To achieve a straighter smile with Invisalign, one of the requirements is that you must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day. While it might seem difficult, especially when you consider mealtimes and how often you snack, the decision to choose clear aligners to realign your smile may require a few lifestyle changes. Keep reading to discover a few helpful tips that are designed to make wearing your aligners 22 hours a day easier.
Why Should Invisalign Be Worn for 22 Hours a Day?
When living with a crooked or misaligned smile, your teeth need help to move. While some patients opt for traditional metal braces, others prefer Invisalign clear aligners. In choosing this method, the general 22-hour rule is required.
The reason is that this type of orthodontic treatment uses clear, plastic trays that are custom-made based on your smile and its projected movements over time. The aligners apply gentle pressure so that your teeth will shift closer to their desired location.
Unlike metal braces that require wire tightening and replacement every few weeks to keep teeth moving, Invisalign aligners need patients like yourself to wear them the full 22 hours each day. This is in addition to swapping out existing aligners for new ones every two weeks. Not only does this ensure continuous movement but also lowers the chances of potential delays along the way.
Tips for Maximum Invisalign Wear
If you are unsure that you will be able to meet the 22-hour requirement for Invisalign, there are a few helpful tips that can make the process easier. You can:
- Adopt a good oral hygiene routine that you follow each day. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing in the morning, at night, and immediately after meals will ensure your mouth and trays stay clean.
- Take your aligners out at the same time each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Depending on how much time you spend eating (and cleaning your trays), you may be able to incorporate a few snacks throughout the day.
- While eating dinner, allow your aligners to soak in a specialized cleanser so that they are free of bacteria and debris.
- Turn to an app to help monitor how much time you’re wearing aligners.
Don’t be discouraged by the 22-hour Invisalign rule. By talking to your dentist and following these helpful tips, you can be on your way to a straighter smile without incurring any delays.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Omrani is a trusted dentist in San Juan Capistrano who cares about patients and the future of their smiles. Offering Invisalign as a trusted and reliable alternative to metal braces, he and his team at Platinum Dental Group can offer helpful suggestions to make daily life with clear aligners easy and enjoyable. If you need help to abide by the 22-hour rule for wearing Invisalign, contact us at (949) 661-2052 to discover how we can help.