You’re getting ready to straighten your teeth with Invisalign clear aligners, so, naturally, you want to be familiar with all the best practices. One thing your dentist will bring up during your consultation is the “Invisalign wear time.” Basically, you’ll have to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.
If you’re thinking, “That’s a lot! How am I supposed to do that?” don’t worry. You’ll find the answer after you read!
Why is The Invisalign Wear Time Important?
Before jumping into tips and tricks for meeting your wear time, it needs to be stressed how important it is to follow this instruction. You see, Invisalign straightens teeth by applying gradually increasing amounts of pressure until they shift into more ideal positions. That means that if you’re not wearing your aligners, they’re not moving your pearly whites. Failing to comply with the 22-hour rule could very well prolong your treatment timeline.
How to Wear Invisalign for 22 Hours Per Day
To meet your 22-hour wear time, you’ll have to be smart with your schedule – which isn’t always easy! Sticking to a routine helps promote consistency, so be sure to:
- Plan your meals strategically. Most patients take their aligners out for 15 minutes during breakfast, 30 minutes during lunch, and 60 minutes during dinner.
- Take advantage of technology. Set reminders on your phone or use the Tray Minder app to keep track of your daily wear times.
- Multi-task. For example, you can clean your aligners while you eat by letting them soak in Invisalign cleaning crystals.
- Think of brushing, flossing, and rinsing as part of your eating habits so you don’t forget to clean your aligners after meals.
- Put on your next-step trays just before bed. You’ll be less tempted to remove them due to discomfort while you’re asleep!
If you think you might need some extra help with wearing Invisalign for 22 hours per day, that’s okay. Everyone’s a little different, and your dentist won’t judge. They’re here to help and will be happy to assist you during your Invisalign journey!
About the Practice
As your highly experienced general dentist in Herndon, Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari (or “Dr. B”) is well-qualified to help you have a smooth and successful Invisalign treatment. He understands that each patient has different needs, and if you’re having trouble meeting the 22-hour wear time, Dr. B will be ready with professional tips and tricks for keeping you on track! To contact his office and schedule your Invisalign consultation today, call 703-860-8860.