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Many people could benefit greatly from correcting alignment issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites with orthodontic treatment but are hesitant to commit to traditional braces that are irremovable while involving many dietary restrictions. Luckily, Invisalign offers an alternative treatment option through removable and virtually invisible clear aligners that allow patients to eat whatever they want. Here’s why it’s so important to wear your aligners for the required twenty-two hours each day and a few tips for meeting that mark.
Why Do I Need to Wear My Invisalign Clear Aligners for Twenty-two Hours Each Day?
Orthodontic treatments work by exerting constant pressure on the teeth to shift them into and hold them in more optimal positions. Invisalign achieves this through a sequence of customized aligners with each set being designed to move the teeth a little bit more from where the last one left off. When the patient is not wearing their clear aligners, the teeth will begin to shift out of alignment again, and this happening for too long too frequently can lead to discomfort and potentially expensive delays in treatment.
How Can I Consistently Wear My Invisalign Clear Aligners for Twenty-two Hours Each Day?
While twenty-two hours may sound like a lot, it’s not a hard mark to hit if you’ve developed the proper routine. A few tips to keep in mind while wearing Invisalign include:
- Only remove your clear aligners for meals and oral hygiene.
- Schedule when you will remove your clear aligners each day. For example, plan to remove them for thirty minutes at breakfast, thirty minutes at lunch, and thirty minutes at dinner. This will give you a little slack in the schedule for snacks and maintenance.
- Many people find that using an app helps them to stay on top of their wear time.
- When you take your aligners out for a meal, place them in a glass of warm water with cleaning crystals so you can clean them while eating.
- Get used to your oral hygiene so you can save time by efficiently brushing, flossing, and rinsing in short order.
- When it’s time to switch to a new set of trays, do so before bed. This way, you can sleep through the initial discomfort and avoid the temptation to remove them. If you need a little help staying comfortable when doing so, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Having the right habits and attitude can help you achieve the best results from Invisalign treatment. Consistently meeting the twenty-two-hour wear time will allow you to complete your treatment on time and with minimal discomfort.
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez earned her dental degree and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Columbia School of Dental Medicine. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the New York Dental Association. Her office in New York, NY, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact her office online or dial (646) 669-7407.