Research shows that 9 out of 10 people have crooked or misaligned teeth. Many of these people would like to get their teeth straightened for the perfect smile.
If you have crooked teeth, you may want to find a solution. If that is the case, you may be wondering how long to wear Invisalign.
This is a common question since you may be concerned about the time commitment. This is especially true if you need to learn how to wear Invisalign and how often they need to be worn.
Keep reading to find out how long to wear Invisalign to see results.
What Is Invisalign?
You may be wondering how to wear Invisalign and what Invisalign retainers are like. Invisalign helps to straighten your teeth by using removable aligners.
These aligners are created to fit your teeth exactly. As they gradually help to straighten your teeth, you will keep upgrading to different aligners.
This process helps to gently move your teeth into the right position over the course of many months. These aligners are clear and completely invisible when you are wearing them.
They can be removed when you are eating and drinking so that they aren’t damaged. For many people, this is a more convenient option if they want a straighter smile.
How Long Do You Need to Use Invisalign?
Before you decide on an option, you want to know how long to wear Invisalign. This is important since you need to make sure you are willing to make this commitment.
The good news is that a lot of people see results in as little as six weeks. This allows you to see the progress that is being made as your teeth are shifting into place.
Although it is important to remember that everybody is going to respond differently. Some people may not have as severe an issue as others, allowing them to see results faster.
The standard timeline for wearing Invisalign is 6 to 12 months. Some people may need to wear their aligners for a little longer, depending on how severe their teeth are.
If you don’t wear your Invisalign aligners enough, you may have to wear them for more months. This is because you are supposed to wear your aligners for the majority of the day and night.
How to Wear Invisalign Retainers
You may also be wondering how to wear retainers. This is another common question if you are not familiar with this teeth straightening option.
The good news is that Invisalign is very simple to use and only takes a little practice. The main thing to remember is that you should wear these aligners at least 22 hours a day.
You can remove them to eat and drink, but you should immediately put them back in. You should also wear them all night to get in those required hours.
Your aligners will come with a case that you should keep on you. Make sure you put them in this case for safekeeping so that they do not become lost or damaged.
It is also a good idea to brush your teeth before putting them back in. This will remove food and drink debris from your teeth so that they are clean.
It will take time to get used to having to do this, which is why you will need to be patient. You can keep your aligner case on you at all times as a reminder to remove them and put them back in.
How to Clean Retainers
You are also going to need to learn how to clean Invisalign. This is very important since your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Experts recommend using a cleaner specifically designed for Invisalign. This will be safe to use and will get the job done efficiently for clean aligners.
If you do not have this, you could always use a very gentle cleaning soap. Avoid using anything like toothpaste, as this is too abrasive and can cause damage.
Make sure you are cleaning your aligners every single day. It is also a good idea to clean the case daily or a few times a week so that it is also sanitary.
Don’t forget that you need to be brushing your teeth like you normally would. In fact, it is recommended to start brushing your teeth after every meal if you don’t already do that.
It is important to keep your teeth clean because they are going to be covered by the Invisalign retainers. This can trap any bacteria or food particles that are left in your mouth.
This will end up increasing your risk of cavities if you aren’t maintaining your oral hygiene. These are all points that your dentist should make when you are getting your Invisalign.
How Long to Wear Invisalign 101
If you are considering Invisalign retainers, you may be wondering how long to wear Invisalign. This is a commonly asked question since people want to see results quickly.
The good news is that most people are able to see results within six weeks. You may see a subtle shift in your teeth or a gap that is slowly closing.
You will go through several pairs of retainers over the course of your treatment. This typically takes between 6 to 12 months, if not longer, for the majority of people.
Are you interested in getting Invisalign so that you can achieve a straighter smile? Contact us today at Wardlaw Orthodontics to request a smile assessment.