The 22-Hour Challenge: How to Succeed with Invisalign

Invisalign is a convenient and concealed way to straighten your teeth, but it comes with one important rule: wear your aligners for 22 hours each day! While the task seems daunting, meeting this goal is critical for keeping your treatment on track. So, how are you supposed to succeed? Continue reading to find a few simple strategies that will help you crush the 22-hour Invisalign challenge!

Plan for Meals and Snacks

The most common reasons you’ll remove your aligners are meals and snacks. Because your aligners can be damaged if you chew food on them, you’ll need to take them out before chowing down. The problem is that each break from wearing your trays adds up! So, stick to three main meals per day and minimize snacking. This reduces the total time your aligners are out.

Use Timers for Scheduling Your Invisalign Wear Time

It’s easy to lose track of time when your aligners are out. To stay on schedule, set a timer whenever you remove them. Aim to keep your oral care routine and each meal and snack within 120 minutes total. This helps ensure you stay within the recommended two-hour window each day.

Limit Lingering Over Drinks

While water is safe to drink with your aligners in, other beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and anything sugary or acidic are not! To avoid falling short of the 22-hour goal, it’s best to consume these drinks quickly instead of sipping them over an extended period. You can also rely more on water to quench your thirst throughout the day, minimizing the number of times you remove them daily.

Combine Other Habits with Your Invisalign Routine

A good technique for building habits is combining them with other activities you already do. In the case of Invisalign, you could get into the habit of putting your aligners back in immediately after brushing. Another good combination habit is storing your aligners during meals and setting a timer on your phone.

By planning ahead, staying mindful of your time, and building good habits, you’ll find it easy to meet the 22-hour wear time. However, if you need more help, you can always reach out to your dentist. They can offer more personalized guidance and help you build consistency for a perfectly straightened smile!

About the Practice

At Stec and Stines Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you make the most of your Invisalign treatment. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance and support to keep your treatment on track! Call (308) 382-4440 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with us or visit our website to explore a full menu of our services.