What Are Invisalign Chewies?

Whether contemplating Invisalign or already utilizing it to enhance your smile, incorporating Invisalign chewies into your treatment plan can significantly improve comfort and efficiency.

These small but powerful tools are designed to optimize your Invisalign experience. In this article, we’ll discuss how they work and how you can use them to get the most out of your experience.

How Do Invisalign Chewies Work?

Though small and cylindrical, Invisalign chewies play a significant role in teeth alignment. They function as oral exercise tools, gently encouraging aligners to fit more securely onto the teeth through biting and chewing motions.

This snug fit is essential for ensuring the aligners apply the appropriate pressure to gradually reposition teeth. Without a proper fit, the treatment's progress may be compromised, potentially extending the overall duration.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign Chewies?

Invisalign chewies offer several advantages beyond simply ensuring a secure aligner fit. These include:

• Increased comfort — New aligners occasionally cause mild discomfort as your teeth adjust. Chewies can help alleviate this by gently massaging your gums and stimulating blood flow.
• Expedited treatment — Chewies may help your teeth shift into their desired positions more quickly by maximizing the effectiveness of your aligners.
• Improved attachment fit — If your treatment plan involves attachments (small tooth-colored bumps), chewies can help ensure your aligners fit snugly over them.
• Enhanced oral hygiene — A well-fitted aligner leaves less room for food particles and bacteria to accumulate, promoting better oral hygiene throughout treatment.

How to Use Invisalign Chewies

Using Invisalign chewies is simple and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. But, like any tool, they work best when used correctly and kept clean.

Here's a quick guide to get the most out of your chewies:

Timing

Begin using chewies immediately after inserting new aligners to ensure a snug fit.

You can use them after meals to help your aligners settle back into place if they've shifted slightly. Aim for 2 to 3 daily chewing sessions, each lasting 5 to 10 minutes.

Technique

To ensure your aligners fit snugly and comfortably, place the chewy between your upper and lower teeth. Apply gentle but firm pressure for a few seconds, then reposition the chewy to a new area. 

Continue this process and systematically move the chewy throughout your mouth to ensure all teeth engage with the aligner. Remember, controlled biting is key.

While firm pressure is necessary to properly seat the aligner, excessive force can lead to discomfort or damage.

Cleaning

Here’s how to clean your Invisalign chewies:

• After each chew session, rinse your chewy under lukewarm water. You can also use a mild, unscented soap to clean it.
• Before storing, make sure your chewy is completely dry. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep it fresh.
• When not in use, keep your chewies in a clean, dry container. This will keep them safe from dirt and germs.
• Chewies can wear out over time and lose their effectiveness. If your chewie starts to feel softer or looks worn, it's time for a new one. Most orthodontists recommend replacing your chewies every few weeks.

Invisalign chewies are small, cylindrical tools crucial in optimizing the Invisalign treatment process. They facilitate a snug fit of the aligners onto the teeth and ensure the necessary pressure is applied for effective tooth movement. As a result, you have a more comfortable experience and potentially faster treatment progress.

Beyond ensuring a secure fit, chewies offer several other benefits. They can alleviate discomfort associated with new aligners, improve the fit of attachments, and even enhance oral hygiene.

By regularly using chewies as directed by your orthodontist, you can maximize the benefits of your Invisalign treatment and achieve your desired smile more efficiently.