You’re not alone if you want a straighter smile but prefer to avoid the frustration and discomfort often associated with traditional braces. Many teens and adults alike choose Invisalign, which utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth to exert consistent but gentle pressure to shift them to their ideal places.
But these clear aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours daily to be effective, and some patients struggle to meet this wear-time requirement. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can help you stay on track with your treatment!
Tip #1: Stick to a Routine
Did you know that sources have reported that it takes an average of 66 days to develop a new habit? That means it might take several months to develop new habits, like learning when to remove your aligners and how long to leave them out of your mouth before reinserting them.
Consistency is key when you’re learning a new routine. For example, setting a regular schedule so cleanings and meals happen at the same time each day can help you implement any necessary lifestyle changes when you start treatment and make it easier to stick with them as you progress.
Tip #2: Wear Them Overnight
You might feel less inclined to keep your aligners inserted if they feel uncomfortable, and it’s normal to feel some sensitivity or tenderness when you start wearing a new set. If you’re tempted to remove them more often to ease the aches, it might help to switch to new trays before bed.
This lets the worst discomfort happen while you’re asleep, so your mouth has acclimated by the time you wake up. Then, ensuring they’re inserted before bed ongoing can be an easy way to complete several hours’ worth of uninterrupted wear time.
Tip #3: Use an App
Another simple but effective way to track how long you’ve worn your trays is by using special apps built to help you. Options like TrayMinder, TrayJourney, and My Invisalign have built-in wear time trackers as well as other benefits, such as reminders for switching trays, options to include progress photos, or can connect directly with your provider for virtual monitoring and easier check-ins.
If you’re new to Invisalign and are still struggling to meet the required wear time after trying these tips, your orthodontist may have additional suggestions tailored to your unique circumstances. You can contact their office directly for more information!
About the Practice
Patients at Serenity Orthodontics benefit from two experts who are passionate about helping people of all ages improve their dental health and enhance their appearance by straightening their smiles. Dr. Lewis and Dr. Kim are highly accomplished individually, and today they collaborate to offer a variety of orthodontic services, including Invisalign, to meet your and your family’s unique needs. Their caring approach, combined with advanced technology, yields beautiful, accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling one of their conveniently located offices near you!
