Speeding Up Your Invisalign Treatment

Blog Written by Contributor: Dr. Satish Pai

If you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, you know how effective it is, but it can take a while to align your teeth and finish the treatment. Invisalign treatment duration is different for different people. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more. Generally, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months.

Have you ever wondered how to speed up Invisalign and get that ideal smile faster with Invisalign? Although Invisalign is a comfortable and successful method of straightening teeth, you can speed up your journey and make it more efficient by adhering to a few basic guidelines.

You can maintain and even accelerate your progress with the correct habits and consistency. You can avoid needless delays and get your dream smile more quickly with good oral hygiene practices. This guide answers all your questions regarding how to make Invisalign work faster.

9 Most Effective Ways to Speed Up Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment has a high success rate; research shows that 88-90% of patients get positive results.

Wearing aligners “correctly” is more important than simply wearing them if you want to achieve a straight smile with Invisalign. There are numerous methods to speed up your Invisalign treatment and streamline the procedure without interfering with your daily schedule. These tips will help you stay on track, speed up your Invisalign treatment, and achieve that ideal smile sooner.

1. Ensure you Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day

One of the most obvious but often neglected parts of the Invisalign treatment is wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily. It may sound very difficult initially, but wearing them for longer helps the aligners work properly.

Plus, Invisalign is designed to work when worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. If you do not wear them continuously, the results may not be as effective, or the treatment may be prolonged. So, only remove your aligners when you eat, drink, brush, or flush. Otherwise, keep wearing them at all times.

2. Always Change Your Aligners on Schedule

A simple but necessary step in speeding up your Invisalign treatment is always being on time to change your trays. Every pair of aligners is made to shift your teeth progressively and gradually, and scheduled changing of aligners are required to keep the movement steady. You can set reminders on your phone so that you never forget to swap trays at the right time. Your teeth will always be in the next stage of alignment if you keep up with tray changes, which will help you finish your Invisalign treatment faster.

3. Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene

When you regularly keep your teeth and aligners clean, it will have a significant positive impact on your overall Invisalign experience. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease or cavities, which can pause your Invisalign treatment. Always brush and floss after every meal before wearing your aligners again. Also, make sure that no food particles are stuck between your aligners.

4. Brushing Your Teeth Before Putting Aligners Back in is Necessary

If you do not brush before putting your aligners back in, there is a chance of getting gum disease or cavities. Such dental issues will come in the way of your Invisalign treatment and prolong it.

5. Set a Timer When Eating

Each minute is important to ensure you reach your goal of wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day. While eating, set a timer on your watch or phone to remind you to put the aligners back in. Try to finish your meals in under 30 minutes so the gap is not too long. Such small habits have a significant effect on your treatment and can help you speed up your Invisalign treatment.

6. Eat Only Invisalign-Friendly Foods and Drinks

Certain foods and beverages, such as hot or dark beverages, might cause discoloration or warping of aligners. When your aligners are in, just drink water; take them out for all other liquids to maintain their clarity. Reducing the amount of sticky or hard things you eat also helps keep your aligners from becoming stained or damaged. This habit helps you stay on track with your Invisalign treatment and reduces the chances of needing replacements.

7. Avoid or Reduce Snacking Between Meals

Since you cannot eat while wearing your aligners, you must remove your aligners every time you eat something. Snacking between meals will reduce the total time you spend wearing aligners in a day. Plan your meals so that you stay full and satisfied until your next meal. This way, you are wearing your aligners for maximum time in a day.

8. Monitor Your Progress and Keep Your Appointments

Regular checkups with your orthodontist are an important part of your Invisalign treatment. These checkups ensure everything is okay and if any adjustments are required. You can also track your progress with photos; it is a good way to stay motivated.

9. Try Using Invisalign Chewies

Chewies are soft, plastic tools that improve the fit of your aligners. When you use Invisalign chewies, you remove air bubbles between your teeth and the aligners. In other words, your aligner will function better (and more quickly!) if it fits properly.

Conclusion

Consistency is key to completing Invisalign treatment efficiently and quickly. Without unnecessary delays, you will be well on your way to a straighter smile with the help of these easy tips. Every small habit matters, and with consistent work, you can speed up your Invisalign treatment and get the smile of your dreams sooner than you might think.

So, stick to these habits, trust the process and your orthodontist, and you will be smiling your best smile before you know it!

FAQs:

1. What Is the 30-Minute Rule?

The 30-minute rule is a helpful tip frequently recommended by dentists and orthodontists. After eating or drinking anything other than water, you should wait at least 30 minutes before putting your Invisalign aligners back in.

2. How To Speed Up The Invisalign Process

• Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily.
• Ensure you clean your aligners.
• Take gentle care of your aligners.
• Use Your Chewies Regularly.
• Always clean your mouth before putting the aligners back in.
• Get attachments if they are recommended.
• Speak to your orthodontic dentist.

3. Can I change Invisalign 2 days early?

It could be painful and irritating to wear a new tray before your teeth are ready. It takes time for teeth to acclimate to the aligners’ pressure. Changing trays too soon might lead to discomfort, including mouth ulcers or sore spots.

4. Can Chewies fasten up Invisalign Treatment?

A simple method to expedite the Invisalign procedure is to use your chewies regularly.

About the Contributing Author:

Dr. Satish Pai is a distinguished orthodontist based in New York, offering over 14 years of comprehensive experience in orthodontics, serving patients of all ages with a specialization in Invisalign and Damon braces. He is deeply committed to providing patient-focused care and is renowned for his proficiency and innovative approaches in the field. Dr. Satish Pai serves as a respected Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Orthodontics at Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine, enriching the academic realm with his extensive practical experience in orthodontics.