If you’re longing for a perfectly straight smile but are already feeling self-conscious enough without having braces bonded to your teeth, you might benefit from Invisalign. Instead of metal brackets, this clear alternative relies on smooth plastic trays that fit over your teeth to reposition them gently.
However, to prevent them from returning to their previous placements, it’s important to wear your aligners for 22 hours daily. If you’re worried that you’ll struggle to meet this requirement, continue reading for 4 tips that can help!
Tip #1: Time Yourself
One simple but effective way to ensure that you wear your Invisalign long enough is to designate how the time available to you. Because there are 24 hours in a day, that means you have 2 hours daily that you don’t have to wear your clear plastic trays. You can schedule important activities, like meals and cleanings, into that timeframe and set an alarm to ensure that you stick to it.
For example, you might plan to take 20 minutes for breakfast, 30 for lunch, and an hour for dinner. That gives you 10 additional minutes of wiggle room to indulge in snacks or brush your aligners.
Tip #2: Multitask
If you’re frustrated by these constraints and want more flexibility, you can multitask to capitalize on the time you’re not wearing your trays. For instance, instead of leaving them in their carrier case while you eat, you can place them in a container with Invisalign cleaning crystals to remove plaque buildup and germs while you enjoy your food. That way, you won’t have to use additional minutes later in the day to take them out to wash them.
Tip #3: Switch Before Bed
You’ll upgrade to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks to account for your teeth’s ongoing movement. It’s normal to experience some sensitivity or tenderness when you first insert them because they exert pressure over your pearly whites to shift them. Many patients are tempted to take their Invisalign out more frequently when they’re feeling uncomfortable, which can cause your teeth to relapse.
Instead, try inserting the new trays before bedtime so that you’re asleep for the first few hours of adjustments, which tend to be the most troublesome.
Tip #4: Use an App
It can be challenging to remember exactly how long you had your Invisalign out when you’re distracted by other needs during the day. When your mind is preoccupied with work, school, family, or social engagements, then you might forget whether you’ve worn them long enough. Fortunately, apps have been developed that can help track how long you’ve worn your aligners. Programs like Tray Minder can help you note when you take them out and put them in so you can see whether you’re wearing them for 22 hours every day.
Although this time requirement can be challenging, it’ll ensure that your Invisalign treatment stays on track!
About the Author
Dr. Sheren Elsaid enjoys helping people create beautiful smiles to boost their oral health and self-esteem. She earned her dental degree from Temple University and then completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the NYU Langone Dental Medicine Program. Now, she offers a wide array of services under one roof to meet your unique needs. She combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that you receive comfortable, accurate treatments. If you’re interested in Invisalign and want a consultation, you can request one on the website or call (973) 370-5221.