Overcrowded or crooked teeth can detract from your dental health and appearance. Fortunately, Invisalign is a discreet and effective solution that can give you a confident smile. This alternative orthodontic method utilizes clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth to gently shift them to their ideal placements instead of relying on bulky metal brackets.
However, to be effective, you’ll need to have the trays in your mouth for 22 hours every day so your pearly whites don’t return to their previous positions. If this seems like an impossible feat, keep reading to learn 4 tips that can help you wear your aligners as long as necessary!
Tip #1: Remove Your Aligners for A Set Amount of Time
Having your aligners in your mouth for 22 hours every day means that you essentially will only remove them for meals and cleanings. If you leave them out too long, however, your teeth could start to drift back to their original places. Setting a timer for meals and cleanings can help ensure you put them back in before it’s too late. You can try for 15 minutes at breakfast, 30 for lunch, and about an hour for dinner- or whatever works best for your personal schedule.
Tip #2: Switch to New Trays Before Bed
You’ll be given a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. It’s normal for your teeth and gums to feel somewhat tender when you initially insert new trays, and you might be tempted to take them out to give your mouth a break. To avoid removing them, try to switch to the new set before bed. That way, you’ll sleep through the most uncomfortable hours and will already be more well-adjusted by morning.
Tip #3: Multi-Task to Save Time
You already know you’ll need to take your Invisalign out to eat, so why not use that time to also wash them clean? That way, you won’t have to remove them again to scrub them later. Cleaning them during your meal breaks consolidates how much time they spend out of your mouth, so you’re more likely to wear them for the full 22 hours every day.
Tip #4: Use an App
If you’re not sure how long you’ve been wearing your Invisalign, downloading an app like TrayMinder can help you track when they’re in and when they’re not. Once you start to see certain patterns, you can adjust your regular habits to ensure that your aligners are worn long enough to keep your treatment timeline on track.
Wearing your Invisalign for the allotted time every day keeps your teeth moving in the right direction!
About the Practice
At Gentle Dentistry Sparta, patients benefit from two skilled dentists who work together to offer a full array of services under one roof. They take patient comfort seriously and offer amenities like OraSpa therapeutic dental treatments so that you feel relaxed during your visit. They combine a compassionate approach and welcome atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment for enhanced comfort and more accurate results. If you’re suffering from crooked teeth and are interested in Invisalign, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (973) 729-9044.