How Often Do the Aligners Have to Be Worn?

One of the first questions asked by patients looking into invisible teeth-straightening solutions is “How Often Do Invisalign Aligners Have to Be Worn?”

Our orthodontists advise that theInvisalign aligners need to be worn as often as possible. This is so as not to risk delay to the treatment time, ensuring teeth are moving at the optimal rate. Ideally, this is a minimum of 20 hours per day for the duration of treatment. For most patients, treatment will last between six and eighteen months. With the average being about twelve months.

The aligners can be removed while drinking, eating, cleaning the trays and brushing teeth. Whilst smoking, playing a musical instrument, or playing contact sports the trays can also be removed. Each moment that the trays are not on the teeth is a moment that they are not working to improve your smile.

How Many Hours a Day Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Aligners?

For most patients, around the clock wear translates to 20-22 hours every day for the duration of treatment. Generally this is between six and eighteen months, with the average being 12 months. Most dentists lean toward the maximum number of hours.

While that may seem insufferable, just keep in mind that the traditional metal variety of braces require patients to wear the system for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 2 or so hours of break allowed each day during the Invisalign treatment is certainly an advantage.

What Is the Invisalign System?

The Invisalign system is an effective and innovative orthodontic treatment. Invisalign uses pressure from the moulded trays to move teeth and create a straighter smile. The innovative treatment allows for results without patients having to wear traditional metal braces 24 hours a day for the duration of treatment. Invisalign works with custom-fitted, clear aligner trays that snap into place over the teeth for comfort and almost-invisible wear.

How Often Do Invisalign Aligners Have to Be Worn? What if I Wear Them Less Often?

Wearing the aligner trays as directed by your dental professional will ensure you get the best results for a straighter, more attractive smile in as short a time as possible. If you wear your aligners less often in a day, you might still get the same results, but your overall treatment time & how long it takes to straighten teeth will take longer.