Are you putting off orthodontic treatment at the thought of hassling with brackets and metal wires? Fortunately, you can straighten your teeth without having to deal with such issues. Thanks to Invisalign, you can discreetly and comfortably work towards a straighter, healthier smile. For successful treatment, you’ll need to wear these clear aligners no less than 22 hours per day. Although that may seem like a tall order, your dentist knows some tips that can help you easily meet your required Invisalign wear time in Willow Grove.
How Does Invisalign Work?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand how Invisalign works. The modern orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to gently guide your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks.
They apply slight pressure to a portion of your smile until it is fully aligned. You’ll visit your dentist approximately every six weeks to ensure everything is going according to plan.
Why Does Invisalign Wear Time Matter?
Invisalign gently moves teeth into better alignment via small shifts that occur over several months or longer. The reason why these movements are so gradual is that it ensures the patient feels minimal discomfort throughout the treatment process. Since the aligners are only effective when they’re in contact with teeth, they must be worn for at least 20-22 hours to achieve the desired results.
With that being said, the plastic trays are designed with the assumption that patients will comply with this rule. Neglecting to stick with your treatment plan can lead to complications, discomfort, and even treatment delays.
How to Fulfill Your Daily Plan
Some people find it difficult to meet the recommended 22-hour wear time. Here are some Invisalign tips that can make this feat easily achieved:
- Multitask. When your trays aren’t in your mouth, consider placing them in a glass of water with cleaning crystals so they can disinfect while you’re eating.
- Advance to the next set of trays before bed. By doing so, you can sleep through the initial discomfort and avoid the urge to take your trays out.
- Remove the aligners for a set amount of time. Taking them out for 15 minutes at breakfast, 30 minutes at lunch, and 60 minutes at dinner will provide you with some extra time each day for eating or cleaning your teeth.
- Use an app. An app called Tray Minder can help you track your wear time throughout the day.
Meeting the recommended Invisalign wear time in Willow Grove isn’t as difficult as you may think. By following the tips outlined above from your dentist, you can easily stay on track with your treatment plan and have the smile of your dreams in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Krunal Patel earned his dental doctorate from New York University. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Patel is passionate about serving his community and regularly volunteers in community camps and Free Dentistry Days to give back to those less fortunate. If you are interested in Invisalign, he can help you get the perfect fit for discreet treatment and you can continue to eat your favorite foods along the way. Schedule a consultation on his website or call (215) 659-3334.
