How Many Hours a Day Do I Need to Wear Invisalign?

Hi-  I would recommend that you wear your invisalign trays about 21-22 hours a day and then switch them every 2 weeks. If you are wearing them only 18 hours a day, then I would recommend switching aligner trays every 2 1/2 weeks.

It is important to talk with your invisalign doctor and be honest with your amount of wear time so that you and your doctor can come up with an invisalign schedule so that your aligners track well and your teeth progress nicely.

Invisalign trays are made to be worn 22 hours/day for 2 weeks/tray.   An occasional missed hour here and there can be tacked on with an extra day added at the end of the two weeks.  But wearing the trays less than recommended can negatively affect your result. For Invisalign or any orthodontic procedure to work teeth need to have constant, gradual pressure.  When the trays are left out more that two hours, the teeth will tighten up, and then when you put your tray back in, it takes quite a few hours just to reloosen your teeth so they move.  So you have lost the time when your tray was out plus the time to reloosen the teeth each time.  Invisalign is a commitment of finances and time.  The result will be worth your investment.  Make sure you are honest with your dentist about how long you've been wearing your trays so they can recommend the best course forward for you for a great result. Best Wishes!

Hi,


You need to wear Invisalign 22 hours out of 24 a day.
Only when you brush and floss your teeth and when you eat you can take the aligners off.


Sincerely,
Dr. Barba
 

The treatment is based on that number. We give you two hours to eat 3 meals and brush and floss.  Full time wear is a good way to think about it.

I tell all of my Invisalign patients to wear their trays at least 22 out of 24 hours. That would basically mean that you are wearing them all day and night except when you are eating. Be careful when you take them out to eat. Many people like to wrap them in a napkin. Napkins are normally tossed in the trash. Your aligners can get throw in the trash before you realize it. If this happens, put in your previous aligner and see your dentist right away.

Remember, orthodontic movement of your teeth will not happen unless your aligners are in your mouth. The more you wear them, the quicker you get use to them.

How many days is it necessery to wear Invisalign? Well, it depends. How fast do you want to get to your goal of straighter teeth and a great smile. Also if a better results are important to you, then it is imperative to follow your doctors advise. In my office we get great results as long as patient is cooperative in following recommended 22 hours minimum wear. Problem with 18 hours wear is that teeth move back  during the time you are not wearing aligners, prolonging treatment time and making treatment less predictable.

With your dental health in mind,

Michael Ayzin, DDS
Dentistry @ Its Finest