How Many Hours a Day Should You Wear Invisalign?
Getting a straighter smile with Invisalign is easier than ever, but the real question is: how long do you have to wear your Invisalign® each day?
Wear Your Invisalign Aligners 20–22 Hours Daily
For the best results, we recommend keeping your Invisalign aligners in for 20–22 hours a day. You only need to take them out for essential activities like eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth and the aligners. Sticking to this schedule helps your teeth move efficiently, and keeps your treatment on track.
Why Consistency Matters
Even a few hours off each day can slow progress, make the aligners feel uncomfortable for longer, and allow teeth to shift back toward their original position. Wearing them consistently gives the gentle, constant pressure your teeth need to straighten effectively and finish treatment on schedule. This way, you can enjoy straighter teeth sooner!
When Can You Remove Your Invisalign?
- For good oral hygiene
Remove your invisalign when you need to brush your teeth in the morning, after meals, and before sleeping at night. You also need to take it off so you can clean it properly, and before you floss.
- Before eating
Take out the aligner before meals to protect it from stains and damage from the food you eat. This includes snacks as well as full meals, which you’ll be able to enjoy more comfortably.
- When drinking non-water beverages
You don’t need to remove your aligner when drinking water. However, if you’re drinking juice, coffee, or other beverages, we recommend removing it to prevent staining from the coloured drinks.
To stay on track with your treatment and see the best results, it’s important to wear your aligners for around 22 hours each day.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Invisalign Aligners Long Enough?
- Delayed results
Teeth straightening results could take longer to achieve if you don’t wear the aligner for the recommended time daily. Missing a few hours leads to less pressure applied on your teeth, so they won’t move quickly and effectively to a straighter position.
- Longer discomfort
The aligner may feel uncomfortable for longer if you don’t use it regularly for 22 hours every day.
- Teeth shifting
Your teeth could go back to their original position when you don’t use the aligner long enough, defeating the purpose of the orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
You need to wear Invisalign for 22 hours a day to maximise the teeth orthodontic treatment. Wearing your aligner for shorter than the recommended time daily would result in less pressure that straightens your teeth. Doing so may also lead to a longer treatment time, so it’s best to remove the aligner only when necessary.
Want to straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign? Contact us now to set an appointment in either of our clinics in East Grinstead (and Crawley) and Rochester.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long to Wear Invisalign Aligners
1. Why do I need to remove the aligner when eating?
To keep them safe from being damaged and stained by the food you eat.
2. Can I wear it again without tooth brushing after a meal?
If brushing your teeth after a meal isn’t possible, you can just use water to rinse your mouth and the aligner before putting it back on.
3. Is it safe to wear Invisalign while I sleep?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe and highly recommended.
4. Why do I need to wear my aligners while sleeping?
While you sleep, the aligners will continue to straighten your teeth and protect them from shifting out of place.
5. Can I drink water without taking them off?
Yes, it’s fine to do this if you’re only drinking water. Otherwise, you need to take them off if you’re going to drink coloured drinks.
6. What happens if I use the aligners for just 20 hours or less every day?
These missed hours will add up over time, resulting in reduced pressure that’s needed to straighten the teeth on schedule.
7. Where should I put the aligners when I take them off?
You can use the cases provided by your dentist for this purpose.
8. Should I remove my aligners for social events?
We don’t recommend doing this. Invisalign is designed to be nearly invisible, so you won’t feel awkward or embarrassed when you smile or speak to other people in social settings. Plus, removing the aligner equals less time for teeth straightening on that day.