At Susan Ellison Dentistry & Cosmetics, we’re all about empowering patients with clear, confident smiles. That’s why Invisalign is such a popular option for many of our patients! But just like any orthodontic treatment, achieving optimal results with Invisalign requires a bit of teamwork. One of the most crucial aspects of this partnership? Consistent wear time.
Why Wear Invisalign 24/7 (Even When Eating)?
Many other dental providers may suggest that one of the key benefits of Invisalign is the ability to remove them when you want for things like eating, speaking, photos, etc. But, we hope to provide some answers as to why our team, and Dr. Ellison, do not recommend removing them at all – in fact, you can even leave your aligners in when:
- Eating
- Swimming
- Photos
- Talking
- Drinking
- Outdoor Activities
Of course – we still want you to remove the aligners for routine dental hygiene (daily brushing/flossing).
The Process of Moving Teeth Into Alignment
Teeth move by putting pressure on the teeth which puts pressure on the bone and causes it to break down so that the tooth can move forward and then bone fills in behind the tooth. Leaving the aligners in and eating in them with the proper forces on the teeth from the aligners enhances the movement of the teeth in the right, desired direction.
When you take the aligners out, you no longer have the pressure on the teeth to keep them moving in the right direction and allow the bone to fill in behind them. And even worse, if you eat without them, you are now putting force on your teeth in the wrong direction!
Bottom Line
Eating in your aligners stimulates and enhances the desired movement. Eating without them is a double whammy. Not only do you take the pressure off, but now you are putting pressure in the wrong direction which will take twice as long to get it back on track.
Doing the Math
Let’s say you take them out to eat for 1 hour, 3 times daily. That’s 3 hours a day for 7 days a week (that’s now 21 hours you are behind). Almost a full day behind every week and over 20 weeks, that’s almost 20 days off! On top of that, you eat without them and now you have moved in a negative direction at least 3 times a day for one hour, so you lose another 21-24 hours a week. In total, you are losing 2 out of 7 days a week (or 40 days over 20 weeks).
Therefore, it is not likely that you will get the results designed for you in the treatment plan, and will require additional aligners and time to get your desired results.
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- Before
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- After
The Benefits of Consistent Wear
There’s more to consistent wear than just achieving your desired smile faster. Here’s why keeping those aligners in for 24 hours a day is a win-win:
- Improved Comfort: The constant pressure of the aligners helps your teeth adjust to their new positions more quickly. Removing them frequently can lead to initial discomfort upon reinsertion.
- Reduced Treatment Time: Consistent wear time minimizes the risk of delays and ensures you’re on track to achieve your dream smile within the projected timeframe. At our office, we help our patients reach their desired results in as little as 6 months – with the potential to speed up your results!
- Better Predictability: When you wear your aligners as prescribed, it allows for more predictable tooth movement, minimizing the need for adjustments further down the line.
- Enhanced Confidence: Seeing visible progress throughout your treatment journey can be incredibly motivating. Consistent wear time ensures you’ll notice that progress sooner!
Making Invisalign Work for You
We understand that life happens. Here are some tips to help you rock your Invisalign wear time:
- Invest in cleaning supplies: Keep your aligners fresh and stain-free with a cleaning solution and a travel-sized toothbrush.
- Stay hydrated (with water): This keeps your mouth healthy and flushes away any food particles that might get trapped under your aligners.
Remember, you’re not alone! Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Dr. Ellison is a Platinum Invisalign Provider and has helped nearly 1,000 Invisalign patients get the smile of their dreams. She’ll answer your questions, address any concerns, and be your cheerleader throughout your Invisalign journey.
Ready to unlock a straighter smile with Invisalign? Schedule a consultation today!