How Many Hours a Day Do You REALLY Need to Wear Invisalign?

To achieve successful results with Invisalign treatment, you need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day. The 22-hour rule is the gold standard. At Bryn Mawr Dental Care, Dr. Dillon helps Main Line PA patients understand that consistent wear time is the single most important factor in preventing treatment delays, poor aligner fit, and the need for costly refinement trays.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment here in Bryn Mawr or if you’ve already started wearing clear aligners, you’ve probably heard about the importance of wear time. Here’s the truth: the success of your Invisalign treatment doesn’t just depend on the skill of your dentist or the sophistication of the technology. It depends on you. Specifically, it depends on how many hours a day you actually keep those aligners in your mouth.

Hi, my name is David Dillon, and I have owned a dental practice, Dillon Family Dentistry, on the Main Line for more than 50 years. I have personally observed many of my patients who have used Invisalign achieve amazing results after adhering to the wear time for their aligners. However, I have also witnessed the havoc caused by failing to wear the aligners long enough, and it is not a good thing. Here are some facts that you will want to keep in mind regarding the wear time for your aligners with the well-known 22-hour rule, and how to utilize this in your busy life in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania!

The 22-Hour Rule: Not a Suggestion, It’s Your Blueprint

Let me make it very clear: Invisalign treatment will only be effective if you wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day unless otherwise approved by your orthodontist/orthodontic practice (usually), due to the fact of what orthodontists have said in clinical studies & based on years’ worth of clinical studies.

So why the 22-hour rule? It’s that simple; just like with braces – they apply continuous (but gentle) forces on your teeth to make them move – except these are removable.

The difference between traditional braces & Invisalign is that an aligner set is designed to move your teeth a tiny amount at a time (around .25mm). What most people/clients don’t realize is that if you remove the aligners for extended periods of time, your teeth don’t receive enough constant force to consistently be shifted into position, and then your teeth begin to drift backwards when reinserted until you eventually reach a point where no progress is made towards completing treatment.

I advise all my patients in the Bryn Mawr, Villanova, and Ardmore areas to think of Invisalign treatment similar to preparing for a marathon. If you skip half of your training runs, you cannot expect to finish strong; the same holds true for your success with Invisalign treatment. If you wear your aligners only 16 or 18 hours per day, your teeth won’t move as fast as they should and you will experience additional delays, discomfort, and possibly need refinement trays (which we all want to avoid).

What Happens If You Don’t Wear Invisalign Enough?

Life tends to be hectic. You may be coaching your son’s soccer team at Harriton Park, stopping by the Bryn Mawr Film Institute for coffee, or attending a Rotary Club meeting in Ardmore. It can be very tempting to “forget” to wear your aligners for a few extra minutes. Here’s what happens if you do not wear them for the full 22 hours:

Treatment Delays

The hour skipped is added to the total. If the habit of doing so continues. If you wear your aligners for 18 hours every day. Your teeth will not shift as anticipated; therefore, you should wear your aligners for longer periods of time than intended. For example, if treatment was originally planned to be 12 months, and you’ve made multiple mistakes consistently, your total treatment time will be increased to 14-16 months.

Busy professionals and busy parents here in Bryn Mawr will now have to add to their workload by needing to commit to treatment beyond what they intended!

Poor Tray Fit and Tracking Issues

All the time, I get patients who say, “Dr. Dillon, this new tray fits so tight; is that normal?” Sometimes…Yes, sometimes…No! If you did not wear the last tray long enough for the teeth to completely shift into position, then when you attempt to move to the next tray, the new tray will not fit properly. The aligners do not “track” correctly, which means that they are not seated flush against the teeth. This causes discomfort, and sometimes we have no choice but to send you back to the last tray and start again.

Need for Refinement Trays

If you experience an unexpected change in your dental alignment, we could potentially need to create a new set of refinement trays to continue to get your teeth in the proper position. This will result in added time and cost. One of the biggest contributing factors to needing refinement trays, according to Align Technologies (the company that manufactures Invisalign), is not wearing your trays as instructed. Therefore, it would be advantageous for you to simply wear the trays as directed.

Relapse Risk

The “memory” of teeth means that after you wear your aligners occasionally (as opposed to daily), they will eventually begin to revert to their pre-alignment positions; this is referred to as relapse and can undo months of improvements! I’ve experienced multiple patients having long-term interruptions from their use due to a vacation or wedding, returning to a point where their aligner would no longer fit; therefore, new impressions and a subsequent tray were needed – no fun!

Can You Wear Invisalign Less Than 22 Hours a Day?

