The 22-hour rule means you need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours out of the day. This gives your teeth adequate time to shift correctly and slowly into alignment. Taking them out too frequently can delay your treatment.
If you are considering getting Invisalign in Kendall Park, this rule is one of the most important things to know prior to starting.
Why do I have to wear Invisalign for 22 hours?
Invisalign works best when the clear trays are worn for most of the day. Your teeth are gently compressed by the clear trays. If you leave the aligners out too long, your teeth could:
- Stop moving as intended
- Go back to their previous positions
- Cause your new aligners feel too tight or uncomfortable
This is the reason for the existence of the 22-hour rule: to keep your teeth on course.
What Can You Do During the 2 Hours You’re Not Wearing Invisalign?
You can take your aligners out when you need to:
- Eat or drink (besides water)
- To brush and floss
- Clean your aligners
- Play sports (if you wear a mouthguard) or participate briefly in special events
But do not stretch these breaks for too long; try to keep breaks short, around 15 to 30 minutes.
How to Follow the 22-Hour Rule Every Day?
Staying on schedule with Invisalign takes practice, but these are some easy ways to do it:
Tip | What to Do? |
Set a timer | Use your phone or smartwatch every time you take them out. |
Use an app | Invisalign and other apps can track how long you wear your trays. |
Plan meals | Eat meals close together so you don’t keep removing your aligners. |
Drink water only | You can keep aligners in while drinking water—no need to remove them. |
Skip snacks | Fewer snacks = fewer times taking trays out = better results! |
How Invisalign Compares to Other Options?
Here’s a table to help you see why Invisalign is unique:
Treatment | Wear Time per Day | Can Remove? | Looks Invisible? | Good for Teens? |
Invisalign | 22 hours | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Braces | 24/7 | No | No | Yes |
Retainers (after treatment) | 8–12 hours | Yes | Somewhat | Yes |
Clear Aligners (DIY brands) | Varies | Yes | Yes | Sometimes risky |
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rule?
If you do not wear your aligners enough:
- You will have a longer time to finish treatment.
- Your aligners may stop fitting.
- You may have to get new trays (additional cost and time).
- You may lose progress.
Being consistent is the best way to make sure that your smile turns out beautifully. If you want to know more, it’s better to contact a dental office near you.
Extra Tips for Success
- Keep your aligners in a case when not wearing them (so you don’t lose them)
- Don’t drink hot drinks with aligners, as they can melt or warp
- Rinse aligners with cold water to keep them clean
- Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in after meals
The 22-hour rule is the key to making Invisalign work well. Wear your aligners almost all day and only take them out for short breaks. Your treatment will proceed more quickly and smoothly if you adhere to the rule.
Want Invisalign in Kendall Park?
At Smiles By Dr. Levine, we’re here to help you get a straighter smile with Invisalign. Our friendly team will explain your treatment clearly, answer all your questions, and help you follow the 22-hour rule easily. If you’re looking for a trusted dental office in Kendall Park that offers Invisalign, we’ve got you covered. Call Smiles By Dr. Levine today to book your Invisalign consultation—and take the first step toward a better smile!
FAQs
What if I wear my aligners less than 22 hours sometimes?
Missing an hour or two here and there will not jeopardize your treatment. Frequent occurrences? Yes, then you may have problems. Please do your best to stick to this rule each day.
Can I sleep in my aligners?
Yes, and you should! Wearing them while you sleep is an automatic 7-9 hours of wear time.
What do I do if I forgot to wear my aligners?
Put them right back in, as soon as you remember! If this becomes a habit, you should speak with your dentist; they may need to review your dental plan.
