Starting Invisalign is an exciting step toward achieving the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted—but in order for your treatment to be successful, one key factor makes all the difference: consistency. Invisalign aligners need to be worn for around 22 hours each day to move your teeth as planned. While that might sound like a lot, a few simple lifestyle adjustments and good habits can make this very easy! Here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Track Your Wear Time Accurately
Sometimes, it’s easy to lose track of how long your aligners have been out, especially during busy days. But you should do what you can to track your wear time! Look at your watch or a clock, or set a reminder or timer on your phone. This small habit helps to ensure that you’re hitting the all-important 22-hour mark every single day.
2. Plan Meals & Snacks Carefully
Since Invisalign aligners need to be removed for eating, snacking often between meals can actually greatly impact your wear time. Try to group your meals and snacks together to limit how often you’re taking your aligners out. This approach not only keeps you on schedule but can also benefit your oral and overall health. Don’t forget to rinse your aligners and brush your teeth after meals!
3. Keep Your Aligners with You
Life happens, and you might get busy at work, feel swamped studying for classes, go out to eat with family or friends, or take a much-needed vacation—but no matter where you go, bring your aligners with you! Take their carrying case too, so you always have a safe place to store them when you aren’t wearing them. If you have them with you, you’re more likely to wear them and keep your treatment progressing.
4. Switch Aligners on Schedule
Your orthodontist will provide a detailed treatment plan concerning when it’s time to switch to each new set of aligners, but you can expect this to happen every couple of weeks. Staying on top of this step is just as important as wearing the aligners 22 hours each day; your teeth will need the new aligners to continue shifting as planned! It’s also not a bad idea to swap to your new set of trays at nighttime, so that you’re sleeping through the first few hours when they’ll feel the most uncomfortable.
Wearing your Invisalign aligners as directed will fast-track your smile to the beautiful results you’re looking for—remember that every single hour counts!
About the Practice
If you’re ready to achieve all of your orthodontic goals, our team here at Simply Orthodontics Holliston is here to help! We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages in Holliston and the surrounding area, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today. Telephone: (508) 429-7800.