One of the main things that distinguishes Invisalign from other forms of orthodontics is the fact that they’re removable. This allows you to enjoy a much richer diet than you could otherwise and opens up new doors in terms of cleaning.
However, it also means that patients are responsible for wearing their aligner enough to see results. Most dentists recommend keeping your trays on for 20-22 hours a day—if that sounds daunting, here are a few things you can do to hit that benchmark.
Cut Back on Snacking
While it’s true that Invisalign skirts many of the dietary restrictions associated with traditional braces, it also requires patients to think a little bit about when and how they eat. It’s usually recommended that you take out your trays for every meal and put them back on when you’re finished—if you’re snacking constantly, however, that means that you’re spending a lot of time without your aligners on.
In an effort to meet the 22 hour a day quota, you should refrain from snacking as much as possible and instead eat large, filling meals.
Keep Your Aligners on While You Sleep
It’s worth pointing out that aligners, unlike some oral appliances, are meant to be worn while sleeping. Some patients are tempted to take them out while in bed, particularly if they grind their teeth at night, as they’re worried about the prospect of damaging them.
This is nothing to be worried about—Invisalign aligners are made from tough plastic, meaning that it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to crack them through bruxism in the few short weeks you’ll be wearing them.
Get an Invisalign Carrying Case
One of the easiest ways to fall off track with your Invisalign treatment is to lose your aligners. For this reason, most dentists recommend carrying around a small, personalized case for your trays.
This means that you’ll always have a place to keep your aligners when they’re out, minimizing the risk that they’ll be lost, damage, or accidentally thrown away with your meal.
It can sound daunting at first to have to wear these thin plastic trays for 22 hours a day. However, if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to hit that number without any issue.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammad Golparvar loves his work and believes that his patients should be inspired to feel the same way. That means offering care that is not only informed by the latest technology, but that also has a human touch. Dr. Golparvar received his dental degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and participates in continuing education courses across the country to this very day.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (281) 280-8111.