Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten your teeth using clear aligners instead of traditional braces. One of the most important factors in achieving the best results with Invisalign is consistently meeting the recommended 22-hour daily wear time. This means your aligners should only be out of your mouth for about two hours a day – for eating, drinking (anything besides water), and oral hygiene. Sticking to this schedule can be challenging, especially in the beginning, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely doable. Here’s how to stay on track and get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.
Create a Daily Routine
Start by building a structured daily routine that includes time slots for meals, snacks, and oral care. Try to eat at roughly the same times every day and limit the number of times you remove your aligners. The fewer times you take them out, the less likely you are to lose track of your wear time.
Time Your Meals
Many Invisalign users find it helpful to group their meals and snacks together rather than spreading them throughout the day. For example, have three main meals and limit snacking. If you typically sip on coffee or snack throughout the day, this could significantly cut into your wear time. By timing meals and drinks mindfully, you can reduce the amount of time your aligners are out.
Use a Timer or App
Using a timer or a smartphone app to track how long your aligners are out can make a big difference. There are Invisalign-specific apps, like My Invisalign, that help you log wear time and remind you when it’s time to put them back in. This accountability is key to maintaining the recommended wear schedule.
Practice Quick Oral Hygiene
After eating or drinking anything other than water, you should brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. To make this easier, carry a travel-sized dental hygiene kit with you. Quick brushing and flossing on the go will keep your aligners clean and minimize time spent out of your mouth.
Limit Long Meals and Social Snacking
It’s easy to lose track of time during long meals, social events, or when grazing throughout the day. Be mindful during these moments. Set a limit for how long your aligners will be out during a meal, and stick to it. If you’re at an event, consider skipping the extra snacks or drinking water to avoid removing your aligners unnecessarily.
Wear Aligners While Sleeping
Make sure your aligners are in while you sleep; it’s the easiest way to rack up 6 to 8 hours of wear time without any effort. Just don’t forget to put them back in immediately after brushing at night or waking up in the morning.
Meeting your 22-hour Invisalign wear time may seem strict at first, but with discipline and smart habits, it quickly becomes second nature. Remember: the more consistently you wear your aligners, the faster and more effectively your teeth will move. Stay committed, and you’ll be flashing your new smile before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. Lindsey Hammond is a native of Tulsa and earned her dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma State Dental Association, and the American Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re looking for a discreet and convenient orthodontic solution to straighten your teeth, our team can outfit you with Invisalign clear aligners. Not only that, we have CareCredit financing for up to 24 months to help make your dream a reality. Schedule your appointment today through our website or call us at (918) 254-8686.