If you’re reading this, you likely already know that Invisalign is one of the best teeth-straightening solutions available today. These clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces because they’re less noticeable and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene. This convenience is a major benefit, but it also leads many people to wear them for less than the recommended 22 hours a day.
This is particularly problematic for teenagers. When they go out on dates or attend events, they often ignore the 22-hour rule and take off their Invisalign. While skipping a day here and there might not seem like a big deal, it often becomes a habit, turning days into months. In such cases, the treatment becomes ineffective. Teenagers might then downplay the issue or lie, claiming they wore the aligners as directed but they just didn’t work, leading to frustration and mistrust of dentists. Invisalign addresses this with a feature called the compliance wear indicator or Invisalign indicator blue dot.
The compliance indicator is a blue dot on the side of the aligners. If the aligners are worn as recommended, for 22 hours a day, this dot will fade. The more the aligners are not worn according to the rule, the brighter the blue dot remains. This compliance indicator is only found on Invisalign Teen.
From a psychological perspective, informing the teenager about this indicator can reduce the temptation to remove the aligners and then lie about wearing them properly.
At Okotoks Orthodontics, Invisalign is the most attractive solution for aligning teeth and improving your smile. For teenagers, the blue dot is very effective, but for adults, it’s the commitment that matters.
Each cap in the aligners is precisely calibrated for the alignment of a specific tooth. To achieve the best results, the aligners must be worn consistently, and the comfort of a couple of hours without them is not a reason to extend that break to three or more hours. However, we are all human, and without strict guidelines, we tend to relax.
The key message here is that if you truly want to transform your life, start with your smile. When you choose Invisalign to align your teeth, think of it as a disciplined commitment. You need to follow the routine of wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day. By adhering to this regimen, you will not only achieve straight teeth and a beautiful smile, but you will also develop inner strength and discipline and Foothills dentistry Crystal Smiles will be a coach of sorts on your journey.
