Tips & Tricks for Meeting Your 22-Hour Invisalign Wear Time

Invisalign clear aligners are beloved by many people who want to straighten their teeth without going through the uncomfortable experience of getting braces. The treatment process isn’t without its rules and restrictions, though! In order for Invisalign to guide your teeth into place, for example, you have to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Otherwise, you risk slowing down your orthodontic progress and prolonging your treatment.

Getting that wear time in can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry. A few simple tips and tricks can help you stay on-track.

Wear Your Invisalign at Night

It might take some time for you to get used to how the aligners feel on your teeth, particularly when you’re done with your activities for the day and are trying to settle down for bed. But keeping your aligners in your mouth at night is the easiest way to get several hours of wear-time in. If necessary, take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate soreness so you can sleep more comfortably.

Plan Meals Carefully & Snack Strategically

Meals and periodic snacking are usually what take the most time away from wearing Invisalign. Experienced Invisalign users recommend scheduling about 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and 60 minutes for dinner. That way, there’s enough “off-time” leftover for snacks and oral hygiene. That said, you could absolutely adjust these times so that they fit conveniently into your daily routine.

Carry A Cleaning Kit When On-The-Go

When you’re finished eating a meal, you’ll have to spend about three minutes brushing and flossing your teeth and cleaning your aligners before reinserting them. This will help keep your Invisalign well, invisible, and also prevent bacteria and food debris from getting trapped between the plastic and your teeth.

It’s difficult to do this, though, when you’re out and about! Make sure you have an “on-the-go” hygiene kit that includes travel-sized toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, an Invisalign case, and Invisalign cleaning crystals so you can quickly and easily maintain your aligners.

Use Apps to Track Your Wear Time

If it’s keeping track of how long your Invisalign is in your mouth vs. out of your mouth that you’re worried about, check the app store for a program that can record your times. Having a log of when and for how long you went without your aligners will make things a lot less stressful.

If you still need some more support for getting your 22-hour Invisalign wear time in every day, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist. They’ll be happy to give you more personalized tips so you can have a smooth treatment!

About the Author

Dr. Eric Barajas is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, meaning he’s well-qualified to help you enhance your smile aesthetics with treatments like Invisalign. He knows all the best tips and tricks for helping his patients have a smooth treatment experience, including how to squeeze 22-hours of wear-time into a busy day. To contact Dr. Gonzalez’s office and schedule an appointment, call 619-482-7367.