Wearing aligners is becoming a popular choice for correcting misaligned teeth, and it involves wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Although this is the recommended timeframe for proper treatment, some may prefer an alternative without having to wear aligners all day long.
This article will explain the growing trend of nighttime aligners which are specifically designed to be worn only at night during sleep. We will discuss how these specialized aligners work, what type of treatments or uses they are suitable for, and who can benefit from them.
Can I wear My Aligners at Night Only?
Wearing aligners for at least 20 hours is recommended for most aligner products. Trying to wear them only at night may be tempting, mostly because it can be more reassuring for patients feeling insecure about their treatment due to the visible presence of the aligners in day-to-day life. However, this isn’t an option for many products, as the minimum required time has been proven to get the desired results.
Some alignment products offer an alternative such as Byte At-Night Aligners, which are designed specifically to use while you sleep and aren’t meant to be worn during the day.
Pros and Cons of Nighttime Aligners
Nighttime aligners offer an attractive solution for those looking to transform their smile without dedicating a large block of time to wearing traditional aligners.
Specifically, nighttime aligners are worn just before bed and throughout the night; as opposed to twenty-two hours a day as other clear aligners require.
The biggest pro of nighttime aligners is that they drastically reduce the amount of time they must be worn to achieve successful results. This increased convenience makes it possible for those with busy schedules or who tend to forget or misplace their clear trays during the day to correct minor orthodontic issues.
Additionally, some studies have indicated that there are physical benefits related to sleeping with nighttime appliances compared to wearing them during the day; such as reducing pain and limiting abrasion on the teeth due to grinding or clenching while asleep.
However, despite these benefits, there are certain cons associated with nighttime aligners as well. Many individuals find sleeping with nighttime appliances slightly uncomfortable, although this discomfort typically subsides after a few nights of using them. In addition, nighttime aligners work best for those with mild alignment issues and are not suitable for those with more serious issues. Lastly, due to the reduced wear time of nighttime aligners, treatment can take longer than with other types of clear aligners.
Ultimately, anyone considering this type of treatment should weigh both pros and cons carefully and speak with an orthodontist about which option will be best in combination with their particular needs and lifestyle preferences.
See our article: Nighttime Aligners Before and After.
Do Night Aligners Work?
Night aligners, like many orthodontic treatments, can be effective for mild misalignment. These clear plastic trays are worn while the patient sleeps and provide gentle pressure to help move teeth into a healthier position.
However, they are not as powerful or comprehensive as traditional orthodontic braces and are not as successful in dealing with more severe cases of misalignment.
An article from BYTE states that nighttime aligners can work well for patients who have mild teeth issues only, but it will take longer to achieve the desired results in comparison to using aligners that are worn for most of the day and night.
Furthermore, it is ultimately up to a professional to suggest night aligners since they would know if you could potentially benefit from them or if other treatments would provide better results.
How Long Does the Night Aligners Treatment Take?
Exactly how long a patient needs to wear nighttime aligners depends on the individual case and the goals of treatment.
Nighttime aligners are worn for around ten hours during the time a patient is sleeping and use a thicker material that moves your teeth while you sleep.
On average, night aligners take approximately ten months to complete the treatment but as with normal daytime aligners, which require to be worn for 20+ hours per day, adhering to wearing them correctly for the correct amount of time will influence the outcome and length of the treatment.
See our review of The Best Clear Aligners.
Are Night Aligners a Good Choice?
Night aligners are a newer type of treatment that has been developed over the last few years, and many individuals with varying degrees of misalignment are turning to them as an alternative to other more invasive treatments.
While they are not suitable for everyone, night aligners provide an innovative way to correct alignment problems without invasive treatments and lengthy recovery periods.
Night aligners are often less painful and have proven successful in reducing treatment times for mild misalignments in comparison to traditional braces, making them a very attractive treatment option for some people. They can improve both the aesthetics of your smile and your oral health, leading to greater confidence and satisfaction from improved overall dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Okay to Not Wear Aligners During the Day?
Yes, but only if you have a specialized aligner that is purposely made for nighttime wear only as these are not intended to be worn throughout the day. For standard aligner treatments, it is recommended that they should be worn for 20-22 hours each day for optimal results.
Can I Wear Smile Direct at Night Only?
SmileDirectClub standard aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day for the duration of treatment. However, this brand also offers a unique nighttime-only aligner product that you can wear for 10 hours at night only and is not designed to be worn throughout the day.
Can I Wear Invisalign at Night Only?
Invisalign offers high-quality aligners that must be worn for 20-22 hours per day to be effective. This brand does not offer a night aligner-only product.
However, several other aligner brands offer a nighttime-only solution.
