Clear aligners, like those used in Invisalign® orthodontic treatment, work best when worn 20 to 22 hours a day. This means you should only remove them for meals, snacks, beverages (other than water), and cleaning.
Why Wear Time Matters So Much
Aligners move your teeth through gentle, steady pressure. Of course, that pressure is only applied while the aligners are in your mouth. Skipping hours can slow progress, make later trays fit poorly, and extend your treatment timeline.
Making Invisalign Work in Real Life
The overnight hours, while you’re sleeping, count toward your recommended clear aligners wear time. Not only does this represent a significant chunk of the daily recommended wear time, but many patients have told us that the evening hours, from right after dinner and through the night, are invaluable in making aligner wear a steady habit.
If you see you’re struggling with consistency, set reminders for putting them back in after meals, and keep your case with you as a reminder (and for safekeeping). This should help with wearing each tray for the full time recommended by your dentist. If you fall behind, it’s not the end of the world. Just let Dr. Saba Heday and our team know so we can adjust your plan accordingly.
Smile Rejuvenation with Clear Aligners in Scottsdale
If you’re in Scottsdale and want some more pointers for wearing your Invisalign clear aligners consistently to keep your orthodontic treatment on track, contact Dr. Saba Heday and the friendly Dynamite Smiles Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.