounding communities. With a passion for helping patients reach their dream smiles, he can offer advice on the best ways to meet the required wear time for Invisalign. If you want to know more about how to stay consistent with your wear time, visit his website or call (734) 996-0200.