How Many Times a Day Can I Remove Invisalign?

You just got your Invisalign aligners and you’re wondering – how often can I actually take these things out? Don’t worry, that’s a common question for Invisalign newbies. The folks at Riverwood Dental in Vinings, Georgia want to give you the lowdown. The short answer is you can remove your aligners to eat and drink, but you’ll want to keep them in for at least 22 hours per day. I know, that sounds like a lot, but it’s important to keep up wear time so your teeth can move properly. The good news is you’ll get used to popping them in and out. Stick with your Invisalign plan and you’ll be smiling with straight teeth before you know it. The team at Riverwood Dental is always here to answer any other questions you have during your journey.

How Often Can You Remove Invisalign Aligners?

You can remove your Invisalign aligners up to 2 hours a day. At Riverwood Dental, we recommend removing them only when necessary, such as when eating or drinking. The less time your aligners spend out of your mouth, the sooner you’ll achieve your perfect smile.

For Meals and Snacks

Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Leaving them in during meals can lead to trapped food, odor buildup, and damage. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water after removing and before putting them back in.

For Oral Care

Brush and floss as usual after meals before reinserting your aligners. Be sure to brush the aligners themselves at least once per day to remove any built-up plaque.

For Speaking Engagements or Photos

If giving a speech or taking professional photos, you may remove your aligners temporarily. However, put them back in as soon as possible to stay on track with your treatment plan. The total time out of your mouth should still not exceed 2 hours.

To Give Your Teeth a Break

While not medically necessary, some patients like to give their teeth an occasional “rest” from the aligners for short periods during the day. This is fine, as long as the total time does not exceed the recommended 2 hour maximum. Be sure to still rinse and brush your aligners before putting them back in.

Keeping your Invisalign aligners in for the recommended amount of time each day is key to achieving your perfect smile in the estimated treatment period. Be sure to ask your doctor at Riverwood Dental about how often you can remove your specific aligners based on your unique treatment plan. We’re here to help you through the process and get you smiling with confidence as quickly as possible!

Putting Your Invisalign Back in After Eating and Drinking

So you’ve enjoyed a nice meal and drink, but now it’s time to put your Invisalign aligners back in. To keep your teeth moving in the right direction, you’ll want to put your aligners in as soon as possible after eating or drinking. Rinsing Start by rinsing your mouth out with water to remove any leftover particles. Use your tongue to wipe off your teeth and make sure they’re clean. Drying Gently dry your teeth with a clean towel or napkin. Your aligners won’t stick as well to wet teeth, so drying them is an important step.

Inserting the Aligners

Carefully insert your upper and lower aligners, starting with the upper tray. Gently bite down to seat them in place.

Checking the Fit

Once seated, bite down firmly and make sure the aligners feel secure and comfortable over your teeth. They should snap evenly and firmly over each tooth. If anything feels off or they’re not fitting properly, remove them and check for any debris you may have missed. Rinse again if needed and reinsert.

Tracking Your Time

Be sure to note the time you put your aligners back in. Most dentists recommend wearing them for 20-22 hours a day for the best results. At Riverwood Dental, we advise patients to only remove Invisalign for meals, drinks and teeth cleaning. The more you wear them, the sooner you’ll achieve your perfect smile!

While wearing Invisalign can take some getting used to, establishing a regular teeth cleaning routine and properly caring for your trays will make the experience more comfortable. Be sure to contact us at Riverwood Dental with any questions or concerns you may have during your treatment. We’re here to ensure you get the best results from your Invisalign. Request an appointment here: Schedule Appointment or call Riverwood Dental at 770-955-2505. We also serve neighboring towns including Smyrna, Buckhead, Marietta, Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and Roswell.