Why 22 Hours a Day?

Your teeth need constant force to move out of their current position, but having your aligners in all the time just isn't possible. Instead, you are given 22 hours as a guideline so that you have time to eat or play without affecting your treatment plan. 22 hours may sound long, but when it comes to your aligners, the longer you have them in, the better.

How Can I Wear Them That Long?

Your aligners are made to be on your teeth all the time. You only need to take them out for three things:

• Eating. Do not eat or drink with your aligners in, as foods and drink might damage them. Brush your teeth before you put them back on so you don't trap any food and accelerate decay.
• High-Contact Activities. If you have a mouth guard for any of your regular activities, take your aligners out before putting it on.
• Cleaning. After sitting in your mouth all day, your aligners do need to be cleaned periodically, and not just with water. You'll need a special rinse to kill any bacteria growing on them.

What Happens If I Wear Them Less Than 22 Hours?

• Extended Treatment Time. By wearing your aligners less than 22 hours a day, you are applying less force to your teeth, moving them more slowly than planned.
• Stagnation or Regression. If you wear your aligners too little, your teeth may not move at all or actually begin to move back out of alignment, leaving them under greater pressure longer than necessary.


At Midtown Dental Care, we want you to get the most out of your treatment as quickly as possible. Contact us today with any questions about how you can fit Invisalign into your lifestyle.