Skip to main content
Logo featuring McElroy Smiles text

5 Things to Know Before Starting Invisalign

Young man wearing Invisalign through a normal workday in Encinitas.

How many hours a day do I wear Invisalign?

Plan on 20 to 22 hours a day, taking the aligners out only to eat, to drink anything but water, and to brush. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule, so the aligners work best when they are in your mouth, not your pocket.

How many hours a day do I wear Invisalign?

Plan on 20 to 22 hours a day, taking the aligners out only to eat, to drink anything but water, and to brush. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule, so the aligners work best when they are in your mouth, not your pocket.

How long does Invisalign take?

Most adults finish in about 12 to 18 months, though mild cases can go faster and complex ones take longer. You move through a series of aligners, switching to the next set every one to two weeks as your teeth shift gradually into place.

What else should I expect?

Expect mild pressure when you start a new set, which fades within a day or two and means the aligners are working. You keep up normal brushing and flossing, clean your aligners daily, and wear a retainer after treatment to keep your new smile in place.

Most people adjust within a week. You may notice mild pressure or a slight lisp at first, both of which fade quickly. Because the aligners are removable, eating and cleaning your teeth stay easy.

Treatment slows and your teeth may not track to the next aligner, which can extend your timeline. Wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day keeps everything on schedule and your results on track.

Yes. Teeth naturally drift over time, so a retainer holds your new alignment in place. We will fit you for one at the end of treatment and explain how often to wear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

World-Class Dentistry, Where You are Known by Name

(C) 2026 Greg McElroy DDS Inc, doing business as McElroy Smiles. All rights reserved