One of the most important parts of Invisalign treatment is keeping your aligners in for the recommended 22 hours a day. This wear time ensures your teeth move according to plan, helping you stay on track and finish your treatment on schedule. Missing even a little time each day can delay progress, cause discomfort, or even require you to wear a set of aligners for longer. If you’re wondering how to make that 22-hour goal a reality, here are some practical tips to help you succeed.
Understand Why Wear Time Matters
Invisalign aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to shift your teeth into place. If you remove them too often or for too long, your teeth can start to shift back toward their old positions. This can set your treatment back and, in some cases, mean ordering replacement trays. Knowing the “why” behind the rule makes it easier to stick to it.
Time Your Meals and Snacks
The biggest wear-time killer? Frequent snacking. Since you need to remove aligners every time you eat or drink anything other than water, too many snack breaks can cut into your hours. To help, stick to three main meals a day and plan your snacks strategically so you’re not taking your aligners out repeatedly.
Keep Them in While Drinking Water
Plain water is the only drink you can have with your aligners in. Make it your go-to beverage during the day to avoid extra removal time. Plus, staying hydrated helps keep your mouth fresh and clean between brushing sessions.
Brush and Rinse Efficiently
After eating, you should brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Keep a small dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your bag or at work. Being prepared helps you quickly get back on track without losing precious wear time.
Use a Timer or Tracker App
Many Invisalign patients find success using apps or phone timers to track their daily wear time. Some even come with reminders to put your aligners back in after meals. This is especially helpful during busy days when it’s easy to lose track of time.
Minimize Long Breaks
It’s tempting to leave your aligners out for special occasions, like dinners out or social events. If you do, be mindful of the clock and pop them back in as soon as possible. Remember, the more consistent you are, the less likely you’ll need to extend your treatment.
Put Them Back in Immediately After Eating
Instead of letting your aligners sit on the counter after meals, make it a habit to clean your teeth and put them back in right away. The faster you return them to your mouth, the closer you’ll stay to your daily goal.
Meeting your 22-hour wear time with Invisalign isn’t difficult if you plan ahead, stay consistent, and make it a daily priority. By building smart habits, you’ll help your aligners do their job efficiently—getting you to your new smile on time or even ahead of schedule.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years. He graduated second in his class from the Emory University School of Dentistry before completing a periodontal specialty residency. Over the years, Dr. Hoop has continued his education through training at prestigious organizations like the Pikos Institute, the Misch International Implant Institute, the Dawson Academy, and the Pankey Institute. If you’re looking for an expert team to handle your Invisalign treatment, schedule an appointment with us online or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.