How Long Do I Need to Wear Invisalign®?

Invisalign® are nearly invisible aligners we can use to straighten your teeth. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed of your smile, request an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists in Westland, MI.

They’ll be able to determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign braces. Continue reading to learn how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign to achieve your dream smile.

The average patient can straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months!

How Long Should You Wear Invisalign?

Since Invisalign is removable, you’ll need to have enough self-discipline to wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day. Continue reading to learn what else you can expect while wearing Invisalign braces.

What happens if you only wear Invisalign at night?

You need to wear your Invisalign braces between 20 and 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule. While you may feel some slight discomfort when you first wear Invisalign, it’s important that you continue wearing your teeth aligners as directed by our dentists. Otherwise, you won’t be able to make progress as quickly as you’d like.

Can I eat or drink with Invisalign in?

No, you can’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign braces are removable so you can continue eating your favorite foods during treatment. This means that you won’t have to stay away from foods that are hard to chew, like caramel. However, it’s important that you brush your teeth after eating so you don’t stain your Invisalign clear aligners.

How long does it take Invisalign to straighten teeth?

The average Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. However, each patient is different, which is why it’s important to schedule an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists. The length of your treatment will depend on many factors, including how consistently you wear your teeth aligners and the severity of your case. For example, you may need to wear Invisalign braces for longer if you need to correct a slight overbite.

Do I need to wear a retainer forever?

Once you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. (We promise we’re not trying to torture you.) However, it’s important that you wear your retainer as directed by our Invisalign dentists. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift to their original positions.

While you may not see your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. Your retainers will fit for as long as you consistently wear them.

It’s normal for your teeth to slightly shift once you stop wearing Invisalign braces. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.

Our Invisalign dentists in Westland, MI want to help you achieve your best smile with clear aligners. To request an appointment, call the Parkside Dental Team at (734) 261-6060.