For effective results, clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. This ensures that adequate and continuous pressure is applied to the teeth, facilitating their gradual movement into the desired position. Removing the aligners for extended periods can disrupt this process, potentially delaying the treatment or reversing progress. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), aligners should only be taken out during eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing to maintain both hygiene and treatment effectiveness (AAO, 2023). A systematic review by Rossini et al. (2015) in the Progress in Orthodontics journal highlighted that consistent wear is crucial for achieving predictable orthodontic tooth movements. Therefore, patient discipline in wearing aligners as recommended is essential for the success of clear aligner therapy. References: American Association of Orthodontists (2023). "Clear Aligners: What You Need to Know." https://www.aaoinfo.org Rossini, G., Parrini, S., Castroflorio, T., Deregibus, A., & Debernardi, C. (2015). "Efficacy of clear aligners in controlling orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review." Progress in Orthodontics, 16(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-015-0106-z