One of the great features of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners. This makes it easy to clean your teeth and allows you to eat whatever you want! However, there is a caveat: The removability of the aligners can make it easy to fall short of the required 22-hour-a-day wear time. How can you keep up with that requirement and enjoy a successful treatment experience? This blog post offers practical and easy tips.
Why the 22-Hour Rule Matters
22 hours a day might seem like a lot. After all, that is more than 90% of your time each day. But it is important to remember that Invisalign aligners only work when they are actually on your teeth. Failure to wear them for at least 20 – 22 hours a day could slow down your tooth movements or possibly even derail your treatment’s progress.
Tips for Meeting Your Wear Time
Plan Your Meals
Frequent snacking can cut into your wear time, so instead of grazing throughout the day, give some advance thought to your meals. Plan them so they have enough protein, nutrition, and fiber to keep you full for several hours. Also, be sure to choose foods that you enjoy so you are not tempted to snack just to enjoy the taste of your favorite treats.
Use an App
Many Invisalign patients use TrayMinder or a similar app to help them meet their daily wear requirements. Such apps are simple to use and can help you stay on track with your treatment goals.
Use your Time Well
Make the most of periods when you are not wearing your aligners. For example, before you sit down to eat dinner, place your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals so they can soak. In the morning, enjoy your daily coffee with breakfast so you do not remove your aligners later to get your daily cup of Joe.
Manage Discomfort
Some patients remove their aligners due to discomfort. Soreness and tenderness tend to be at their worst during the first few days after you switch to new aligners. Try switching right before bed so you can sleep through the first part of the adjustment period. In the morning, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Sipping on cool water can also help.
Keep Your Case Nearby
When you remove your aligners, be sure to store them properly in their designated case. This prevents them from accumulating extra dirt, and it reduces the risk that you will lose them and be unable to wear them.
Meeting the daily Invisalign wear time might require you to adjust your routine. Rest assured that your efforts will ultimately be worthwhile!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has a proud, decades-long history of serving our community. We are pleased to offer Invisalign clear aligners and a broad range of other high-quality treatments. If you have questions about Invisalign or wish to schedule an appointment, we would be pleased to welcome you into our office. To request an visit, contact our Branford location at 203-469-6895.