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Invisalign has become a popular choice for teens who want a straighter smile—without the brackets and wires of traditional braces. But here’s the deal: Invisalign only works if you wear it.
To get the best results, Invisalign aligners must be worn 22 hours a day, every single day. That means only about 2 hours total to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, floss, and give your mouth a break.
Sounds intense? It doesn’t have to be.
At Providence Orthodontics, we work with teens every day to help them stay on track and make Invisalign a success. Here’s how to make those 22 hours totally doable—without sacrificing school, sports, or your social life.
Why 22 Hours Matters
The clear aligners work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into the right position. If you’re not wearing them enough, that movement slows down—or stops altogether.
Wearing aligners for less than 22 hours can lead to:
- Delayed results
- Poor aligner fit
- Prolonged treatment time
- Mid-treatment adjustments or refinements
Translation: the more you wear them, the better your smile will look and the sooner you’ll be done.
Top Tips to Hit Your 22-Hour Goal
1. Use a Timer or App
There are tons of free apps (like My Invisalign) that help you track wear time. Set timers when you remove your aligners so you don’t forget to pop them back in after meals.
2. Create a Daily Routine
Consistency is key. Aim to take aligners out only during:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Brushing and flossing
Outside of that? Keep those aligners in—even during studying, gaming, or scrolling TikTok.
3. Keep Your Case With You
A lost aligner means lost time. Always carry your Invisalign case so you can safely store your aligners during meals. Never wrap them in a napkin—trash accidents are real!
4. Eat Smart & Fast
Stick to meal times and avoid frequent snacking. The less often you remove your aligners, the easier it is to reach that 22-hour goal.
Pro tip: You can still drink cool water with your aligners in—just skip hot drinks and anything sugary or colored.
5. Get Into the Habit of Cleaning Right Away
After eating, rinse or brush your teeth and pop your aligners back in right away. Waiting “just a few minutes” often turns into a forgotten hour.
6. Use Chewies for a Better Fit
Invisalign “chewies” help seat your aligners properly and improve their fit. We recommend using them for a few minutes each day, especially when switching to a new set of trays.
7. Parents: Get Involved (Just a Little!)
For younger teens, a gentle nudge from parents goes a long way. Encourage your teen to build Invisalign wear time into their routine—and celebrate small wins along the way.
Real Talk: It’s All About Discipline
Sure, Invisalign aligners are removable, but that doesn’t mean they’re optional. Think of it like a part-time job for your smile: 22 hours of wear per day is the secret to faster, smoother, more effective treatment.
Why Teens in Providence Choose Us
At Providence Orthodontics, we’re a Diamond+ Invisalign Provider, meaning we’ve helped hundreds of teens get the confident smiles they deserve using clear aligners. Our team offers:
- Expert treatment planning customized for teen patients
- Coaching and tools to help teens succeed
- Virtual check-ins and fewer in-office visits
- A fun, supportive environment every step of the way
Whether you’re a teen ready to boost your smile or a parent researching the best option, we’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation today and find out if Invisalign is the right fit.
