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 Ottawa 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 a minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day. For the treatment to be effective, they must essentially remain in your mouth for as long as possible.
Invisalign Clear Aligners can be removed temporarily for eating, cleaning, or flossing. Unlike traditional braces, you should not be limited in what you can eat as long as you remove them before eating.
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.
If the shift occurs within the expected two-week time frame, you can move on to the next aligner in your treatment plan. If not, you'll have to wear them for a longer period.
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 will hurt the progress of your treatment. The less you wear your aligners, the longer it will take you to finish your Invisalign treatment.
So, make sure to follow your dentist's advice and stick to your commitment to having a more attractive smile.
Another disadvantage of not wearing your Invisalign Clear Aligners for the recommended hours is discomfort.
The first few days after a new tray is placed are the most critical of all. Certain teeth will be strained, and you will be aware of it. Every day, your trays must be left in place for at least 20-22 hours.
If you do not wear your Invisalign Clear Aligners for an extended period, your teeth may regress to their original positions. When you put your aligners back in, you'll feel the same discomfort you did before.