Can I Take My Invisalign Out for a Few Minutes?

Reviewed by Stephen Forrest, DDS, Updated May 2025

Dr. Forrest is a practicing cosmetic and Invisalign dentist at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center with over 30 years of experience helping patients improve their smiles with Invisalign clear aligners.

Wearing Invisalign aligners as directed is important for achieving the best results. Most Invisalign providers recommend keeping your aligners in for 20 to 22 hours per day. This allows a small window each day to remove them for eating, brushing, and other necessary breaks. Still, patients often ask if it’s okay to take their Invisalign out for just a few minutes. The answer is yes, but with clear boundaries.

This guide explains when you can safely remove your aligners, how long is too long, and how to avoid common mistakes. Following these tips can help you stay on schedule and avoid delays in your Invisalign treatment.

Why the 22-Hour Rule Matters

Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle, steady pressure to your teeth. This pressure helps guide each tooth into its planned position. But it only works when the aligners are on your teeth. The more consistently you wear your aligners, the more efficient your treatment will be.

If you take your aligners out too often or for too long, your teeth may shift backward. This can make the next set of trays feel tight or not fit at all. Consistency is the key to keeping your progress on track.

Can I Take Invisalign Out for a Few Minutes?

Yes. Removing your Invisalign for a few minutes here and there is okay. You can take them out to:

Snap a photo
Speak at a presentation
Eat or drink
Brush and floss
Play a sport with a mouthguard
Perform with a musical instrument

These short breaks are built into the flexibility of Invisalign. Just remember that each time you remove your trays, the clock is ticking. A five-minute break here or there won’t hurt, but longer or frequent breaks may slow things down.

How to Keep Short Breaks From Becoming a Problem

Here are some ways to make sure a short break stays short:

Set a timer: Use your phone or smartwatch to limit how long your aligners are out.
Keep them in sight: Store your case somewhere visible so you’re reminded to put them back in.
Avoid distractions: Don’t set them aside while multitasking or watching TV.
Track wear time: Use a dental tracking app or a simple notepad to record hours worn each day.

A good habit is to treat your Invisalign trays like part of your teeth. Unless you’re actively doing something that requires their removal, they should stay in.

How Long Is Too Long?

The goal is to wear your Invisalign trays 22 hours per day. That leaves you with about two hours total to:

Eat meals
Brush and floss
Clean the trays

Try not to remove them for more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Avoid stretches longer than 2 hours without wearing them. If you do have to remove them for a special event, just wear them a little longer that night or the next day to make up the time.

If you skip an entire day, your teeth may shift. You might feel tightness when you reinsert the trays, or the fit may be off. If this happens, continue wearing the current aligner longer than planned before switching to the next.

What Happens if You Forget to Put Them Back In?

It’s normal to slip up now and then. If you forget to wear your Invisalign for a few hours, here’s what to do:

Put them back in as soon as possible. Don’t wait until morning or your next planned activity.
Wear them longer before switching. Add an extra day or two to the current tray if needed.
Contact your provider if trays no longer fit. You may need to revert to your previous aligner or adjust your plan.

Missing one day is unlikely to ruin your progress, but repeated gaps will affect your timeline. The sooner you get back on track, the better.

When You Should Remove Invisalign

It’s normal and expected to take Invisalign out during certain parts of the day. These include:

Eating and drinking (except water): Trays can be stained or damaged by food and hot beverages.
Brushing and flossing: Always remove trays to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Special events: Important interviews, ceremonies, or photos may justify short breaks.
Sports or music practice: If safety or performance is at risk, take trays out but replace them quickly.

Try to group your activities together. For example, brush your teeth right after eating so you only remove your trays once instead of twice.

Tips for Removing and Storing Invisalign Safely

To protect your trays and your treatment progress, follow these tips whenever you take them out:

Use your case: Never leave trays on a napkin or a counter. Always place them in their storage case.
Clean them regularly: Rinse with cool or lukewarm water. Use a soft brush to remove buildup.
Brush your teeth before reinserting: This keeps your aligners fresh and your mouth healthy.
Pack a travel kit: Keep an extra case and toothbrush with you when you’re away from home.
Avoid hot water: Hot temperatures can warp the trays and ruin their shape.

These habits will help extend the life of your trays and reduce the risk of delays.

Real-Life Example

A patient had to give a wedding toast and removed their trays for 30 minutes. They set a timer, spoke, and put their trays back in shortly after. They added 30 minutes of wear time that evening. Their treatment stayed on track, and the next tray fit perfectly.

This kind of discipline helps Invisalign patients enjoy their lives without compromising their progress.

Common Questions About Short Breaks

Q: Can I remove Invisalign for a job interview?

A: Yes. Just keep it brief and wear the trays again right after the meeting ends.

Q: What if I remove my aligners to snack multiple times a day?

A: Try to reduce snacking and group meals to minimize the number of removals. Each removal adds up.

Q: Do I need to brush every time I eat before putting trays back in?

A: Yes, ideally. If brushing isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth well with water.

Q: Will one day without Invisalign ruin my progress?

A: Not likely. But you may need to wear the current tray longer. Contact your dentist if you’re unsure.

Stay on Track with Your Invisalign Journey

Consistency is the key to a confident smile. Follow these tips, wear your aligners as directed, and don’t hesitate to ask your provider for help if you slip up. Every hour counts, and your future smile is worth it.

Ready to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment? Commit to your routine today and smile with confidence tomorrow. Book your consultation now!