Your Invisalign® ProviderWhile Invisalign clear aligners are removable and you don't have to wear them all the time, they do come with specific time requirements. Today, our dentists at Toothworks Masonville Place Dental share some information on how long to wear them each day, and why it's so important to your overall treatment.
Invisalign's series of clear, custom aligners that the casual observer will have a tough time spotting on your teeth. These aligners are also removable, so you don't have to be afraid to smile during your treatment.
While you might be tempted to take your aligners out more often than you should, our dentists in Ontario are here to explain why you need to be consistent with wearing your aligners.
Total Treatment Time
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on how misaligned your teeth are. The only way to know for sure how long treatment will ultimately take is to see your dentist for an initial appointment.
Although the aligners will be removable, it is critical that this privilege not be abused. Your treatment progress will be hampered if you leave your Invisalign aligners out for an extended period. The fewer times you wear your aligners, the longer your Invisalign treatment will last.
You won't be able to progress in your treatment unless you wear your aligners, so be sure to follow your dentist's instructions and come to regular checkups.
Time Per Day
Invisalign aligners should be worn between 20 to 22 hours per day. Regardless of your treatment length, you should keep them in your mouth as much as possible daily to see the best results.
You can remove the aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing, but try not to overdo it and be sure to get at least 22 hours of daily wearing time in.
Time Per Aligner
You will be given a set of aligners, which could be as few as 12 or as many as 48. In most cases, you will be required to wear each aligner for approximately two weeks. The general idea is that you will wear it until your teeth have progressed to the next stage of treatment.
If your treatment has progressed in the two-week time frame, you can begin wearing the next aligner in your set. If not, you may need to wear the current one a bit longer.
What Will Happen If You Don't Wear Your Aligners
While the freedom to take your aligners in and out is one of the reasons Invisalign is so popular, it’s important not to abuse the privilege.
Leaving your Invisalign aligners out for too long will impact your treatment progress. The less you wear your aligners, the longer your Invisalign treatment will take.
Your treatment can't progress unless your aligners are worn consistently, so be sure to carefully follow your dentist's instructions and attend your regular checkups to achieve a straighter smile.