You can wear them less than 22 hours per day, but you shouldn’t. I get that 22 hours seems extreme. It only leaves 2 hours of the day for eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing your teeth. That’s not much time at all! But the reason for this is simply that the whole purpose of Invisalign is that they are removable aligners that are going to work almost as well as traditional braces, and if you want to achieve this goal, then you must wear them as long as possible.

Some patients ask me, “What if I wear my aligners for 20 hours a day?” The answer is that some people can certainly accomplish this, especially with mild cases. However, anything less than 20 hours per day is a gamble. There are studies that indicate that if a patient does not wear their aligners for at least 20 hours, they have a much higher risk of negative results. Most people believe that they wear their aligners for 20 hours, when in fact they actually wear them closer to 18 hours. We oftentimes underestimate the amount of time that we leave our aligners out of our mouths.

If you are finding yourself consistently struggling to get 20-22 hours per day, please come and see me so we can work together to troubleshoot the issue. Maybe we need to adjust your eating schedule, or maybe you need some help managing discomfort. One way or another, winging it and hoping for the best never goes well.

Do You Sleep with Invisalign In?

Yes! This is a big deal. One of the simplest methods to accumulate wear time on your aligners is by sleeping with them in. Consider this – if you sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, that is almost a third of your daily wear requirement already completed. There is no effort on your part; simply place the aligners in prior to going to bed and keep them there all night long.

Some people have concerns regarding the comfort level of the aligners; however, in general, it only takes most people a few nights to adjust to having them in their mouths. 

A great tip, especially when switching to a different tray, is to do so just prior to going to bed. Since you will be sleeping during this time, you have less awareness of the pressure applied to the aligners initially while sleeping. 

Additionally, if you tend to grind your teeth at night, wearing the aligners while sleeping will help protect your teeth from excessive grinding. The aligners will serve as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, thus minimizing wear and tear from grinding. Overall, that is a win-win!

Invisalign Compliance Tips: How to Actually Hit 22 Hours

Okay, so you know the goal. Now let’s talk strategy. Here’s how my most successful Invisalign patients, the ones who finish on time with beautiful results, make it work:

1. Stick to a Meal Schedule

Plan three meals and perform each one as efficiently as possible. Breakfast in fifteen minutes, lunch in thirty, and dinner in an hour. That is a total of one hour and forty-five minutes, with an additional fifteen minutes left over. I know families are busy in Bryn Mawr, but schedules help. Use Sundays for meal preparation. Pack lunches the night before. Whatever it takes to avoid having to snack all day, which cuts into your wearing time.

2. Limit Snacking and Sipping

Get ready for a rude awakening… no snacky poos with Invisalign. Every single time you take your aligners out for even the smallest snack (one chip), that’s time lost on your treatment. Many of my patients have said that this is a nice benefit to them, though. They have found that they are forced to be more conscientious about what and when they eat. Some even drop some pounds during treatment since they no longer mindlessly snack. BONUS!

You can drink water with your aligners in. You cannot drink coffee, tea, soda, or any other beverage that is sugary or colored with your aligners in. If you do, you will need to brush, rinse, and then put the aligners back in again after drinking those drinks.

3. Always Carry Your Case

You must do this! Purchase two cases of aligners, one for your car and one to take with you in your purse or backpack. Do not EVER wrap your aligners in napkins or paper towels. This is how they get thrown away! I have had patients lose their aligners in restaurants, out at Bryn Mawr College events, and at weddings. It’s an expensive mistake that slows down your treatment!

4. Set Timers and Reminders

Use your mobile device to set an alarm for 30 minutes after you remove your aligner. When it goes off, you will know to finish up and then brush before putting them back on. Many of my more advanced patients use specific apps to track usage time.

5. Keep a Travel Toothbrush Everywhere

The glove compartment, desk drawer, or gym bag all have one thing in common: they are places to put your aligner(s), but before doing so, remember to brush first. Having floss picks handy will also assist you in this process. A few swift brush strokes, followed by inserting your aligner(s), allow for a seamless transition to the rest of your daily activities.

6. Build the Habit

The first two weeks are the hardest. After that, wearing your aligners becomes automatic like putting on a seatbelt. Make it part of your morning and evening routine. Brush your teeth, put in aligners. Take out aligners, brush your teeth. Simple.

How Long Should You Wear Each Invisalign Tray?

An Invisalign orthodontic tray should generally be replaced every 7-10 days, depending on your specific treatment plan; however, some patients change their aligners each week, while others may use them for 10-14 days. The length of time you are wearing your aligners each day is much more important than how long you’ve been wearing them, according to the calendar. A „7-day” tray is based on the assumption that it will be worn for 22 hours each day for 7 days. If you have only worn an aligner for 18 hours a day, it simply will not give you sufficient time to make necessary adjustments before moving on to the next set of trays.

