For a lot of patients, the most attractive thing about choosing Invisalign over braces is being able to remove the trays. But, unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realise that just because the trays are removable doesn’t mean you can keep them out for very long.
The truth is that Invisalign aligners need to be worn for around 20–22 hours every day to make the treatment effective.
You’re probably thinking, does that mean I basically have to wear them all day? Your orthodontist will tell you yes, pretty much! Find out why that is the magic number for helping your treatment progress, and when you’re able to take them out.
Why do you need to wear Invisalign for 20–22 hours?
Invisalign works differently from traditional braces because the aligners are removable. That’s a huge benefit, but it also means you are responsible for keeping them in.
Each set of clear aligners is designed to put specific pressure on your teeth and guide them to move a certain way. The aligner needs to stay in place consistently for that movement to progress as planned.
Taking them out for meals and your usual oral hygiene routine is expected. But, you really shouldn’t delay putting them back in. Consistently following the prescribed wear schedule is an important part of staying on track.
When can you take Invisalign out?
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you don’t have to wear your aligners for every single activity.
You should remove Invisalign for:
- Eating meals and snacks
- Drinking anything other than cold water
- Brushing your teeth
- Flossing
Keeping your aligners in while eating or drinking may actually damage them. . For example, warm drinks can warp the aligners and certain foods can discolour them. For more practical tips, our guide to Eating With Invisalign: What You Can and Can’t Eat covers what mealtimes actually look like during treatment.
Another attractive part of Invisalign is that you can choose to take them out for occasions such as:
- Special events, such as a wedding
- Contact sports so you can wear a mouthguard comfortably
But, it’s worth keeping in mind that if you’re regularly taking the aligners out for occasions like this you could be jeopardising your treatment plan. For regular contact sports, we usually recommend factoring the game time into your daily ‘non-wear’ time.
And don’t forget that good oral hygiene still matters. In fact, keeping your teeth and gums clean is especially important while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
You can read more about why in our article Why Flossing Is Just as Important as Brushing.
What happens if you don’t wear Invisalign enough?
One late lunch or an evening without your aligners isn’t likely to undo your entire treatment.
Life happens. You might forget to put them back in after dinner. You might have a special event where you decide you’d rather leave them out for a little longer.
The problem is when ‘occasionally’ turns into ‘regularly’.
Consistently wearing your aligners for less time than recommended can make it harder for your teeth to follow the planned movement. This can affect how well the next aligner fits and may mean your orthodontist needs to adjust the treatment plan or provide additional aligners.
Patient compliance is one of the recognised challenges of clear aligner treatment, precisely because aligners can be removed by the wearer.
A simple routine can make a surprisingly big difference:
Take them out → eat → clean your teeth → put them straight back in.
It’s also a good idea to look after the aligners themselves. Our guide to How to Look After Your Invisalign Aligners explains how to keep them clean and in good condition throughout treatment.
Is Invisalign still worth it if I can’t wear them 22 hours a day?
If you’re already thinking, There’s no way I’m going to manage 22 hours every day, that doesn’t automatically mean Invisalign isn’t an option for you.
The important thing is to be realistic about your lifestyle.
If you simply know that you’re unlikely to remember to put your aligners back in, your orthodontist can talk you through whether clear aligners are the right treatment for you.
That’s one of the reasons an assessment with an orthodontist matters. Invisalign isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, and your orthodontist needs to consider your teeth, bite, treatment goals and ability to follow the treatment plan.
And if you’re comparing Invisalign with braces, Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Best? is a useful place to start.
Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you?
The best way to understand what Invisalign would look like for your teeth is to have them assessed by an experienced orthodontist.
At ethos Orthodontics, we’ll take the time to understand your smile, your treatment goals and what will realistically work for your lifestyle. There’s absolutely no pressure to make a decision on the spot.
Book an initial consultation with ethos Orthodontics to find out whether Invisalign is a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day should I wear Invisalign?
You should generally wear your Invisalign aligners for around 20–22 hours a day. They should only be removed for things like eating, drinking anything other than cold water, brushing and flossing.
Can I take my Invisalign out to eat?
Yes! One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners when you eat. Just make sure you put them back in as soon as you’re finished and have cleaned your teeth.
Can I sleep with Invisalign in?
Yes. In fact, you should wear your Invisalign aligners while you sleep. Overnight wear is an important part of reaching the recommended 20–22 hours of wear each day.
Can I take Invisalign out for a special occasion?
Yes, you can remove your aligners for special occasions such as a wedding or important event. Just remember that every hour without your aligners counts towards your daily non-wear time, so it’s important not to make this a regular habit.
Can I wear Invisalign while playing sport?
For non-contact activities, you can generally keep your aligners in. For contact sports, your orthodontist may recommend removing them and wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
How long can I leave my Invisalign out?
There’s no set amount of time that’s right for every situation, but the goal is to keep your aligners out only when necessary so you can reach around 20–22 hours of wear each day. The longer and more frequently they’re left out, the harder it can be to stay on track with treatment.
Is Invisalign suitable if I don’t think I can wear it for 22 hours a day?
Maybe, but it’s worth being honest about your lifestyle before choosing clear aligners. Because Invisalign is removable, you need to be responsible for putting the aligners back in throughout the day. If you know you’ll struggle with this, your orthodontist can discuss whether braces or another treatment option might be a better fit.
