Invisalign® Chewies: What Are They and Do I Need Them?
Many people who suffer from malocclusion problems are reluctant to undergo orthodontic treatment because they are concerned about the brackets and wires required for braces.
At Fairfax Family Dental Care, patients can consider Invisalign®, a discreet, comfortable, and convenient braces alternative. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays to apply pressure to the teeth and jaw. Invisalign aligners sit over the teeth without adhesives or bonding materials. Sometimes, Invisalign patients are advised to use Invisalign chewies. Here we explain to our Fairfax, VA, patients what Invisalign chewies are and when they are needed to promote treatment success.
What Are Invisalign Chewies?
Invisalign chewies are cylinder-shaped devices made of a soft plastic called Styrene Copolymer. Chewies are similar in size and shape to a pencil grip. The chews are soft enough to be bitten on but provide enough pressure to push Invisalign aligners in place and close any air bubbles between the teeth and aligner trays. Invisalign chewies are used to improve the fit of aligners so they fit comfortably and work properly.
How Are Chewies Used?
Invisalign chewies are not usually necessary daily throughout Invisalign treatment. Typically, Invisalign chewies are used when adjusting to a new set of aligners or when there are areas of aligners that don’t seem to fit well. To be effective, Invisalign chewies should be used as follows:
- Position aligners in the mouth as instructed
- Starting at one side of the mouth, place a chewie between the upper and lower jaw
- Repeatedly bite down on the chewie for several seconds
- Move the chewie to the next area of the mouth and repeat the chewing process
- Continue until the chewie has spanned the entire mouth
Chewies should be used for no more than five to 10 minutes at a time, once or twice a day. Chewies are especially effective before bed because they ensure aligners are placed properly and can work as intended while a person sleeps.
Alternatives to Invisalign Chewies
Invisalign chewies are not the only device that helps our Fairfax patients get their aligners in place. Two alternatives to chewies are Movemints and Munchies. Movemints are edible mints that are chewed on to set aligners in place, and Munchies are silicone chewing devices available in different firmness levels. Both work like chewies to eliminate air bubbles between the teeth and Invisalign aligners.
Who Needs to Use Invisalign Chewies?
Invisalign aligners are customized for each patient based on digital images and scans, so they should fit comfortably and securely. Because of this, many patients progress through Invisalign treatment without needing chewies. However, each set of aligner trays fits slightly differently to encourage necessary movement, so some patients have a difficult time getting aligners in place.
Any patient who has a difficult time putting aligners in or notices air bubbles between the teeth and aligners can benefit from the use of Invisalign chewies. Often, patients use chewies occasionally throughout treatment, specifically to help them adjust when switching to a new set of aligners.
Contact Fairfax Family Dental Care
Invisalign addresses common malocclusion problems to improve the position of the teeth and jaw. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for this braces alternative or to learn more about the treatment process, contact our dental practice online and schedule an appointment.