If you’re using Invisalign, you probably know the struggle of getting your aligners to fit snugly over your teeth. Sometimes, no matter how carefully you put them in, they just don’t seem to sit right. That’s where Invisalign chewies come in. They help make sure your aligners are doing their job properly, giving you the best results. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Invisalign chewies are and how they work to improve your aligner experience. Without waiting further, let’s get started.
What are Invisalign Chewies?
Invisalign chewies are a device used to close the air bubbles between your aligners and teeth and improve the grip of aligners on your teeth. They are known by many names – Invisalign chew sticks, aligner chewies, aligner tray seaters, aligner seaters, and so on.
They are made of soft plastic material known as styrene copolymer. Aligner chewies look like a pencil or cotton roll. This shape and size are to facilitate the grip between the aligners. They also come in flavors to make them more interesting and desirable for kids and young teens.
What are Aligner Chewies Used for?
Aligner chewies might be small, but they are crucial for your Invisalign treatment. To work effectively, your aligners need to fit snugly against your teeth, applying the right pressure to move your teeth into the correct position.
Chewies help achieve this by providing a firm, even pressure when you bite down. They remove any air gaps between your aligners and your teeth, ensuring that the aligners fit properly.
How to Use Invisalign Chewies Effectively?
If you want your Invisalign aligners to fit properly and do their job well, using chewies the right way is important. Follow these steps to get the best results.
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Wear Your Aligners First
Before using a chewie, make sure your aligners are in your mouth as instructed by your dentist. They should already be positioned as well as possible over your teeth.
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Place the Chewie in Your Mouth
Take a chewie and position it between your upper and lower teeth.
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Bite Down Firmly
Gently but firmly bite down on the chewie and hold it for a few seconds. This helps push the aligners into a better fit.
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Move the Chewie Around
Shift the chewie to different spots in your mouth and repeat the process. Start on one side, move across to the other, and make sure each section gets attention. This ensures the aligners sit evenly over all your teeth.
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Check for Gaps
After using the chewie, take a look in the mirror. If you notice any spaces between your aligners and teeth, bite down again in that area to close the gap.
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Use Them Regularly
For the best results, use chewies for about five minutes at a time, at least twice a day. Your dentist might suggest a different schedule based on your progress, so be sure to follow their advice.
Signs You Might Need Invisalign Chewies
Here’s how to tell if you need Invisalign chewies:
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Your Aligners Feel Loose
If your aligners feel loose or don’t sit tightly against your teeth, they might not be doing their job properly. Gaps between your aligners and teeth can slow down progress, making the treatment take longer than expected. Chewies help remove air pockets and ensure the aligners apply the right pressure.
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New Aligners Are Uncomfortable
It’s normal to feel some pressure when switching to a new set, but if the discomfort is too much, chewies can help. By biting down on them for a few minutes, you help your teeth settle into the aligners more comfortably. This can reduce soreness and make the adjustment process easier.
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Your Treatment Seems to Be Moving Slowly
If it feels like your Invisalign treatment isn’t progressing as expected, your aligners might not be fitting as they should. When there are small gaps between your teeth and the aligners, the pressure needed to move your teeth isn’t applied properly. Chewies help ensure a tight fit, which can keep your treatment on track.
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Some Teeth Feel More Pressure Than Others
Ideally, your aligners should apply even pressure across all teeth. If you notice that some teeth feel tighter while others barely feel any force, your aligners might not be sitting correctly. Using chewies can help adjust the fit so that pressure is evenly distributed.
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You Struggle to Keep Aligners In for Long Hours
If your aligners feel uncomfortable, you might find yourself taking them out more often than you should. This can slow down progress and extend your treatment time. Chewies make aligners more comfortable by helping them fit properly, making it easier to wear them for the full recommended duration.
What are the Advantages of Using Chewies?
Tooth Movement
Chewies help teeth move faster and more predictably. By gently pushing on the aligners, they make sure the aligners fit tightly and apply the right amount of pressure on the teeth. This leads to straighter teeth in less time.
Enhanced Aligner Fit
Chewies get rid of air bubbles between the aligners and teeth. This makes the aligners fit better and helps guide the teeth into the correct position.
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Clearer Speech
When aligners fit securely, they are less likely to interfere with your speech. Chewies contribute to this by ensuring a tight fit.
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Greater Comfort
Proper aligner fit reduces discomfort and irritation. Chewies help achieve this by distributing pressure evenly across your teeth.
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Convenience
Chewies are small and portable, making them easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Possible Issues with Orthodontic Chewies
If you’re using orthodontic chewies, it’s important to use them the right way. Otherwise, they might not work as well as they should. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Overusing a Worn-Out Chewie
Chewies wear out over time. When they lose their shape or become too soft, they don’t work as well. If you keep using the same one for too long, it won’t help your aligners fit properly. Make sure to replace your chewie as often as your dentist recommends.
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Applying Too Much or Too Little Pressure
Finding the right pressure is important. Biting too hard can damage your aligners or even hurt your jaw, while biting too softly won’t help your aligners settle in place. Use enough pressure so that you feel a firm but comfortable bite.
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Skipping Chewie Sessions
Chewies should be part of your daily routine. You should use them at least twice a day, especially when you put in a new set of aligners. A few minutes each time is enough to make sure your aligners are fitting well and doing their job.
