How many hours a day do aligners need to be worn?
Generally around 20 to 22 hours a day. The trays only come out for eating, for drinking anything other than water and for brushing your teeth.
Clear aligners
For the teeth to move steadily, the pressure needs to be applied for most of the day and night. That is why the dentist generally recommends wearing the trays for around 20 to 22 hours a day.
In practice, you take them out for meals and snacks, for hot, sweet or coloured drinks, and to brush your teeth. You then put them back in promptly, after rinsing or brushing.
A few habits help you keep to this routine: grouping snacks together, carrying a storage case so that you never wrap the trays in a napkin, and keeping a small toothbrush with you during the day.
If you forget to wear them for a prolonged period, tell the dentist. You will be told whether to keep the current tray a little longer before moving on to the next one.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- How do clear aligners work?
- How long does aligner treatment take?
- Can I eat and drink with aligners?
- Do aligners hurt?
- Aligners or fixed braces: which should I choose, particularly as an adult?
- What happens after treatment: do I need a retainer?
- The treatment in detail : Clear aligners
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions