25 Oct Can I just wear Invisalign at night?
Patients who choose Invisalign will gain a number of benefits from the orthodontic treatment system, but those same patients must closely follow the directions provided by their dentist in order to get the desired results from treatment. This includes wearing the Invisalign trays for the recommended amount of time. Because the trays should be worn for around 22 hours a day, wearing them only overnight will not suffice to keep you on your treatment timeline.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is based on the same general principles as traditional orthodontic treatment, which means that forces are applied to the teeth in order to get them to shift to healthier positions. However, Invisalign achieves this goal using clear plastic trays. The trays are designed based on each patient’s unique specifications and intended to be worn in a certain order. The patient switches to a new tray according to the schedule provided by the dentist. Additionally, the trays must be worn almost all day to reposition the teeth in the expected timeframe. They should only be removed when eating meals or performing your oral hygiene routine.
Benefits Of Invisalign
With the comfort and convenience that Invisalign offers, there’s no need to cut down on the amount of time that you wear the trays. After an initial adjustment period, many patients have limited awareness that they’re even wearing the trays. Furthermore, they’re practically invisible to an observer unless you point them out. Of course, the trays can and should be removed at mealtime and when brushing and flossing your teeth, which makes this a convenient treatment option. However, patients should be sure to wear them at all other times.
Invisalign can significantly reduce your orthodontic treatment timeline in comparison to standard braces, but only if you closely follow your instructions for wearing the trays. This includes wearing the trays for the recommended amount of time each day. If you only wear Invisalign at night, the trays will not be as effective at moving the teeth. To learn more about Invisalign, call the office of Dr. Philip Kozlow and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members.