If you’ve just started Invisalign treatment, a straighter and healthier smile is on the horizon—but only if your treatment is successful! And the biggest factor when it comes to Invisalign’s success is your willingness to wear the aligners for 22 hours every day. However, some patients encounter difficulties when it comes to wearing their Invisalign trays so frequently. Here’s more about why the 22-hour rule is so crucial along with some tips for ensuring that you’re able to follow it and keep your treatment right on track.
Why the 22-Hour Rule Matters
If the 22-hour rule seems arbitrary or made-up, it isn’t—in fact, there’s a very good reason for it! Invisalign works by slowly shifting your teeth into a straighter and more natural position over the course of time, usually a few months. Since this process is occurring over time, the amount of discomfort you feel is virtually nonexistent! You’ll wear each set of trays for a predetermined amount of time, usually two weeks, before advancing to a new set that matches your teeth’s progress. However, the only way to ensure that your teeth are progressing as intended is by wearing your aligners constantly—22 hours every single day. Even missing a few days or hours can set back your treatment!
Tips for Easily Following the 22-Hour Rule
There are actually several things you can do to make wearing your trays for 22 hours every day much more manageable. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Remove your aligners for a set amount of time each day – You should only be taking your trays out when it’s time to eat; aim to remove them for about 15 minutes at breakfast, half an hour at lunch, an about an hour at dinnertime. This should give you plenty of time to eat and clean your aligners without compromising the 22-hour rule.
- Advance to your new trays before bedtime – When it’s time to advance to your next set of trays, consider swapping them before you go to bed. This way, you’re sleeping through the initial discomfort of wearing new trays.
- Use technology to assist you – Apps like Tray Minder are useful for keeping track of your wear time. Even simply setting a timer whenever you remove them to eat can go a long way.
- Practice good oral habits – Brushing after every meal and flossing daily is extra important if you have Invisalign; this prevents food debris from becoming trapped underneath your aligners.
It’s probably going to take some time for you to master wearing your Invisalign trays—and that’s okay! You shouldn’t expect to be an expert right off the bat; but you should expect to wear them for 22 hours every day. That said, knowing what’s at stake and maintaining good habits can ensure that your treatment isn’t interrupted, and your new smile is delivered right on schedule.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has proudly served patients and families in the Moses Lake, WA area for over 20 years! Dr. Harder received his dental doctorate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a variety of fields. He is also a certified Invisalign provider. If you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact Dr. Harder through his practice’s website or over the phone: (509) 765-4351.