Once you have started your Invisalign treatment, you may be excited about the results. They gently shift your teeth by applying constant pressure, so you’ll have to keep them in for 20 to 22 hours every day. You’ll have a straighter smile that you love by the end, but in the beginning, it can seem like a daunting task. To make it a little easier for you, here are some simple tips to help you get to the full wear time.
Set Time Aside for Your Meals
The only thing you can have when wearing your aligners is plain water. Anything else can damage them or get stuck and cause oral health problems. But to avoid keeping them out for too long while enjoying your meals, allot a certain amount of time when you eat.
Many people set aside 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and an hour for dinner. Any spare time can be used for a snack or two to give you a boost through the day. Create a schedule that works for you and set a timer when you eat so you stay on track.
Use an App
Many helpful apps can help you reach the full 22-hour wear time. Setting it up on your phone can give you a visual of how long you had the aligners in for a day, how long they were out, and some even let you see your progress. Tray Minder is a popular choice that patients use.
Multitask While Your Clear Aligners Are Out
While it may take a couple of weeks to build a routine, you should start looking for ways you can complete your aligner maintenance effectively. For instance, while you eat, you can put the trays into warm water with cleaning crystals. That way, after you’re done eating and brushing your teeth, they are ready to be popped back in.
Switch to Your Next Set Before Bed
You’ll move forward on your treatment by swapping to a new set of trays every week or two. This helps further shift your teeth, but you may feel some minor discomfort during this time. It’s tempting to remove them to find some relief, but doing this often can cause delays. Instead, switch to the next set right before bed; that way, you can sleep through the sore feeling.
A 22-hour wear time can seem like a hard feat, but by following these tips, you can make it easier on yourself! By not missing a beat, you can stay on track with your smile straightening journey and enjoy an aesthetic set of teeth in the end.
About the Practice
At Troisi Dentistry, we want you to feel confident in your grin. Whether that is through Invisalign or another treatment, our goal is to give you results that you love. With an experienced orthodontist on staff, you can trust that your time with clear aligners is as smooth as it can be. If you are finding it hard to keep your trays in for the recommended time, schedule an appointment or call us at (757) 548-1611.