Since there aren’t any dietary restrictions, there are fewer check-in visits, and no special oral hygiene products are needed, Invisalign has a reputation for being hassle-free. Of course, there is one rule: you need to wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day. If you consistently miss the mark, then your teeth won’t move as anticipated and, as a result, your treatment timeline will be extended. If you’re currently having some trouble, keep reading to learn five habits that will help make wearing your Invisalign aligners for the recommended amount of time easy.
1. Only Take Your Aligners Out When Absolutely Necessary
Oftentimes, patients get in the habit of taking their aligners out when their teeth are a bit sore, they are going on a date, or before they give a presentation at work. If you do this consistently, then treatment plan delays are inevitable. So, get in the habit of only removing them when absolutely necessary, like before eating or brushing your teeth.
2. Brush Your Teeth Immediately After Each Meal
Instead of waiting 20, 30, or 40 minutes to brush your teeth, do so right away! The sooner you do, the sooner you can put your aligners back on. Although it may seem small, habits like this can go a long way in helping you stay on-track with your treatment plan.
3. Keep Snacking to a Minimum
If you dedicate 40 minutes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then another 20 minutes to your oral hygiene regimen throughout the day, there isn’t much room for snacks in your schedule. That’s why patients are encouraged to eat well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and satiating meals. Not only will this keep you full, but it will also help prevent other obstacles, like tooth decay!
4. Multitask When You Can
With only a few aligner-free hours throughout the day, multitasking will be your friend. For example, drink your morning coffee with your breakfast instead of separately! It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of soaking your aligners in a dentist-recommended cleaner while you eat dinner instead of while you scroll through social media at night.
5. Find a Way to Track Your Wear Time
Without a timer, you’ll be flying blind. So, use the stopwatch on your phone to track your wear time throughout the day. You can also use the Invisalign app, which has a timer as well as other perks, like reminders on when to change to your next set of aligners in the series!
About the Practice
At Sunset Avenue Dental, we have a dedicated, experienced, and detail-oriented dentist leading the way, Dr. Bollin. In addition to being named one of America’s Top Dentists by his peers, he has pursued advanced training in orthodontics and has been an Invisalign provider since 2005. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation or you have a question about your clear aligner treatment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (479) 419-9991.