How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign®?

 

Wish straightening teeth was possible without traditional metal braces? Well, it is with clear aligners from our Grand Rapids, MI, Invisalign® dentists! Like the name suggests, Invisalign treatment consists of a custom series of nearly invisible aligners that gradually straighten your teeth over time. On average, results can be achieved in 12 to 18 months, though each patient is different.

Here’s what you need to know about the length of clear aligner treatment.

How Long Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Per Day?

You should wear your custom clear aligners between 20 and 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule. While you may feel some slight discomfort when you first wear Invisalign, it’s important that you continue wearing your clear dental aligners as directed by our dentists. Otherwise, you won’t be able to make progress as quickly as you’d like.

Can You Eat With Your Invisalign On?

No, you can’t eat while wearing Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable so you can continue eating your favorite foods during treatment. This means that you won’t have to stay away from foods that are hard to chew, like caramel, corn on the cob, or whole apples. Just be sure to take the aligners out before enjoying a snack or full meal.

Remember to also gently clean your clear aligners and entire mouth after eating with a soft-bristled toothbrush and either non-abrasive toothpaste (no charcoal or whitening) or clear unscented soap. Be careful not to be too rough or you risk scratching or dulling the surface. Do not soak them in mouthwash as alcohol within the mixture can distort your aligners and the colored dye can cause discoloration. Same advice goes whether it’s Invisalign for adults or teen patients.

The following are acceptable soaking solutions:

• Small amount of gentle liquid soap (clear, not colored) + a cup of water
• One part vinegar + 3 parts warm water
• Denture cleanser

When Will I See Invisalign Results?

The average Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. However, each patient is different, which is why it’s important to schedule an Invisalign consultation with our team. The length of your treatment will depend on many factors, including how consistently you wear your teeth aligners and the severity of your case. For example, clear aligner therapy could be longer if you need to correct a slight overbite.

Minor spacing issues or very mild crowding, on the other hand, may be corrected in as little as 6 months, while more severe misalignment may require up to 24 months of treatment with clear aligners. Our local Invisalign dentists can speak with you about your specific situation so you’re aware of what to expect moving forward.

Do I Have to Wear Retainers After Invisalign?

Once you’ve finished straightening teeth with clear aligners, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. However, it’s important that you wear your custom retainer as directed by our Invisalign dentists. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift to their original positions.

While you may not see your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. Your retainers will fit for as long as you consistently wear them.

It’s normal for your teeth to slightly shift once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer from our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation

Our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, offer clear aligner treatment so you can straighten teeth and smile with confidence. To schedule an appointment, call Contemporary Family Dental today at (616) 209-3969.

This blog post has been updated.