One of the quickest and most discreet ways to straighten your smile is with Invisalign. While this treatment doesn’t come with any food restrictions like traditional braces, there is one important rule: meeting the 22-hour-a-day wear time. Since the aligners only work while being worn, you’ll need to keep up with this schedule to maintain steady progress. Keep reading to learn five simple ways you can make the process easier for meeting your Invisalign wear time!
#1: Track Your Wear Time
It can be easy to lose track of time when you’re eating or having fun, and two hours can go by fairly quickly. For this reason, you’ll want to make the most of the Invisalign app to help log your mealtime or cleaning schedule. You’ll simply hit the timer whenever you take your aligners out and then press it again when you put them back on. Keeping note of how much time passes during your regular oral habits can be a helpful tool in making sure you’re on track with Invisalign.
#2: Brush & Floss Right After Eating
Once you’ve finished enjoying your meal, you’ll need to immediately clean out your mouth. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back on. You’ll be able to avoid food particles and bacteria from accumulating on your trays, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
#3: Plan Your Meals for the Day
Since you’ll have about two hours of “free time,” you’ll likely need to refrain from snacking throughout the day. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can stock up on food that can be both nutritious and filling for you. Try munching on options like oatmeal, pasta, and vegetable soup to help keep you fuller between meals.
#4: Multitask During Mealtime
You’ll be provided with cleaning crystals to help keep your clear aligners bacteria- and stain-free. But when will you have the time to soak them? The best time to do so is while you’re eating your meal! Since you’ll spend about 15-30 minutes on your food, this is the ideal opportunity to soak your aligners to stay clean and fresh for when you wear them again.
#5: Switch Clear Aligners Before Bed
When transitioning to your new sets of trays, you may experience mild discomfort as your teeth get used to the pressure. To avoid the hassle, make sure to switch to your next clear aligners right before bed. This way you can sleep through the more uncomfortable parts of your treatment.
While meeting your 22-hour wear time might seem impossible at first, you can make the process much simpler with these few tips. After 12 to 18 months, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly straightened smile for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran earned her dental doctorate from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She’s also a proud member of several groups like the Pankey Study Club and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. She offers a vast collection of high-quality and comprehensive services, including Invisalign. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call her at 410-729-9090.