A Day In The Life of a Patient With Invisalign

Teens and adults who are looking for the right orthodontic solution often ask what life is like with Invisalign as opposed to regular braces. While the lifestyle changes that are needed during treatment are well-discussed within our culture after decades of normalized experiences with them during adolescence and later, aligner trays are relatively new, so it’s natural that people have more questions about them.

How to Wear Aligner Trays

Clear tray systems for changing your smile’s alignment work a lot like retainers for the day-to-day user, with a few necessary adjustments. For example, retainers are usually only worn at night and during certain activities. Aligners, on the other hand, are worn for 22 to 23 hours every day, even during regular activities. In that way, they are a lot more like braces. They can be removed at will, though, so that makes eating and drinking much easier. Simply take out the trays at meal time and put them back in when you are done. The window for removal each day is only long enough for meals, though, so make sure to put them back in and sleep with them, too.

Lifestyle Changes Patients Need to Make

In addition to the 22 hour a day minimum time wearing the aligners, patients should plan to make these extra habits part of their day during treatment.

• Taking out and cleaning the trays during your morning routine

• Brushing and flossing between eating and putting aligners back in

• Avoiding sugary beverages except at meal times when the aligners are out

• Cleaning the aligners in the evening as part of your nightly routine

Since the trays have to be in for at least 22 hours every day, you’re also going to need to curb your snacking. The good news, though, is that when you remove the trays for meals you can eat anything you like, because you won’t have any concerns about food being caught in your aligners.

Invisalign Teen For Help Monitoring Use

The biggest challenge young adopters of Invisalign is forgetting to put trays back in soon enough to meet the 22 hour a day minimum wear time. That’s why the teen version of this aligner system has a blue compliance dot that goes away when they’ve been worn enough during the last 24 hours. If you see the dot, you know you need to get the trays back in your mouth immediately.

Make An Appointment with Your Local Invisalign Provider

Doleski & Wolford is here for all your orthodontic needs. Contact us for a consultation appointment if you have any questions about which orthodontic treatment would be right for you.