In order for your Invisalign treatment to be successful, it is important that you wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day (the closer to 22, the better). At first, that might seem like a daunting obligation. After all, 22 hours is more than 90% of the time each day! However, there are some easy ways to meet your Invisalign wear time. This blog post shares some helpful tips.
Why the 22-Hour Compliance Rule Matters
Some people mistakenly dismiss the 22-hour compliance rule as unimportant. However, you must remember that Invisalign aligners only work when they are actually on your teeth! They need enough time to apply the appropriate amount of pressure so they can effectively shift your smile into its proper alignment.
If you frequently fail to meet the required wear time, your teeth may move more slowly than expected. You may also find it much more uncomfortable to switch to new aligners in your series.
How To Meet the 22-Hour a Day Requirement
Here are some easy and practical tips to help you keep up with your treatment:
- Do not take too long to eat. If you usually eat a quick breakfast, you can take your Invisalign aligners out for 15 minutes in the morning. You can set aside 30 minutes for lunch and 60 minutes for dinner. A longer dinner gives you plenty of time to eat a satisfying meal (and dessert if you choose) and attend to your nightly oral hygiene routine (including soaking your aligners) before you go to bed.
- Plan satisfying meals. Frequent snacks throughout the day can significantly cut into your Invisalign wear time. Try to plan your three main meals so they have a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You should also be sure to eat enough calories to keep you satisfied for several hours.
- Use an application. Some patients find that the TrayMinder app is useful for keeping their treatment on track
- Take care of oral hygiene right after meals. Right after you finish eating, brush and floss your teeth. You should also rinse your aligners and then promptly place them back in your mouth.
Wearing Invisalign for 22 hours each day might seem a bit challenging at first, but you can do it. Use the tips in this blog post to help you reach your goal.
Meet the Practice
Treehouse Orthodontics is home to three talented doctors who serve patients at eight convenient locations located throughout Western Massachusetts. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and how you can make a success of your treatment, our team would be pleased to answer your questions and provide personalized advice. Get in touch with any of our offices today.