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Home / Blog / FAQs / Invisalign Chewies – What Are They & How Do You Use Them?

Invisalign Chewies – What Are They & How Do You Use Them?

Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  / Aug 01, 2023  
Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  
Aug 01, 2023  
Invisalign

Have you ever heard of Invisalign chewies and wondered what they are?

Invisalign chewie is an essential product for anyone wearing Invisalign aligners. It’s a soft, chewy-textured rubber tool that helps keep the aligners in place while you wear them. Additionally, it avoids the development of air pockets, which can irritate your teeth or perhaps cause them harm.

However, many people don't know how to use Invisalign chewies correctly. To help you, we'll explore what Invisalign chewies are and discuss how to use them properly. Continue reading to learn more about Invisalign chewies and why they’re essential for anyone wearing Invisalign aligners.

What Are Invisalign Chewies?

Invisalign chewies are bite pads made out of soft plastic. They’re designed specifically for Invisalign wearers to help the aligners fit better and feel more comfortable while you’re wearing them.

It is important to note that Invisalign chewies are not the same as regular chew toys. They’re specifically designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit with your aligners, which is essential for proper treatment and avoiding damage to your teeth.

Plus, Invisalign chewies are easy to use. You can pick the colour that fits you best. They're also easy to store because they're little. This makes them easy to carry.

What Are Aligner Chewies Used For?

As you know what aligner chewies are, you might be wondering why you need them. Well, they’re actually an incredibly important part of the Invisalign process because they help to ensure that your aligners stay in place and fit comfortably.

When you first get your Invisalign aligner trays, it’s important to chew on them with the chewies for a few minutes every day. This helps to ensure that the aligners stay in place and fit properly as they’re designed to.

In addition, aligner chewies are also helpful for keeping your mouth clean. The rubber material on the surface of the chewies traps food particles that would otherwise be stuck between your teeth and your aligners, reducing the risk of cavities or other dental problems.

Remember, Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment designed to give you the smile you deserve. Using Invisalign chewies is an important part of making sure the clear aligner treatment works as intended and that your teeth stay healthy.

How Do You Use Aligner Chewies Correctly?

After knowing what it is and its use, you must be curious about how to use it correctly. Using Invisalign chewies is actually quite easy.

Generally speaking, you will use chewies when:

  • You're starting your Invisalign treatment

  • When you notice that your aligners no longer fit as they should

  • When you're replacing an aligner after cleaning your teeth

Like what we've mentioned, here are the steps to follow when using Invisalign chewies:

  1. Wet the surface of your aligner with saliva or water.

  2. Place the chewies in your upper and lower teeth and bite down gently for a few minutes.

  3. Make sure that you repeat this process with each aligner, ensuring that everyone is used for at least a few minutes.

  4. After you’ve finished, rinse your clear aligners and your mouth with water to get rid of any residual saliva or food particles.

  5. Place your clear aligners back in their case, and you're all set.

It’s important to note that when using chewies, less is more. Overdoing it can cause the edges of your aligners to become worn out and lose their shape easily, which will make them ineffective. It's best to use the chewies only for a few minutes each day at the beginning of your treatment.

Can Chewies Speed Up Treatment?

Many people who use Invisalign ask if chewies can actually speed up treatment or make your teeth move faster. The answer is partial yes because using chewies helps ensure that your aligners fit snugly and securely around your teeth. 

This ensures that the aligners stay in place, which can prevent any delays or snags during treatment. The proper fit of an aligner tray is important in order to ensure that the aligners are able to move your teeth as intended. 

Chewies can help achieve a snug fit by contouring the edges of the trays, and if you wear them properly, they may even shorten your overall treatment time.

Benefits of Using Invisalign Aligner Chewies

Other activities, including wearing your aligners for the entire 22-hour period, can also help accelerate treatment. But there are other benefits to using chewies in addition to this. They can help:

  • Reduce discomfort associated with eating and talking

  • Help keep your aligners cleaner by removing food particles that might get stuck between the teeth and the trays

  • Promote better fitting aligners, which can lead to more effective treatment

  • Help prevent your aligners from popping out during mealtime

  • Make it easier for your teeth to move into the desired position throughout the treatment

These are the main benefits of using Invisalign chewies. However, it's important to note that they will not speed up your treatment if you don't wear them for the recommended amount of time each day.

Side Effects of Chewies

While using chewies has many advantages, it's vital for patients treated to be aware of any possible drawbacks as well. The following are the most frequent side effects related to chewies:

  • Pain or discomfort from chewing on the chewies too hard and the first time using it

  • Minor irritation to the inside of your mouth and cheeks

  • Excess saliva production from chewing on the chewies for an extended period of time

  • Increased risk of infection, especially if not cleaning the chewies properly after each use

These side effects are minor, and they can be avoided by following instructions on how to properly wear the chewies.

Are There Any Other Options for Invisalign Chewies?

Chewies are a popular Invisalign alternative. Other treatments are available if you're looking for an alternative. Popular choices include:

Movemints

Movemints are specially designed to give you the same benefits as chewies while avoiding the potential side effects. 

They are a type of edible mints full-flavoured dental wax that can be positioned on top of aligners to help hold them in place. 

Not only do they taste great and edible, but they also make it easier for your teeth to move into their desired positions throughout treatment.

Munchies

Munchies are available in a range of different hardness levels, allowing you to personalise your gameplay. 

To assist in keeping your aligners in place, you can insert these tiny, bite-sized pieces of silicone between your aligners and teeth. 

Munchies are perfect for individuals seeking a less intense experience because they don't require as much chewing as chewies do.

Are Invisalign Chewies Reusable?

Maybe you're wondering if Invisalign chewies are reusable. The short answer is yes, provided you clean them correctly and handle them with care.

To clean your chewies, rinse them in cold water to remove any saliva or debris. If necessary, brush your chewies gently with a soft toothbrush and soap. 

Rinse again afterwards and let air dry. Store them away in a safe and clean place to ensure they stay sanitary.

Conclusion

Invisalign chewies are an inexpensive yet effective way to help keep your aligners in place throughout treatment. With this information in mind, you'll be able to get the most out of your chewies and ensure your aligners stay secure.

We advise consulting your orthodontist if you're still unclear about the chewies that are best for you. They may offer you individualised guidance and assist you in selecting the chewies that will best suit your requirements. With proper use and care, your clear aligner treatment can be a success. Happy aligning!

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