Introduction
Are you currently undergoing Invisalign treatment and wondering if you can chew gum with the aligners on? This article covers the dos and don’ts of chewing gum while wearing Invisalign and suggests alternatives to satisfy your gum cravings.
Invisalign Treatment: Can You Chew Gum and the Effect on Your Teeth?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, and you wear them for a specified period, usually 18 to 24 months. Chewing gum while wearing Invisalign aligners can be detrimental to the treatment process. The gum can stick to the aligners, causing damage, and the constant chewing can slow down the teeth-straightening process.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Chewing Gum with Invisalign
The good news is that you don’t have to swear off gum entirely while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow:
- Do chew sugar-free gum
- Do dispose of the gum before removing the aligners
- Do brush and clean your aligners after chewing gum
- Don’t chew hard or sticky gum
- Don’t chew gum excessively
A Step-by-Step Guide: “How to Safely Chew Gum with Invisalign Aligners”
To safely chew gum with Invisalign, follow these steps:
- Choose sugar-free gum
- Pop your aligners out before chewing
- Dispose of the gum before reinserting the aligners
- Brush and clean your teeth and aligners thoroughly
It is recommended to chew gum for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
5 Alternatives to Chewing Gum While Wearing Invisalign Aligners
If you’re looking to satisfy your need to chew without risking damage to your Invisalign aligners, try these alternatives:
- Eat crunchy vegetables, such as celery or carrots
- Drink water
- Suck on sugar-free candies or mints
- Chew sugar-free gum when your aligners are out
- Meditate or practice deep breathing exercises as an alternative stress-relieving activity
Real Invisalign User’s Perspective: My Experience with Chewing Gum
According to one Invisalign user:
“I found that I missed chewing gum while wearing my Invisalign aligners, but I was worried about damaging them. I started chewing sugar-free gum when I wasn’t wearing them, and it worked out well. I also found that chewing on crunchy veggies like carrots and broccoli helped with any cravings I had.”
It’s essential to remember that everyone’s experience with Invisalign is different. What works for one person may not work for another, and it’s always best to follow your orthodontist’s advice.
Conclusion
Chewing gum with Invisalign aligners poses risks to the treatment process, but it’s not entirely off-limits. Following the do’s and don’ts and trying alternatives is the best way to maintain healthy dental hygiene while satisfying your chewing needs.
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your orthodontist if you have any doubts or questions.
