Sleeping with Braces or Aligners: What You Need to Know

Invisalign is a popular alternative to metal braces and uses plastic aligning trays to straighten teeth. Invisalign works because of the almost constant pressure, so it is necessary to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day and only remove them while eating or brushing your teeth. When your mouth is very sensitive, sleeping in the right position can make a big difference. After changing the aligner trays, try sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated.

You can do this with an extra pillow under your neck. Unfortunately, Invisalign does not offer a nighttime option as it is designed to treat more complex orthodontic cases, which require continuous use. If you suffer from Bruxism, you might be wondering if you can still wear braces or Invisalign. Clear aligners are already designed to be much more practical and discreet than traditional metal braces, but some patients may find that they feel self-conscious even just wearing clear aligners during the day.

Because braces don't cover the entire arch of your teeth like aligners do, you can still wear a night protector during treatment with braces. If you're feeling some pain before bed, you can take an over-the-counter acetaminophen medication, such as Tylenol. As the name suggests, nighttime braces are transparent aligners that only require 10 hours of use per day. When choosing a teeth grinding protector for orthodontic appliances, the most affordable options will be a custom orthodontic or furuncle protector.

You have orthodontic wax handy, just in case, and you even have some specialized threaders to help you floss under your orthodontic appliances. If you grind your teeth at night, it may be best to wear a mouth guard when you sleep with braces. Since this is your first night with braces, there are a few things you should consider to prepare for a restful sleep. Wearing braces or aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day is essential for successful treatment and sleeping in the right position can make a big difference.

Callie Bawcombe
Callie Bawcombe

Music guru. Award-winning tea scholar. Hardcore travel ninja. Extreme coffee fanatic. General internet expert.