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Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Aligners All the Time?

25/09/2023

Since the first dentists started offering Invisalign treatment at their practices over two decades ago, the world of teeth straightening has never been the same. 

Until that point, teeth straightening typically involved fixed metal braces. And, as effective as braces are, they’re generally fixed to your teeth, meaning they’ll trap food and are often difficult to clean. Also, wearing a more noticeable appliance may make you feel self-conscious. 

Invisalign solved these issues. Clear and removable, straightening your teeth has never been easier! But because you can take your aligner out, you may wonder if you need to wear Invisalign aligners all the time. 

Here’s what you need to know about teeth straightening treatment before getting Invisalign. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

Like traditional braces, Invisalign uses a constant gentle force to move teeth. The patented medical-grade plastic used in Invisalign aligners creates pressure on your teeth. 

Slowly, the aligner moves specific teeth a small amount. Every couple of weeks, you’ll need to swap your aligner for one that’s designed to further the movement. 

How Many Different Invisalign Aligners Will I Need?

Throughout your treatment, you’ll need to swap your aligner roughly every two weeks. Although it may look exactly the same as the previous one, your new aligner is slightly different and is the next step in your treatment journey. Each aligner creates a small tooth movement. After multiple stages, your teeth will have noticeably moved and look straight. 

Every treatment is different, and the number of aligners you need will depend on your specific case. Mild crowding issues and small gaps between teeth can often be addressed after wearing approximately twelve different aligners. More complex crowding and bite issues may require considerably more steps. 

How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Take?

Because treatments differ, you may need to wear your aligner for a few months, or it could take around two years to perfect your smile. 

Before your treatment begins, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth and jaws. We use these images in state-of-the-art software to create precise treatment plans that accurately predict every slight movement. 

Using this software, we can determine your expected treatment length and predict how your smile will look after treatment. 

Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Aligners All the Time?

Along with the fact that Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, the fact they’re removable is an attractive benefit. This means you can take them out at mealtimes so you won’t have to worry about food becoming trapped. Similarly, you can remove them when brushing your teeth. Taking your aligner out also makes it easier to keep clean. 

Although you can take your aligners out whenever you want, we suggest keeping them in as much as possible. 

Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth. They’re made of smooth, lightweight plastic. This ensures maximum comfort. In fact, your aligner is so comfortable that after you’ve worn it for a few days, you’ll forget it’s there and sleeping wearing it won’t cause any issues. 

To get the expected results from your treatment, we suggest only taking out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Taking your aligner out for the occasional photo won’t cause an issue; just remember to put it back in. 

How Many Hours Do I Need to Wear My Aligner For?

Ideally, you should wear your aligner for at least 22 hours daily. Removing it for prolonged periods of time could affect the outcome of your treatment. 

When you take your aligner out, keep it clean and safe. Storing your aligner in a case will reduce the risk of damage. 

If your aligner becomes damaged, get in touch with us immediately, and we’ll advise you on the next steps. 

Invisalign in Canary Wharf

Invisalign is a popular and effective teeth straightening treatment. Many people love Invisalign because you can remove the aligner whenever necessary. 

To get the full benefits of your Invisalign treatment, wear your aligner all day and night, removing it only at mealtimes or for cleaning. 

Interested in Invisalign? Call us today to schedule your consultation.