Invisalign is a great way to improve your smile without wearing traditional metal braces. It works for people with mild to moderately misaligned teeth, crowding, and other bite conditions.
Most people know they should wear their aligners for at least 20 hours daily. But does that mean you can sleep with Invisalign?
Here’s what you need to know about wearing your Invisalign when catching some z’s.
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How Often Should I Wear My Invisalign?
You should wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. This will help you get what you want out of your treatment. Wearing your Invisalign for less than 20 hours daily may lengthen the treatment time.
Additionally, it’s important to wear your Invisalign at night. Studies have shown that wearing removable aligners while you sleep helps improve the overall results of treatment.
You can remove your Invisalign for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Just be sure to put them back in as soon as possible. You can also remove them for special occasions, but remember to put them back in as soon as possible.
After treatment, you must wear a removable retainer to support your newly-aligned teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Wearing Invisalign at Night?
Invisalign clear aligners are one of the most popular options for orthodontic treatment, and many patients wear their Invisalign at night. There are several advantages and benefits when you sleep with Invisalign, including:
- Improved Long-Term Success:
Wearing Invisalign at night can help improve the long-term success of your treatment. Consistently wearing aligners at night will help your teeth remain in their new position once your treatment is complete. - Enhanced Compliance:
Sleeping with Invisalign can help you achieve the recommended wear time of 20-22 hours per day. This can help speed up treatment and achieve long-lasting results. - Improved Comfort:
Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable to wear at night than during the day. This is because the aligners are less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks during sleep. - Reduced Risk of Damage:
When you wear Invisalign at night, there is less risk of damage to the aligners due to eating and drinking during the day. This can help maintain the physical integrity of your aligner and reduce the need for replacement aligners.
What Are the Effects of Not Wearing Invisalign at Night?
Not wearing your Invisalign at night can have some pretty undesirable effects. Here are some effects of not sleeping with Invisalign:
- Your straight teeth may not stay in their new, straight position. This is because Invisalign works by gently putting pressure on your teeth to move them into the desired position. If you don’t wear Invisalign at night, this pressure is not applied, and your teeth may slowly start to move back to their original position.
- You may not get the full benefit of Invisalign if you don’t wear it for the recommended 22 hours per day. This is because it takes about that long for the aligners to put near-constant pressure on your teeth to make a significant difference.
Not sleeping with Invisalign aligners can undo the progress you’ve made. So, if you want to keep your smile looking great, wear those aligners at night!
How Should I Sleep With My Invisalign?
Wearing aligners at night may sound uncomfortable. Although it might take a little getting used to, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
- Try sleeping on your back or side. This will reduce the pressure on your aligners and teeth.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in at night. These can reduce your risk of tooth decay.
By following these simple tips, you can get a good night’s sleep – even with Invisalign!
Is It Comfortable to Sleep With Invisalign Trays?
While everyone’s individual experience may vary, many people find that Invisalign trays are comfortable to sleep with and don’t cause any major disruptions to their sleep patterns.
There may be some initial discomfort when you first start wearing the aligners, but this is usually short-lived as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. If you experience discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease initial pain. Also, keep a glass of water by your bed if you experience a dry mouth at night.
Overall, most people find that Invisalign doesn’t negatively impact their sleep, and many say that they even forget they’re wearing the aligners at night. People who grind their teeth at night benefit from wearing the aligners during sleep as they act as a barrier between teeth.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s comfortable to sleep with Invisalign trays, the answer is generally yes!
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a great treatment option to straighten your teeth without the hassle and discomfort of traditional braces. While you may experience discomfort when you first start wearing your aligners, this usually fades as your mouth adjusts to the appliance.
Additionally, most people find that they don’t have any issues sleeping with Invisalign in place, as the aligners are designed to fit comfortably and securely. With proper care and use of Invisalign, you’ll enjoy a straighter, more beautiful smile without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Visit our website or call Karrinyup Dental Centre today to book an appointment for a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions about Invisalign and how it can help you achieve a straighter smile. At our dental clinic, we can provide you with the treatment that you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign treatment is recommended for patients who are ages 14 and up. However, every patient is different, and the recommended age may vary depending on the person’s needs.
In general, Invisalign treatment is most effective for patients who have all of their permanent teeth and do not have any major dental issues.
If you are considering Invisalign treatment, you must consult your dentist or orthodontist to see if it is the right option for you.
Invisalign treatment typically requires between 18-30 sets of aligners, depending on the severity of the patient’s orthodontic issues. Each set should be worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series.
The number of trays needed can vary from person to person and will be determined by your orthodontist or dentist. They will take into account your particular orthodontic needs and create a custom treatment plan specifically for you.
Newly-replaced Invisalign trays can cause tenderness and soreness in the mouth. One way to relieve this feeling is using an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
You can also try rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution to reduce discomfort. Additionally, you can try placing cold packs on the outside of your cheeks for a few minutes to relieve the discomfort.
You should also practice good oral hygiene and brush after each meal, so food particles don’t get stuck between the trays. Finally, drinking plenty of water daily is important to keep your mouth moist. This can minimise dryness that is often associated with wearing aligner trays.
Skipping trays is a bad idea. If you don’t wear your aligner trays as directed, it can harm the progress of your treatment. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to get the desired results in the timeframe they set for you.
Skipping trays or not wearing them long enough can cause teeth to move back into their original positions or lead to damage and wear. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and always wear trays as directed for a successful treatment.