Invisalign aligners offer unprecedented freedom over traditional braces, but they still have a few golden rules you must comply with for your treatment to be a success. While your trays are removable for cleaning and eating, you still need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day. If you’re having trouble sticking to the time guidelines, here are a few tried-and-tested tips for meeting your daily requirements.
Staying on Schedule
Being conscious of how you divide your time with Invisalign is an important way to ensure that you don’t lose track of how long you’ve had your aligners off. Here’s a sample schedule for tray-free time:
- 15 minutes for breakfast
- 15 minutes for snack
- 30 minutes for lunch
- 60 minutes for dinner
Remember that these blocks also include time to care for your oral hygiene, so don’t use up the entire break on your meal!
Apps & Timers
If you have a smartphone or tablet, check your app store for an aligner timing app that can help monitor your daily use. They may require a purchase, but they’re well worth the investment if they help you stay compliant. You can also set a regular timer during meals if you’re worried about losing track of time!
Multitasking
Do double duty during meals and soak your aligners in warm water and cleansing crystals while you eat your dinner. This way, you won’t need to spend even more time after your meal soaking them, and can enjoy your food a little bit longer!
Advancing Advice
When it’s time to advance to your next set of aligners, experts recommend doing it at bedtime. This way, you can sleep through the most uncomfortable part of wearing your trays, and your mouth will have adjusted a bit more by the time you wake up. This will in turn make it easier to keep your aligners on during the day.
Remember, Invisalign provides wearers with more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces, but with it comes the responsibility of maintaining a proper wear schedule. If you’re struggling to meet your 22-hour time requirement, try these helpful tips and stay on track with your beautiful new smile!
About Dr. Johnson
Dr. Alex J. Johnson knew from an early age that he wanted to be an orthodontist. In fact, it was his own orthodontic treatment that inspired him! Today, Dr. Johnson enjoys helping patients align their smiles and learn how to care for them properly. He has completed continuing education with the Pankey Institute, and is Board Certification in Dental Sleep Medicine, along with several completed courses in Airway Orthodontics.
Dr. Johnson is also a member of the Florida Dental Association, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and American Association of Orthodontists.
To schedule a free consultation for Invisalign, please visit our website or call us at 727-786-7550.