If you want to straighten your teeth using Invisalign, then you must be wondering what happens when you go to bed. Do you sleep with Invisalign or take them out? Unlike traditional metal braces, which cannot be removed before going to bed, Invisalign offers its wearers a choice.
Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments because of its gentle way to improve the look of your teeth. Traditional braces consist of metal wires and brackets that are placed on your teeth to pull them into the desired position. This process causes pain and discomfort as it cannot be removed temporarily. At the same time, Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth, and is easily removable.
Let us discuss everything you need to know about sleeping with Invisalign.
Do You Sleep With Invisalign on?
Should you sleep with Invisalign? The answer is yes. Invisalign should be worn at least 22 hours a day, and since a day is 24 hours only, the person should sleep with Invisalign.
The Invisalign is worn to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. After a couple of months, you can see the magic done by aligners, thereby shifting your teeth to the correct position.
What Happens If You Take Invisalign Out while Sleeping?
Dentists highly recommend sleeping with Invisalign. However, if you don’t sleep with them, you will be subject to a few downfalls:
Your teeth may return to their previous positions
The teeth may shift back to their original position as you aren’t wearing aligners to guide them.
Your Invisalign may be uncomfortable in the morning
Wearing your Invisalign in the morning can be uncomfortable as your teeth may have drifted back to their pre-Invisalign position at night.
Your progress will stall
Your progress stalls if you don’t wear Invisalign at night because when you wear them back in the morning, the aligners have to redo the work undone while you were not wearing them at night.
You will need to keep wearing Invisalign for longer
The more you keep the Invisalign out, the longer you have to wear them to align your teeth. You cannot achieve the desired results you had hoped for.
Be it day or night, you must keep your Invisalign in to achieve the desired results. Also, it is better to wear your Invisalign at night to ensure you stay on track.
Is Sleeping With Invisalign Comfortable?
The answer is Yes. It is very comfortable to sleep with Invisalign. They are smooth and flexible and don’t have metal wires and brackets that may cause discomfort or cuts in the mouth. Invisalign wearers often forget they are wearing something and are thus comfortable sleeping with it.
What If I Do Experience Some Discomfort?
If you experience any discomfort while sleeping with Invisalign, follow these steps to get quick relief.
Check if Invisalign is placed correctly
When the Invisalign is not placed correctly, it puts extra pressure on the teeth and often causes discomfort.
Use an Ice pack
Wrap a small piece of ice cube in a thin cloth or towel and place it over the sore area for about 10 minutes.
Drink Cold Water or Suck an Ice Cube
This trick will numb your mouth and can be done without taking out your Invisalign.
How do you Sleep With Invisalign?
Follow these tips to have a comfortable night’s sleep with Invisalign.
- Proper Fit: Make sure your Invisalign aligners fit you properly as per your orthodontist’s instructions. Ill-fitting aligners cause discomfort.
- Cleanliness: Always clean your Invisalign trays before you wear them at night. Also, remove any food particles to prevent staining and bacterial buildup.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth nicely before you put back your Invisalign aligners. A clean mouth reduces the risk of oral issues during sleep.
- Comfort Level: Pay attention to your comfort while wearing Invisalign at night. If you experience discomfort, wear them for shorter durations or remove them before you sleep.
Conclusion
So, Do you sleep with Invisalign? Sleeping with Invisalign is a common concern among people undergoing orthodontic treatment. Although sleeping with Invisalign is safe and manageable, people may experience some discomfort initially. A person can follow guidelines for aligner wear, maintain oral hygiene, and address any discomfort to have a peaceful sleep at night.
Ready to learn more about sleeping with Invisalign or explore your orthodontic options?
Book an appointment online with Palisades Dental Care, Dumont, NJ, today! New patients can call us at (201) 279-0440 while existing patients can reach us at (201) 568-9811 for any inquiries.
FAQs
Is it safe to sleep with Invisalign?
It is safe to sleep with Invisalign aligners as long as they are worn according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
Can I remove my Invisalign aligners at night?
It is recommended to wear Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day, including during sleep, for best results.
What if I experience discomfort while sleeping with Invisalign?
If you experience discomfort, try to adjust the aligners as per your orthodontist’s advice or consult with them for further guidance.
