Can you overuse aligner "chewies"?

Question

I recently started Invisalign and when I received my first set of trays, I was also given a few plastic sticks called chewies. My dentist told me I should use them an hour a day so that my aligner fit snug and also to stimulate the bone and tissue. I used to be a gum chewer and so I enjoy biting on my chewies throughout the day, maybe for 3 hours total. My question is, can you overuse chewies? Will chewing them often have a negative effect?

Vickie S. Greenberg, DDS · Answer

Yes, you can over chew to the point of inflammation which will cause discomfort. If you feel your jaw, or mouth, sore from chewing the gummies then it's time to chew less. When you are using the Aligner Chewie, position it between your teeth and bite down. Quickly move it from one end of your mouth to another, continuing to bite up and down, until you have bitten on it with all of your teeth.

Kenneth A. Barton, DDS · Answer

Buddha once said "moderation in all things". Chewies are great to be used initially to help to seat your aligners. However, once this has been accomplished, excess use is actually an over-kill

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

This is probably a question best directed towards your treating doctor but if you were my patient I would tell you that overusing your "chewies" is not a problem; in fact, teeth move more efficiently during function. I would say, chew away and enjoy but also pay strict attention to any joint soreness or fatigue. Good luck!

INVISALIGN PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Can you overuse aligner "chewies"?

Answers (3)

INVISALIGN PROVIDERS NEAR YOU