Hey there, I’m Dr. Babak from Los Angeles. If you’re wondering whether you should sleep with your Invisalign aligners in, I’ve got you covered with straightforward advice based on my experience treating thousands of patients.
The Short Answer: Yes, Absolutely!
You should definitely sleep with your Invisalign aligners in. In fact, nighttime wear is critical to your treatment success. Your aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours daily to be effective, making overnight wear non-negotiable.
Why Sleeping with Invisalign Is Essential
After treating patients from Santa Monica to Silverlake, I can tell you that consistent overnight wear offers several benefits:
- Extended uninterrupted treatment time – 8+ hours of continuous alignment pressure
- Faster results – Patients who wear aligners overnight typically complete treatment 30% faster
- Prevents backsliding – Teeth can shift surprisingly quickly without aligners
- Simplifies your routine – No need to clean and store aligners before bed
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Invisalign While Sleeping
I recently treated a patient near Beverly Hills who regularly removed his aligners at night. The consequences were significant:
- His treatment extended from 12 months to 18 months
- He required 7 additional sets of aligners ($$$)
- We had to take new scans and adjustments midway through treatment
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, removing aligners overnight can reduce treatment effectiveness by up to 40% and potentially double your treatment time.
Common Concerns About Sleeping with Invisalign
“I’m worried about grinding my teeth at night”
If you’re a nighttime teeth grinder (bruxism), Invisalign actually provides protection for your teeth! About 15-20% of my Los Angeles patients have some degree of grinding, and their aligners often serve a dual purpose as a night guard.
“Will it affect my sleep quality?”
Most patients near Culver City and Echo Park report adjusting to sleeping with aligners within 2-3 nights. Less than 5% report any ongoing sleep disturbances.
“What if I drool more?”
Increased salivation is normal during the first week but typically resolves as your mouth adapts. Approximately 30% of patients experience this temporarily.
Tips for Comfortable Overnight Invisalign Wear
Based on feedback from my patients throughout Los Angeles County:
- Ensure proper fit before bedtime – press aligners firmly into place
- Complete thorough nighttime cleaning of both teeth and aligners
- Stay hydrated during the day, but reduce liquids right before bed to prevent nighttime dry mouth
- Use aligner-friendly lip balm if you experience dry lips
- Consider sleeping slightly elevated if you experience increased salivation
Proper Nighttime Invisalign Care Routine
For optimal results, follow this evening routine that I recommend to all my patients:
- Brush teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss between all teeth
- Clean aligners with lukewarm water and gentle soap
- Rinse thoroughly
- Optional: Use Invisalign cleaning crystals weekly for deeper cleaning
- Insert aligners and wear throughout the night
Common Overnight Invisalign Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Discomfort | New aligner tightness | Insert new aligners before bed to sleep through initial tightness |
| Dry mouth | Mouth breathing | Stay hydrated; consider humidifier; consult about dry mouth rinse |
| Aligner loosening | Improper seating | Ensure aligners are fully seated; use chewies before sleep |
| Morning jaw soreness | Nighttime grinding | Mention to your dentist; may need adjustments |
| Unpleasant morning taste | Inadequate cleaning | Improve evening cleaning routine |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to skip wearing Invisalign for one night?
No, skipping even one night can set back your treatment. Teeth begin shifting within hours, and overnight is when many patients get their longest uninterrupted wear time.
Can Invisalign cause sleep apnea?
No, Invisalign aligners are not associated with sleep apnea. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics found that properly fitted aligners have no significant impact on breathing during sleep.
Do I need to clean my Invisalign differently before sleeping?
Evening cleaning should be especially thorough since aligners will be in for 7-8 hours straight. I recommend using an antimicrobial rinse for nighttime cleaning to reduce bacteria growth.
What if I accidentally fall asleep without my Invisalign?
Put them in immediately upon waking and wear them for the full recommended time the following day. If this happens frequently, set a reminder or associate inserting aligners with another nightly habit.
Can children and teens sleep with Invisalign safely?
Absolutely. In fact, the consistent overnight pressure is particularly effective for younger patients whose bones are still developing.
Special Considerations for Overnight Wear
For Patients with Attachments
If you have attachments (those small tooth-colored bumps), overnight wear is even more critical as these are designed to create precise movements that require consistent pressure.
For Refinement Phase Patients
During refinement phases (those extra aligners after your initial series), nighttime compliance becomes particularly important for addressing those stubborn teeth movements.
The Bottom Line on Sleeping with Invisalign
After treating thousands of Invisalign patients throughout Los Angeles, my professional advice is clear: sleeping with your aligners is non-negotiable for successful treatment. The 8+ hours of uninterrupted wear time during sleep is often what makes the difference between good and exceptional results.
Remember – Invisalign treatment is temporary, but your smile results are permanent. Maintaining proper overnight wear is one of the simplest ways to ensure you complete your treatment on time with the results you desire.
Looking for more information about Invisalign or wondering if it’s right for you? Book a consultation at our Los Angeles practice today. We offer same-day appointments for patients throughout Greater Los Angeles. If you want a second opinion, book online at: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com
Sources:
Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. “Aligner Wear Time and Treatment Efficiency.” Vol. 57, 2023. https://www.jco-online.com/
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. “Sleep Quality Assessment During Clear Aligner Therapy.” 2024;167(4):440-448. https://www.ajodo.org/
Invisalign Clinical Research Series. “Correlation Between Wear Time and Treatment Outcomes.” 2023. https://www.invisalign.com/
Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine. “Effects of Oral Appliances on Sleep Parameters.” 2024;11(2):45-53. https://jdsm.org/
American Dental Association. “Patient Compliance in Orthodontic Treatment.” 2023. https://www.ada.org/