One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Unlike traditional braces, you can take them out to eat, brush, floss, and enjoy special occasions. However, that flexibility also comes with responsibility. To keep your treatment on schedule, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, with 22 hours being the ideal goal for many patients.
If you’re worried about meeting your daily wear time, these 4 tips can help you stay on track and achieve the best possible results.
1. Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Every minute your aligners are out of your mouth counts. Instead of grazing throughout the day, try to eat your meals and snacks during designated times. This reduces the number of times you’ll need to remove your aligners and helps you stay closer to your 22-hour goal.
Many patients find it helpful to:
- Eat three well-balanced meals instead of frequent snacking.
- Finish beverages other than water during mealtimes.
- Brush and floss immediately after eating before putting the aligners back in.
A little planning can save valuable wear time each day.
2. Carry an Invisalign Care Kit
Life gets busy, and you won’t always be at home when it’s time to eat. Keeping a small travel kit with you makes it easy to care for your aligners wherever you are.
Your kit might include:
- A travel toothbrush.
- Toothpaste.
- Floss or floss picks.
- Your aligner case.
- A small bottle of water.
Having these essentials nearby makes it easier to clean your teeth and return your aligners to your mouth as soon as possible after meals.
3. Set Reminders and Track Your Time
It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time when your aligners are sitting on the table during lunch or while you’re chatting with friends after dinner.
Consider using your phone’s timer, smartwatch, or the Invisalign app to remind you when it’s time to put your aligners back in. Some apps even track your daily wear time, helping you identify habits that could delay your treatment.
Building these reminders into your routine can make consistent wear feel effortless.
4. Remember the Long-Term Goal
When you’re tempted to leave your aligners out a little longer, remember why you started treatment in the first place. Every hour your aligners aren’t being worn is time your teeth aren’t moving as planned.
Consistently meeting your recommended wear time helps:
- Keep your treatment on schedule.
- Ensure each new set of aligners fits properly.
- Reduce the risk of treatment delays.
- Help you achieve the smile you envisioned.
The more consistent you are today, the sooner you’ll be enjoying your new smile.
Invisalign offers a comfortable and discreet way to straighten your teeth, but success depends on your commitment. By planning your meals, carrying a care kit, using reminders, and staying focused on your end goal, reaching 22 hours of daily wear can quickly become part of your routine.
About the Practice
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, you can rest assured knowing that our talented dentists at Devonshire Dental of Boston are certified Invisalign providers, meaning you’re going to get care from a professional who has advanced training in this particular area of dentistry. Adults and teens alike enjoy our clear aligners for their discreet appearance and convenience of removability, allowing you to keep enjoying your favorite foods without cumbersome brackets and wires. Ready to get started? Book online or call (617) 350-7474.