If you want to straighten your teeth and are considering Invisalign, you might be wondering what happens when you go to bed. Of course, with traditional braces that attach to your teeth, you have no choice but to leave them in. But what about Invisalign? Do you sleep with Invisalign still in or do you take Invisalign out to sleep?
Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments because it’s one of the least invasive ways to improve the look of your teeth. With traditional braces, metal wires and brackets are placed on your teeth to pull them into the correct position. This process can cause pain and discomfort, and you can’t remove them yourself. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear, removable aligners to accomplish the same goals, which means you get to choose when to take them out.
Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sleeping with Invisalign, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
Do You Sleep With Invisalign in?
So are you supposed to sleep with Invisalign? The short answer is: yes! You do sleep with Invisalign in for the best results.
You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours each day. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, that means it’s essential you let them do their work while you’re asleep.
The purpose of Invisalign is to help you improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Over the course of several months, the aligners gradually and gently shift your teeth into the desired position. To achieve this, you need to wear your Invisalign throughout the night as you sleep.
When Can I Take Out My Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable, but as we’ve mentioned, you should keep them in for 22 hours a day, including when you sleep. So what about the other two hours every day?
You can remove the Invisalign aligners so that you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth normally. This helps prevent food from getting stuck in your aligners as it often does with traditional braces, and makes them easier to brush effectively.
What Happens if You Take Invisalign Out to Sleep?
You are supposed to sleep with Invisalign, but what happens if you don’t?
Taking your Invisalign out to sleep once or twice shouldn’t be a big deal. But if you regularly take them out to sleep, you’ll be subject to a few downfalls:
- Your teeth may return to their pre-Invisalign positions. During the night, your teeth will naturally drift back to their original positions because they are not being guided by your Invisalign.
- Your Invisalign may be uncomfortable in the morning. Because your teeth will have drifted back to their former positions, your Invisalign will not fit as well, making it more uncomfortable to put back in.
- Your progress will stall. When you don’t sleep with your Invisalign in, instead of making progress you’ll need to wait for the aligners to re-do the work that was undone while you slept.
- You’ll need to keep wearing Invisalign for longer. The more time you spend without your Invisalign out, the longer it will take for the alignment process to complete. You won’t see the results you were hoping for in the same time frame.
At the end of the day (or night), if you do take Invisalign out to sleep, you won’t see the optimal results you want. It’s much better to leave your Invisalign in overnight to ensure your progress stays on track and the alignment of your teeth continues to improve each day.
Is Sleeping With Invisalign Comfortable?
There’s no need to worry about discomfort when it comes to sleeping with Invisalign.
Not only do Invisalign aligners look less conspicuous than traditional metal braces, but they’re also much more comfortable. They’re smooth and flexible to move with your mouth, and don’t use any wires or brackets that might cause cuts. Many patients forget that they’re wearing their Invisalign, so you should be able to sleep comfortably.
What If I Do Experience Some Discomfort?
If you do experience discomfort while wearing Invisalign to sleep, there are things you can do to get relief and a good night’s rest. Try:
- Checking that your Invisalign is snapped into place. If your aligners aren’t fitted correctly, they will put pressure on your teeth and cause discomfort.
- Using an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or towel. Apply it to the sore area for up to ten minutes at a time.
- Drinking cold water or sucking on ice cubes to help numb your mouth. You don’t need to take your Invisalign out while you do this.
How We Can Help
At Advanced Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a top 1% Invisalign provider. Invisalign is a fantastic option if you want to straighten your teeth without the hassle and discomfort of traditional braces, and yes, they even keep working as you sleep.
Find out more about Invisalign by scheduling a free consultation today.