Achieving the best results with your NU Smile Aligners requires a commitment to wearing them. The rule of 22 means that you’ll need to have your aligners on for at least 22 hours each day. This consistent wear time ensures that you stay on track with your treatment, but why? If you’re curious why you need your aligners on for so long and how you can manage your time, continue reading.
Why Do I Need to Wear My NU Smile Aligners So Long?
You may know that you need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, but you may not know why. The fact is that consistent wear is vital to ensure that your aligners put continuous pressure on your teeth.
This slow, steady force is what gradually moves them into alignment. Skipping wear time can slow down your progress, or even cause unexpected shifts, leading to longer treatment times and potentially less effective results.
How Can I Achieve My Rule of 22 Every Day?
Time management is an important skill for anyone, but it will really come in handy for NU Smile Aligner patients! Here are some simple ways to meet your wear time and manage your treatment effectively:
Set Reminders
Use your phone to set reminders for putting your aligners back in after meals and snacks. These reminders can help you avoid unintentionally leaving them out for too long.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning your aligners is important for keeping your oral hygiene in top form. Try to set up specific times each day for cleaning them, like in the morning and before bed. Doing this routinely will both improve your oral hygiene and help you remember to wear your aligners.
Plan Your Meals
Plan your meals and snacks out to minimize the number of times you need to remove your aligners. Set aside around 30 minutes for each of your three meals each day. This gives you one 15-minute snack period and 15 minutes for oral hygiene and cleaning!
Quick Brush and Rinse
After eating, brush your teeth and clean your aligners quickly but thoroughly. Keeping a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you can make this process convenient, ensuring you can put your aligners back in quickly.
Inform Your Friends and Family
Letting friends and family know about your aligner schedule can help hold you accountable. You can’t always rely on others to tell you when to put your aligners in. However, having a support network is fantastic for avoiding a few pitfalls and keeping you motivated.
With these strategies and a little practice, you’ll quickly adjust to wearing your NU Smile Aligners. This will ensure that your treatment stays on track and that you get the best results after all your hard work! However, if you just can’t seem to get the hang of it, call your dentist. They can give you more personalized advice to help you achieve a straightened smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew is a highly regarded dentist at Nu Dental Brick. A graduate of New York University, “Dr. G” has received numerous Top Dentist awards in New Jersey and New York. He is also a dedicated learner, logging almost 300 hours of continuing education every year! Call (510) 880-3022 to schedule a NU Smile Aligners consultation or visit our website to explore other services we offer.