Your Invisalign® Provider
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are made from transparent plastic, that people will be hard-pressed to see when they are being worn. They can also be removed, so you won't have to feel embarrassed showing off your smile during treatment.
While it may be tempting to take out your aligners more often than prescribed, today our North York dentists explain the reasons why you have to be consistent when wearing your aligners during your treatment.
Duration of Treatment
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on how misaligned your teeth are. The only way to know for sure how long treatment will ultimately take is to visit your dentist.
Even though the aligners are removable, it’s critical not to abuse the privilege. Leaving your Invisalign aligners out for too long will impact your treatment progress. The less you wear your aligners, the longer your Invisalign treatment will take.
Your treatment can't progress unless you wear your aligners, so be sure to follow your dentist's instructions and attend regular checkups.
Time Per Day
Usually, Invisalign aligners have to be worn approximately 20 to 22 hours a day. It doesn't matter how long your treatment is, we highly recommend keeping them in your mouth as much as possible every day to get optimal results.
You are able to take your aligners out to eat and drink, as well as brush and floss your teeth. However, do your best not to overdo it and get at least 22 hours of wear time each day.
Time Per Aligner
You will receive a set of aligners - as few as 12 or as many as 48. In most cases, you will wear each aligner for about two weeks. The general idea is that you'll wear it until your teeth move to the next stage of treatment.
If your treatment has progressed in the two-week time frame, you can begin wearing the next aligner in your set. If not, you may need to wear the current one a bit longer.
What Happens When You Don't Wear Your Aligners
While the freedom to take your aligners in and out is one of the reasons Invisalign is so popular, it’s important not to abuse the privilege.
Leaving your Invisalign aligners out for too long will impact your treatment progress. The less you wear your aligners, the longer your Invisalign treatment will take.
Your treatment can't progress unless your aligners are worn consistently, so be sure to carefully follow your dentist's instructions and attend your regular checkups to achieve a straighter smile.