Invisalign clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-fit plastic aligners that are worn in sequence to gradually shift teeth into place over time. For best results, Invisalign recommends wearing aligners for 20-22 hours per day. However, many people wonder what happens if they wear Invisalign for less time, such as only 15 hours a day. There are several potential effects of wearing Invisalign fewer hours than prescribed.
Potential Effects of Wearing Invisalign 15 Hours Per Day
Slower Progress
One of the most likely effects of wearing Invisalign aligners for only 15 hours a day instead of the recommended 20-22 hours is that progress will be slower. Invisalign works by applying gentle consistent pressure to teeth over an extended period of time to gradually encourage them to shift into alignment. The longer you wear the aligners each day, the more time this pressure can be applied and the quicker you will see results. Reducing wear time limits how much your teeth are able to move at each stage.
In the first part of Invisalign treatment when significant movement is needed, wearing aligners for 15 hours instead of 20-22 hours can double or triple your treatment time. Later on when less adjustment is needed between aligners, the impact may be less significant but some lag in progress is still likely. The exact amount of delay will depend on how much movement is needed and how closely each aligner fits. Keep in mind that Invisalign plans treatment times based on consistent 20-22 hour per day wear.
Discomfort
Another potential effect of reduced Invisalign wear time is increased discomfort. The gentle constant pressure of Invisalign aligners encourages teeth to move gradually over time. When you remove aligners for several hours a day, teeth shift slightly back towards their original position. This means that every time you put your aligners back in, your teeth have to shift again to the desired position. This repeated shifting back and forth can cause more soreness than changing between aligners optimized for full time wear. Discomfort is often worst in the first few days of a new aligner as your teeth are moving the most.
Poor Aligner Fit
Invisalign aligners are custom made to fit your teeth in each specific position. If you wear aligners for shorter times than prescribed, your teeth will not be in the exact position the aligner was designed for. This can cause aligners to fit poorly, leave gaps, and not apply pressure effectively. Ill-fitting aligners are less capable of moving your teeth properly. You may find that aligners designed to be worn 20-22 hours per day do not fit well or feel loose if only worn 15 hours a day.
Not Tracking
Tracking refers to how well your teeth are moving according to each Invisalign treatment plan stage. Good tracking means your teeth are moving as expected between aligners. Poor tracking means teeth are not responding to the aligners as predicted. Reduced wear time often causes poor aligner tracking because teeth are not moving fully to each intended position. This can mean the next aligner does not fit properly. Poor tracking can delay treatment, require new aligner impressions, or necessitate design refinements from your orthodontist.
Need for Refinements
In many cases, some refinement aligners are needed after the initial set of Invisalign trays to tweak and finalize the orthodontic treatment. Refinements are common even with full time aligner wear. However, decreasing wear time often increases how many refinements are necessary after the first set of aligners. More refinement trays mean a longer total treatment plan.
Relapse
Relapse refers to teeth shifting back towards their original crooked/misaligned position after orthodontic treatment is complete. Some minor relapse can happen with any orthodontic method as teeth have a “memory” and tend to regress slightly. However, relapse is much more likely if aligners have not been worn for the prescribed time. Teeth will not have stabilized fully in their new straightened positions and want to relapse back to their pretreatment state. Shortened Invisalign wear makes relapse after treatment completion more probable.
Increased Cost
The combined effects of slower progress, poor fit, reduced tracking, need for more refinements, and potential relapse mean that decreasing prescribed Invisalign wear time often increases overall treatment duration and cost. Additional aligners and appointments with your orthodontist may be required if teeth do not respond as planned. You may need more refinement aligners after the initial set. Relapse may necessitate starting treatment over or doing another set of aligners. This adds cost in aligner production fees and orthodontist chair time.
Recommended Action
Wear Aligners As Close to 20-22 Hours As Possible
For the most predictable, timely, and cost-effective Invisalign treatment results, it is recommended to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and wear aligners for 20-22 hours per day whenever possible. This gives your teeth the consistent light force needed to move properly. Of course, life gets in the way at times for all of us. An occasional day of 15 hour wear time won’t derail treatment. However, make every effort to meet the 20-22 hour per day guideline.
