Should You Wear Your Invisalign® Aligners While Sleeping?

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners can be taken in and out of the mouth throughout the course of treatment, which can be beneficial for a number of reasons — from allowing the patient to continue eating their favorite foods to making it easier to clean the teeth and more. Even though Invisalign aligners are removable, patients should still be committed to wearing their clear plastic aligners the majority of the day — and night — to achieve the most complete and efficient transformation possible. Here, Washington, D.C. Invisalign dentist Dr. Woo Young Chang of CK Dental & Associates outlines the importance of adhering to your Invisalign instructions — including wearing them overnight — and provides helpful information about how long you'll need to wear Invisalign aligners each day to ensure an optimal outcome.

Does Invisalign treatment straighten your teeth as well as braces?

For many people, Invisalign aligners can offer an equally successful outcome compared to traditional metal braces while helping them avoid certain downsides associated with braces — like discomfort, visibility, and others. Rather than using metal brackets and wires to reposition the teeth in the way that braces do, Invisalign treatment works by using a series of clear plastic aligner trays that are worn around the clock to gradually shift the teeth into straighter alignment. Throughout the course of Invisalign treatment, patients will repeatedly switch to a new set of aligners that are subtly different than the previous set, which ultimately work toward a straight, seamless smile that is more attractive and comfortable, and —in many cases — more functional as well.

How long do you have to wear Invisalign aligners every day?

To achieve the maximum benefits from Invisalign treatment in the shortest amount of time possible, patients must be committed to wearing their Invisalign aligners for the recommended amount of time. At a minimum, Invisalign wear time should be 20 – 22 hours per day, with the clear plastic aligners removed only when necessary. Examples of times when Invisalign aligners can be removed include:

• During meals
• Snack time
• While brushing teeth
• To take photos
• While playing a musical instrument

Do you have to wear Invisalign treatment while sleeping?

Yes. In fact, wearing Invisalign aligners overnight makes up a great deal of your treatment time and is often considered the most convenient time of day for Invisalign wearers. Because Invisalign plastic aligners are custom-made to fit the patient's mouth and do not require sharp brackets or poking wires, many patients find that sleeping with Invisalign aligners is much more comfortable compared with braces and, in most cases, almost unnoticeable.

What if I fall asleep without my Invisalign aligners?

If you forget your Invisalign treatment one night, try not to worry, but do put your aligners back in as soon as you remember. Because Invisalign aligners should be worn most of the time — only removing Invisalign trays to eat and brush your teeth for the most part — it should be fairly routine to remove the aligners while brushing your teeth before bed and then put them back in. Still, we understand that the unexpected can happen. If you have concerns about missing a night of Invisalign treatment, don't hesitate to call our office so that we can help you better understand how this may impact your Invisalign treatment timeline. Even with a short window of missed Invisalign wear, most patients can still achieve their desired results in the average Invisalign time frame of about 12 – 24 months, which will vary based on their specific needs and other variables.

Stick to your Invisalign dentist's instructions for the most successful Invisalign treatment in Washington, D.C.

Although Invisalign aligners should be worn at least 20 – 22 hours per day, the clear plastic aligners are discreet, comfortable, and temporarily removable — meaning even around-the-clock wear can be minimally disruptive to your daily routines, if at all. If you're self-conscious about your crooked teeth but prefer a less noticeable alternative to braces, you may be interested in Invisalign aligners. Learn about this and other benefits of Washington, D.C. Invisalign treatment by calling to schedule your consultation and exam with Dr. Woo Young Chang at CK Dental & Associates today.