While you may be tempted to switch to the next set of aligners, please resist this temptation until the current set is tracking properly and fits comfortably in your mouth. If you aren’t sure, please mention it during your next appointment, and we will help determine whether you are ready to move up or need to remain on your present set a little longer.

What Happens If You Forget to Wear Invisalign for a Day?

Things happen. If you forget to put your aligners back in after you’ve had a long day, or if you fell asleep on the couch watching a BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE FILM, do not panic; missing 1 day is not a big deal, but get back into your aligners as soon as you can.

Resume wearing your aligners as soon as you can. Your aligners will likely fit differently(because your teeth have likely shifted) than when you put them on last. If you forget to wear your aligners for multiple days in a row, please contact us. We may need to see you again to create a better fit for the current aligner or to re-establish the fit of the previous aligner.

Remind yourself that an occasional error does not mean that you will not do well with aligner treatment, but that if you cannot consistently remember to wear your aligners, we need to have a conversation regarding whether there are better options available to you. Unlike traditional braces, which stay in place (24/7) until your orthodontist takes them off, aligners only work if you are committed to wearing them.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

While most patients complete their treatment in approximately 12-18 months, there can be considerable variations in timeframes based on two primary factors: complexity of the patient’s case and wear time (hours worn per day). In fact, some patients have completed their treatment in as early as 6 months, while other patients require 2 years or longer to achieve ideal results due to a need for additional corrective procedures (e.g., bite-related corrections).

My advice is simple: While Invisalign is not a race, it is a marathon. You will want to finish the race with as little compromise as possible so that you can achieve optimal results from your hard work. The best way to achieve your desired smile is by following the plan by wearing your aligners for 22 hours each day until you have reached your ultimate goal (i.e., received a completion date).

Why Choose Bryn Mawr Dental Care for Invisalign Treatment?

I have been working in dentistry for over 30 years here, in the same community, on the Main Line of Philadelphia, PA. My grandfather was a dentist, my father was a dentist, and now I get the unique opportunity to bring the best old school care of my grandfather and father together with cutting-edge technology. At Dillon Family Dentistry, we will not just hand you a box of aligners and say good luck; we will take you through every step of the process from beginning to end – from the first consult to your final retainer.

We have many other orthodontic systems that we can use to straighten teeth; these systems are in addition to the Invisalign system. The reason that we have so many options is that we have been straightening teeth for decades prior to the creation of clear aligners. We will help you figure out which option will provide you with the best outcome, as well as any other orthodontic treatment that may complement the use of clear aligners with your new smile. Our practice is family-owned and operated, and we treat everyone who comes into our office as a member of our family. Therefore, we are committed to helping you to achieve the success you desire with your new smile!

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Wear Time Comparison

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, “Dr. Dillon, if I must wear Invisalign 22 hours a day, then why wouldn’t I just get braces?” This is a common question, and here’s the answer: Traditional braces are permanently on for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, requiring no compliance on the part of the patient and working to move teeth whether you are sleeping, eating, or using them normally. However, the downside to traditional braces is that they are visible, difficult to clean around, and cannot be removed for special occasions.

The key difference between traditional metal braces and Invisalign is that Invisalign is removable, nearly invisible, and allows you to eat whatever you want. However, the main difference is compliance (or discipline) because you must wear your aligners consistently. For adults and teens who do not want to wear traditional metal braces but are willing to comply with the wearing schedule, Invisalign is a great option. 

However, Invisalign is not right for everyone. If you know you will not be compliant, then traditional metal braces may be the best choice for you, and that is perfectly fine. At our office, we offer both types of braces.

Invisalign for Busy Adults in Bryn Mawr

I understand what my patients are going through. You have careers, children, community service, and possibly coach a team at the Bryn Mawr Polo Field or volunteer at Harriton House – so your time is limited. Fortunately, Invisalign is much more flexible than traditional braces when it comes to work and home life.

For example, you can easily remove your aligners for meetings, pictures, and presentations. You will not have to worry about lost brackets or having to visit an orthodontist in an emergency. Most people won’t even notice that you are in treatment because clear aligners are discreet. I have treated lawyers, teachers, and business owners, all of whom need to find a solution that doesn’t announce “brace face!”  

But that all comes down to wearing your aligners. Work them into your daily life and set yourself up for success. If you experience a setback, please feel free to contact me, and I will guide you through it.

