How would it feel to see the straight, stunning smile you’ve always dreamed of every time you looked in the mirror? With Invisalign, your dream smile can become a beautiful reality. Now, if you’ve been looking into Invisalign, you’ve probably come across the “22-hour rule.” While it may sound like a strict guideline, it’s actually the secret sauce behind Invisalign’s success. Here’s what you should know and how Downtown Dental can help you.
What Is the 22-Hour Rule?
The 22-hour rule is simple: Wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day. That means you only have about two hours to remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Consistently following this rule ensures your teeth move into position as planned and stay on track with your treatment timeline.
Why Does It Matter?
Invisalign works by applying gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. If you don’t wear your aligners long enough each day, it can:
- Slow down your progress
- Extend your treatment time
- Make future aligners feel tighter or more uncomfortable
Following the 22-hour rule helps keep your treatment on schedule and achieve the best possible results.
4 Tips for Sticking to the 22-Hour Rule
- Plan your meals and snacks. — Eat at regular times so you don’t have to remove your aligners as often.
- Stay Organized. — Keep your aligner case handy so you can safely store them during meals.
- Brush on the go. — Pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your teeth and pop your aligners back in quickly.
- Set reminders. — Use your phone to track how long your aligners are out each day.
Call Us for Invisalign Clear Aligners in New Orleans
At Downtown Dental, Dr. Rathke and our team are here to make your Invisalign journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’re always here to answer your questions, share helpful tips to keep you on track, and cheer you on as your smile transforms.
Give us a call at Downtown Dental and schedule your consultation with Dr. Rathke today.
Let’s make that dream smile happen!