How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign®?

 

Wish you could straighten teeth without traditional metal braces? Ask our Invisalign® dentists in Grand Rapids, MI if you’re a candidate for clear aligners. Like the name suggests, Invisalign are nearly invisible aligners that straighten your teeth little by little. Since Invisalign is removable, you’ll need the willpower and self-discipline to wear your aligners consistently. While Invisalign can straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months, each patient is different. Continue reading to learn how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign to achieve your best smile.

How Long Do I Need to Wear Invisalign Per Day?

You should wear your Invisalign braces 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 teeth 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 your Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign braces 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 or certain types of gum.

Remember to gently clean your clear aligners after eating with a soft toothbrush but be careful not to be too rough or you risk scratching or dulling the surface. There is no need to soak them in mouthwash as the brushing method will clean debris off just fine.

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 appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists. 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, you may need to wear Invisalign braces for longer if you need to correct a slight overbite.

Do I Have to Wear Retainers After Invisalign?

Once you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. However, it’s important that you wear your retainer as directed by our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI. 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 braces. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.

Ready for Straight Teeth?

Our cosmetic dentists offer Invisalign so you can straighten teeth and smile with confidence. To request an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, call Contemporary Family Dental at (616) 209-3969.