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Storing Them in Unsanitary Places
Leaving your chewie lying around on a table or in your pocket isn’t a good idea. It can collect dust, dirt, and bacteria, making it unhygienic to put back in your mouth. Keep it in a clean storage case whenever you’re not using it. That way, it stays safe and ready for the next use.
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Neglecting Proper Cleaning
Chewies go in your mouth multiple times a day, so they need to be cleaned just like your aligners. If you don’t wash them, they can collect bacteria and lose their elasticity faster. The best way to clean them is with water and mild soap after each use. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the material.
Alternatives to Invisalign Chewies
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Movemints
If you’ve ever wished aligner chewies were edible, Movemints are the answer. These are specially designed mints that not only freshen your breath but also help seat your aligners properly. Just place one between your teeth, bite down, and chew as you would with regular chewies. The best part? You can swallow them when you’re done.
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Munchies
Made from silicone, Munchies are a durable alternative that bounce back to their original shape after each bite. They come in different levels of firmness, so you can choose one that feels comfortable for you—whether you prefer something soft or more resistant.
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Paper Towel
If you’re in a pinch, a simple paper towel can work. Roll it up until it’s about as thick as your pinky finger, then bite down on it to push your aligners into place. This helps remove any air gaps between your teeth and aligners. Just make sure to discard the paper towel after use.
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Cotton Rolls
Those small cotton rolls used at the dentist’s office can also work as a substitute. Place one between your teeth and bite down to help your aligners fit snugly. Since they’re soft, they provide a similar cushioning effect as chewies.
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Pencil Erasers
A clean pencil eraser can do the job too. Simply press it against your aligners to help them settle into place. While this method isn’t as common, it can work in a situation where you don’t have anything else handy.
Closing Thoughts
Invisalign chewies may seem like a small part of your orthodontic journey, but they play a significant role in ensuring your aligners work effectively. By using them regularly, you can enhance the fit of your aligners, potentially speeding up your treatment and making the process more comfortable.
Looking for expert orthodontic care? Start your Invisalign journey with a trusted specialist.
FAQs
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Can you reuse the Invisalign chew sticks?
The good thing about Invisalign chew sticks is that they are reusable. So aligner chewies, you can use them until they don’t lose their shape. A simple thing to remember is to clean the aligner chewies each time you use them with soap or toothpaste.
You can get their multipacks so that you can quickly move to another once the one you use goes out of shape.
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Can aligner chewies speed up the Invisalign treatment?
The purpose of using chewies with Invisalign is to care for the fitting of aligners on the teeth. And that is the most crucial factor of the Invisalign treatment. The aligners put gentle pressure on your teeth to move them to the desired place. Therefore their fitting on teeth can also get loose after some time.
The chewies are crucial as they maintain the fit of your aligners so that the aligners keep shifting the teeth in the correct position.
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Where to buy Invisalign chewies?
When you begin your treatment, your orthodontist provides you with multiple aligner tray seaters. Once you run out of that, you can get them easily from a local drug store or a grocery store.
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Can you eat the aligner tray seaters?
Sorry! You can’t eat your aligner tray seaters, made of soft plastic, and you can’t eat plastic! You can opt for “movemints,” which is an edible mint if you are interested in snacking along with enhancing the fitting of your aligners.
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How often should you use your Invisalign chewies?
Chewies are generally advised to be used multiple times a day, particularly after putting in new aligners. This practice helps make sure the aligners fit properly and align correctly with your teeth, which supports effective tooth movement during Invisalign treatment.
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How to clean Invisalign chewies?
To clean Invisalign Chewies, rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or hot water, as these can damage the material. Let the chewies air dry completely before storing them in a clean container or case.
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Do Invisalign chewies work with all types of aligners?
Yes, they do. Whether you’re using standard Invisalign, Invisalign Express, or other brands like ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub, chewies help ensure your aligners fit snugly. They remove air gaps between the aligners and your teeth, making sure your treatment stays on track.
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Can using chewies the wrong way damage my aligners?
If you bite down too hard or use excessive force, you could put unnecessary stress on your aligners. This might lead to cracks or slight warping. To avoid this, always bite down gently and evenly, just enough to seat the aligners properly. If you’re unsure, check with your orthodontist.
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Are there flavored Invisalign chewies?
Yes, you can find chewies in different flavors like mint, bubblegum, and citrus. They can make the experience a bit more enjoyable, especially for kids and teens. Just make sure the ingredients are safe for dental use before trying flavored options.
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How do I store Invisalign chewies to keep them clean?
Keep them in a clean, dry container or a resealable plastic bag when you’re not using them. Leaving them exposed can lead to dust and bacteria buildup. It’s also a good idea to wash them regularly with mild soap and water to maintain hygiene.
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What’s the difference between Invisalign chewies and rubber bands?
Chewies help your aligners fit properly by closing any small gaps between your teeth and the trays. Rubber bands, on the other hand, are used to fix bite issues and jaw alignment. While chewies make sure the aligners are doing their job, rubber bands apply extra force to move teeth into place.
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Are there different sizes of Invisalign chewies?
Most come in a standard size, but some brands offer chewies with different firmness levels or textures. If the regular ones feel uncomfortable, check with your orthodontist to see if other options might work better for you.
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Do chewies help with Invisalign pain?
They can definitely help with discomfort. When your aligners fit properly, the pressure on your teeth is more even, which can reduce soreness from loose or improperly seated trays. Just remember, some pain is normal when your teeth are shifting, so chewies won’t get rid of it completely.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.