When you align your smile with Invisalign, you get the freedom to take your aligners off so you can eat and clean your teeth and gums without restrictions. But you still need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day for your treatment to work. If you’re struggling to make your daily wear commitment, here are some tips for how to maximize your tray-free time.
Create a Schedule
If you’re struggling to stay on track, an easy way to determine how to divide your time is to create a schedule and stick to it. Here’s a good sample schedule that might work for you:
- 15 minutes for breakfast
- 15 minutes for snack
- 30 minutes for lunch
- 60 minutes for dinner
This breakdown includes time built in for your oral hygiene routine, so be sure you don’t exceed these times without caring for your teeth and gums!
Aligner Tracking Apps
If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are a few helpful apps available that can assist you in tracking your daily aligner use. These may require a purchase, however this can be well worth the investment if they help you stay on schedule.
Multitask
While you already have your aligners out for meals, do double-duty and soak them in warm water and cleaning crystals while you eat dinner. This way, you won’t need to spend extra time cleaning them when you’re done, and you’ve just earned yourself a bit more meal time!
Don’t Forget Your Hygiene
Don’t spend the entire 2 hours eating and drinking. It’s essential to the health of your teeth and gums that you properly clean them before you put your aligners back on. Thus, be sure to alot the appropriate amount of time to hygiene practices including brushing and flossing.
Advance Advice
When you’re ready to advance to the next set of aligners, experts recommend you do it at bedtime. This way, you can sleep through the most uncomfortable part of treatment, and hopefully your mouth will be feeling much better by the time you’re awake. That, and you’ll be less likely to want to remove them and take away from your aligner-free time that day.
Remember, Invisalign offers a lot more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces, but in order for your treatment to work properly, you need to meet your 22 hour a day wear requirement. Try these tips to help ensure that you stay on track with your beautiful new smile!
About Dr. Shekhadiya
Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya is a compassionate and caring dentist who strives to provide his patients with the most comprehensive and advanced treatment possible. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile but hesitant to commit to braces, Invisalign can be an excellent option. To learn more about if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, schedule a consultation with Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton. Dr. Shekhadiya can explain the benefits of aligners and help get you started on the road to a more beautiful smile!
To book your consultation, please visit our website or call us today at 469-694-3766.