What Happens If You Wear Invisalign® Only at Night?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, consistency is key. That’s why Invisalign® dentists instruct their patients to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours every day. In theory, this should allow plenty of time each day for patients to remove their aligners to eat and brush their teeth. However, no one is perfect, and it can be easy to forget to replace your aligners if you’re in the middle of a hectic day… so, what happens then?

What If I Only Wear My Aligners at Night?

Wearing your aligners as instructed is a critical component of keeping your treatment timeline on track. If you’re only wearing your aligners at night, you could be lengthening the amount of time your treatment will take. For one thing, aligners that are worn for too few hours may not effectively move teeth into the desired position. Additionally, teeth tend to shift back to their original positions relatively quickly without constant pressure from the aligners.

Getting the most out of your Invisalign® treatment requires dedication and consistency. If you do find yourself forgetting to wear your aligners throughout the day, your dentist may need to adjust your treatment plan or provide additional guidance for maximizing its effectiveness.

Tips for Maximizing Invisalign® Effectiveness

Here are a few tips to help you stay on track with your Invisalign® treatment:

• Make sure to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
• Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
• Set up reminders or alarms throughout the day to make sure you remember to put your aligners back in. In addition to setting your own reminders, you can also use the reminder feature in the Invisalign® app or use another app, such as TrayMinder.
• Use a case for your aligners so you don’t accidentally lose them when they’re not in use.

Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

If you’re considering Invisalign® as an orthodontic treatment option, the team at Westlake Dental Care is here to help. Our experienced dental team can talk to you about your smile goals, habits, and treatment preferences to determine the best options for achieving your dream smile! Contact us today to get started.