Through the years, orthodontics has evolved from rudimentary wires to modern materials and techniques. Invisalign has become the golden standard when it comes to straightening teeth, offering flexibility and discretion. But there’s one important detail that makes it all possible. For the best results, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day! If you’re wondering how you’ll meet that goal, continue reading. You’ll find expert tips to make achieving your wear time much easier.
The 22-Hour Rule and Why It Matters
The 22-hour rule is vital to your treatment because it ensures that your teeth are under consistent pressure. Invisalign works by applying gentle force over time, and missing wear time can slow down your progress or even cause setbacks. So, the closer you stick to the 22-hour goal, the faster you’ll see results and the better quality they’ll be.
Plan For Meals and Snacks
One of the biggest challenges in hitting that 22-hour mark is managing mealtimes. Since you have to remove your aligners to eat and drink (except for water), it’s easy to lose track of time. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Meal Prep: Plan your meals in advance and aim to eat three times a day with limited snacking in between. This minimizes the time your aligners are out of your mouth.
- Set a Timer: Use your phone’s timer to track how long your aligners are out during meals. Use this information to keep your total eating time at 2 hours or less.
Make Invisalign Part of Your Regular Routines
Incorporating essential Invisalign tasks into your daily schedule can help you meet your wear time goals without even thinking about it!
- In the Morning: After brushing your teeth in the morning, pop your aligners back in right away. The longer you wait, the easier it is to forget.
- Before Bed: Make your aligners part of your nighttime ritual. Brush, floss, and wear your aligners before bed, so you’re not tempted to leave them out while winding down.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Keeping your aligners clean will not only help them stay clear, but will also prevent bacteria, discomfort, and bad smells. Without a good hygiene routine, you may not enjoy putting your aligners in at all, let alone keeping them in for hours!
- Quick Rinse: When you take your aligners out to eat, give your mouth a quick rinse before putting them back in. This washes away food particles that could make your aligners uncomfortable.
- Deep Cleaning: Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a clear, scentless soap daily to keep your Invisalign aligners to keep them fresh.
Sticking to the 22-hour rule isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it! With a little discipline and planning, you’ll be on your way to Invisalign success in no time! Celebrate your progress along the way and remember that every hour counts towards achieving your dream smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Mayank Patel and Dr. Ka Biu Ip are passionate about helping their patients achieve smiles that will light up a room. With state-of-the-art dental technology and trusted treatments like Invisalign, they do just that. So, if you’re ready to transform your smile, they have the experience and the tools to make it happen. Call (905) 821-0011 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Meadowvale Family Dentistry or visit our website to learn more about the treatments and services we offer.