How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that uses aligners to straighten your teeth. These discreet clear aligners fit over your teeth and exert gentle pressure. That way, you're able to achieve the smile of your dreams.
Many of our patients appreciate not having metal brackets and wires on their teeth. But you'll need to wear your aligners as directed by our dentist to see the results you want. Compliance is key.
Here's what our dentist wants you to know so you can set yourself up for success.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners Each Day?
You should wear your Invisalign braces between . Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule.
You may feel some slight discomfort when you first wear Invisalign. But it’s important that you continue wearing your aligners as directed by our dentist. Otherwise, you'll fall behind on your treatment plan and need to wear your aligners for longer.
Can You Eat While Wearing Your Aligners?
No, you can’t eat while wearing your aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign braces are removable. This means that you won't have to avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. But it also means that you'll need to brush your teeth before wearing your aligners again. Otherwise, you'll end up staining them.
You should also remove your aligners if you drink anything other than water, such as coffee. For more tips, be sure to check out our blog post on how to take care of your aligners.
How Long is Invisalign Treatment?
The average Invisalign treatment takes between . But it's important to remember that each patient is different. During your consultation, we'll go over every detail of your treatment plan so you know what to expect.
The length of your treatment will depend on many factors. These include patient compliance and the complexity of tooth and jaw movements. For example, you may need to wear your aligners for longer if you need to correct a slight overbite.
How Long Will I Have to Wear a Retainer?
We understand that you may be feeling reluctant to wear yet another oral appliance. (We promise we're not trying to torture you!) But a retainer will help you keep the progress you made during treatment.
The last thing you want is for your teeth to drift back 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.
Keep in mind that it’s normal for your teeth to shift a little 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 prevents noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.
Learn More:Will I Have to Wear My Retainer Forever?
Request an Appointment With Us
Our Invisalign dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients. To request an appointment, please call Renew Family Dental at (616) 245-3205. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.