How to Make Invisalign Work Faster

Looking for a faster way to complete your treatment? The answer is complete compliance – wear your aligners or trays for 22 hours every day, change them on time, and never miss an appointment; that’s all there is. There is no gimmick – that’s it. 

Some dentists are able to provide patients with accelerated Invisalign methods such as Propel or AcceleDent, which use vibration and micro-osteoperforations in order to increase the rate at which teeth can move. These options are available to discuss if interested, but generally, most patients will achieve good results with conventional treatment methods if the program is followed properly.

What to Do If Your Invisalign Trays Don’t Fit Properly

Do not try to put the new tray in your mouth when it feels really tight or does not fit correctly. This may mean that you did not keep the old tray in long enough. Call us. We may ask you to return to the last tray for several additional days, or we may need to evaluate your current treatment plan for it to continue working.

If the new tray does not fit properly, it may also be due to inconsistent wear times. When you remove your aligners, your teeth may shift back into their original position. When you put them back in your mouth, it is likely that they will feel tight or, in some cases, not fit. Over time, these problems can develop into tracking problems. To resolve these situations, it is very important that you have followed the guidelines and have been consistent in wearing your aligners for the full 22 hours each and every day.

Final Thoughts: Your Smile, Your Commitment

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can seem daunting; however, if you are committed to wearing them for 22 consecutive hours every day, the promise of a straightened smile free from metal braces and at your convenience will be worth the effort. At Dillon Family Dentistry, we have been successfully creating straightened smiles in the Bryn Mawr, Villanova, and Ardmore areas for over 50 years. We are familiar with the success and failure of treatment options and will work with you to create a successful treatment plan so that you receive an aesthetically pleasing and functional tooth restoration on time and on budget without the unexpected surprises. Should you have any questions or wish to get your Invisalign treatment underway, please call our practice, and we will schedule a consultation to discuss your smile and develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs, because it’s about you, you deserve a smile that you are proud of. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How many hours a day should I wear Invisalign for the best results?

Invisalign aligners should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours and can be worn for up to 22 hours each day. Wearing the aligners in accordance with the 22-hour guideline will give you the best possible results. If you do not wear your aligners as prescribed, it can lead to longer treatment times, trays not fitting properly, and requiring refinement of your trays.

2. Can I wear Invisalign for less than 22 hours a day?

Though some mild cases may only need 20 hours of use each day, if you use your Invisalign aligners for less than the 20 hours you put your teeth in, you are increasing your chances of delay in treatment and getting complications. Regularly wearing your aligners helps to ensure that your teeth will move as planned.

3. Do I sleep with Invisalign in?

Yes! Sleeping with your Invisalign aligners is essential. Those 7-8 hours count toward your 22-hour daily requirement. Most patients adjust to sleeping with aligners within a few nights.

4. What happens if I don’t wear Invisalign enough?

If you do not wear your aligners long enough, it can create a delay in treatment, cause issues fitting properly in your mouth, create discomfort, and require expensive refinement trays. Your teeth can also return to where they were before, undoing any progress you made over the last few weeks.

5. How do I know if my Invisalign trays are fitting properly?

Trays that fit correctly will feel snug (not painful) and sit flat against your teeth with no gaps between them. In the case that your new tray fits too tightly or does not fit right, you may need to wear your last tray longer until the new tray properly fits. If you are experiencing any issues with tracking, you should contact your dentist right away for assistance.

6. What is the Invisalign 22-hour rule?

The 22-hour rule means wearing your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and oral hygiene. This ensures consistent pressure on your teeth for optimal movement.

7. How long is the typical Invisalign treatment timeline in Bryn Mawr, PA?

On average, it takes 12 to 18 months for most customers to have an entire Invisalign treatment completed; however, there are exceptions based on the severity of the treatment case, the length of the wear time. For simple cases could take as quickly as 6 months, and for complex cases, up to 2 years.

8. Can I eat with Invisalign aligners in?

No. You must remove Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food can damage the trays and trap bacteria against your teeth, increasing cavity risk.

9. What should I do if I forget to wear my Invisalign for a day?

Re-insert your aligners as soon as possible. They will most likely be too tight because of your teeth moving. If you’ve been out of your trays for multiple days consecutively (and this can be more than 3 days), then you should call your dentist because you’ll need to wear the current tray for more days or go back to the last visit. Don’t hesitate!

10. Where can I find the best Invisalign provider in Bryn Mawr, PA?

Dr. David Dillon and Bryn Mawr Dental Care have provided excellent dental care for more than 50 years, primarily serving the residents of the Main Line communities. We provide patients with individual attention, family-centered care, and a complete range of services, including but not limited to Invisalign and traditional braces. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your orthodontic needs.