How many hours do you have to wear Invisalign each day?

The success of your Invisalign treatment is reliant on your ability to follow the instructions provided by your dentist throughout treatment. Here's some advice from our Halifax dentists on how long you should keep your Invisalign Clear Aligners each day.

One of the advantages of Invisalign's clear, removable aligners is that you don't have to wear them all of the time. Invisalign treatment might take anywhere from six months to a year, sometimes maybe even longer, depending on how badly misaligned your teeth are and how long you keep your aligners in each day. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with your Halifax dentist.

How many hours per day should I wear my Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Regardless of the length of your treatment, the Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. They must essentially remain in your mouth as long as possible for the treatment to be successful.

Invisalign Clear Aligners can be temporarily removed for eating, cleaning, or flossing your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, you should not be restricted in terms of what you may eat as long as you remove them before you consume anything.

How long do I have to wear each Invisalign Clear Aligner?

A patient should expect to wear an Invisalign Clear Aligner for about two weeks before switching to the next one. The basic idea is that you will wear each aligner until your teeth are completely comfortable and very loosely contained within it.

Assuming that the shift occurs within the anticipated two-week time frame, you can proceed to the next aligner in your treatment regimen. If not, you'll probably have to keep them on for a longer period of time.

What happens if I don't wear my Invisalign Aligners for the recommended daily time?

While the ability to take your Invisalign Clear Aligners in and out at your leisure is one of the reasons Invisalign is so popular, it is vital not to take advantage of this opportunity.

Leaving your Invisalign Clear Aligners out for an extended period of time will have a negative influence on your treatment progress. The less you wear your aligners, the longer it will probably take you to complete your Invisalign treatment.

So make sure to follow your dentist's recommendations and keep up with your commitment to creating a more attractive smile.

Another disadvantage of not wearing your Invisalign Clear Aligners for the recommended hours is discomfort. The first few days following the placement of a new tray are the most important. Certain teeth will be strained, and you will notice it. Every day, your trays must be left in place for at least 20-22 hours.

Not wearing your Invisalign Clear Aligners for an extended period of time makes it possible that your teeth will somewhat regress back to their original positions. Then when you put your aligners back in, you'll feel that original discomfort all over again. 

If you believe yourself ready for Invisalign Clear Aligners, or if you think you'd be a good candidate, contact our Halifax dentists for a consultation.