Many patients who want straighter smiles choose Invisalign because it’s considered more comfortable and discreet than traditional orthodontics. Instead of utilizing bulky metal brackets and wires, this treatment relies on transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them.
But for this service to be successful, you must wear the aligners for a set amount of time each day, which can be challenging. If you’re struggling to stick to the allotted wear-time, continue reading to learn a few tips that might help!
How Does Invisalign Work?
This treatment utilizes clear plastic trays that are carefully designed to fit like a glove over your arches. This exerts a consistent, gentle force throughout the day and night, helping move your teeth to their ideal positions throughout your treatment. But for it be effective, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily.
Then, after wearing your current trays for about a week or two, you’ll be directed to switch to the next set in your series to move your treatment forward. Most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, though you could potentially add months to your overall timeline if you don’t adhere to the required wear-time.
Why Is a Specific Wear-Time Required?
Many patients are surprised to learn that they might interrupt their treatment’s progress if they don’t wear their trays long enough every day. The reason it’s necessary is that your teeth are held in place by muscles, ligaments, and other tissues with a natural capacity for movement. This is what makes orthodontic services successful, but unfortunately, it also means your teeth have a ‘muscle memory’ and are prone to shifting back out of alignment.
Keeping your trays in for the required timeframe prevents your pearly whites from shifting back to their original positions.
How Can I Meet the Invisalign Wear-Time?
You’re not alone if you’re struggling to keep your Invisalign in long enough, especially if you’re a new patient and your teeth feel tender. Thankfully, there are several tricks you can try that can help you stick to your treatment plan, including:
- Using an app. Applications, like The Tray Minder, can help you track how long your trays are in your mouth throughout the day.
- Making it routine. Sticking to a regular schedule, like removing your aligners to clean them twice daily, can help you stick to your allotted wear-time.
- Multi-task. There’s a limited amount of time you can remove your trays, so you may want to perform multiple tasks at once, such as letting them soak in cleaning crystals while you enjoy a meal.
- Advancing to new trays before bed. The worst of the throbbing caused by new trays tends to occur in the hours immediately after you start wearing them. Putting them in before bed might allow you to sleep through the initial discomfort.
If you’re unsure if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign based on your habits and routines, you can learn more by discussing your questions and concerns with your dentist!