Track Your Wear Time
Invest in a wear time tracking app or timer to objectively monitor how long your aligners are in each day. It’s easy to underestimate time not wearing them. Seeing actual wear data helps ensure you are meeting the prescribed guidelines and reminds you to increase wear if needed. Share aligner wear tracking data with your orthodontist.
Proactively Communicate with Your Orthodontist
Let your orthodontist know right away if you are having consistent difficulty wearing aligners 20-22 hours per day. They have options to get treatment back on track, such as prescribing the next aligner early if progress has stalled or ordering mid-course corrections. Being transparent about wear time challenges allows your orthodontist to make any necessary treatment plan adjustments.
Stick to Your Invisalign Cleaning Routine
Consistent aligner cleaning is important to prevent buildup of bacteria that cause things like white spot lesions during treatment. Reduced wear time decreases the cleaning and bacteria-fighting action of saliva inside aligners. Be meticulous about cleaning aligners and your teeth after eating and before reinserting aligners to avoid problems.
Avoid Very Short Wear Times
Wearing aligners for extremely short times like only at night is never recommended. This will prevent any meaningful orthodontic progress. While not ideal, wearing for 15 hours per day should still produce gradual improvement. But take care not to shorten wear times further. If your lifestyle simply does not permit at least 15 hours of daily aligner wear, Invisalign may not be the best treatment approach for you. Discuss aligners versus other options with your orthodontist.
The Impact of Inconsistent Wear Time
Many patients find it challenging to stick to 20-22 hours of Invisalign wear time each and every day while balancing work, school, family, and other obligations. Normal life makes it hard to be completely consistent. The good news is that teeth only shift fractionally day by day. An occasional short day here and there has minimal impact. However, routinely wearing aligners for less time can become problematic for the reasons outlined above.
Try your absolute best for 20-22 hour daily wear. If you frequently end up with 15-19 hour wear days, make your orthodontist aware so they can monitor progress closely and modify treatment as needed. With good communication and response to any prescribed adjustments, occasional reduced wear time can still allow Invisalign treatment to be successful. Just strive for consistency whenever you can.
Tips for Maximizing Daily Invisalign Wear Time
Here are some tips to help you wear your Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day:
Create Reminders
Set reminders on your phone, smartwatch, computer, or other devices to prompt you to put aligners back in after eating and drinking. Packing aligners when leaving home helps you remember to insert them again as soon as possible.
Stay Organized
Have an aligner storage case handy at home, work, and in your car so you can always stash aligners when removed. Keep cases near sinks to remind you to put aligners back in after brushing your teeth.
Plan Your Meals
Try to avoid constant snacking and sip beverages over short periods. Limit eating and drinking during the day to set meal and drink times to maximize aligner wear between.
Switch Aligners at Night
Only remove aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth during daytime hours. Switch into your next aligner tray while sleeping so you get a longer stretch of continuous wear with the new tray.
Involve Friends and Family
Enlist others to gently remind you to reinsert aligners when you see them in social settings. Especially helpful if you are talking or distracted.
Note Which Teeth Feel Sore
Take notice of which specific teeth feel the most discomfort when starting a new aligner tray. These are the teeth that aligner is focused on shifting, so prioritize keeping aligners in whenever those teeth are sore.
Be Mindful When Out
Pay attention to remove aligners only briefly for essential eating and bathroom breaks when away from home. Wear the rest of the time.
Consult Your Orthodontist
If you are committed to achieving a straighter smile with Invisalign but struggle with consistent wear for 20-22 hours daily, discuss this openly with your orthodontist. They can assess your progress, identify any issues, and recommend options personalized for your situation. With good patient-doctor communication, minor hurdles like inconsistent wear times can often be overcome while still staying on a successful path to straight teeth with Invisalign.