If you're undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, you may be wondering what 'chewies' are and whether they are necessary. In this post, our Surrey orthodontists discuss the importance of chewies when it comes to your Invisalign treatment, and how they help the process.
Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
If you have crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth, braces are no longer your only treatment option. Invisalign clear aligners can be a convenient way to straighten your teeth without the use of metal wires and brackets.
Invisalign is a series of removable, clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten your teeth and help you get a beautiful smile. Compared to traditional braces, they have the added benefit of being less noticeable when they're worn, and they can be taken out when you eat, drink, brush, and floss.
If you're undergoing Invisalign treatment, chewies are an indispensable tool. But what are they and how do they work?
What are chewies for Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign chewies are small orthopedic devices that are designed to be chewed on while wearing your aligners. They help remove any air bubbles that reside between your teeth and the Invisalign aligner. The main objective of aligner chewies is to improve your aligners’ fit, ensuring they have a snug fit and function properly.
They are most necessary when you first start a new set of aligners, or if you find that your aligners aren't fitting well at any point. Due to the personalized nature of Invisalign, most people use these chewies for a short period and don't require constant use throughout the entire Invisalign process.
How to Properly Use Invisalign Chewies
To effectively use your chewies, start by positioning the Invisalign aligner in your mouth as directed by your orthodontist at the correct position. Place the chewie between your upper and lower teeth, chewing on it repeatedly for several minutes.
Moving the chewie to different areas of your teeth and repeat the process. This ensures all your teeth get a chance to bite on it, allowing your clear aligners to have a tight fit over all of your teeth.
It is often recommended to utilize Invisalign chewies for roughly five minutes every day. However, your orthodontist may provide other instructions specific to your treatment plan.
Possible Side Effects
Since chewies require repeated biting and chewing, you may notice some soreness in your jaw after the constant chewing. However, this soreness will subside after a short period. If you find the soreness too much to bear, try an over-the-counter pain reliever or speak to your doctor about pain relief options.
Jaw soreness is really the only negative aspect of Invisalign chewies, and at the end of the day, it is a small sacrifice to pay in order to achieve your dream smile.
Expediting the Invisalign Treatment Process
Invisalign chewies are an instrumental component of keeping your treatment plan on the right track. They help in achieving quick and effective results when undergoing Invisalign treatment.
They improve the fit of your aligners, which can help the aligners become more effective, speeding up the treatment process (or at least preventing it from taking longer than expected). They are also easy to use and can easily be added to your daily routine. You can chew on them while you perform everyday tasks or if you're just lounging around.
Using Invisalign aligners that don't offer a snug fit can be counterproductive, even if you use chewies. If your aligners have a severely poor fit, it is not likely that chewies will be able to repair the issue. This can prolong your treatment plan, as you will have to see your orthodontist to receive better-fitting aligners.