Patients who are considering Invisalign ask us if they can chew gum while they have it. At Dentistry on the Pines we know that it’s the little things in life that count and people want to know how braces will change their daily lives. The short answer is no, you shouldn’t chew gum while wearing your Invisalign aligners. But the fact that the aligners are removable does give you some wiggle room.
If you chew gum while wearing your aligners you could run into several problems. Gum is sticky so it can easily get stuck to your aligners. This makes them hard to clean and could even damage the plastic. Gum can also make spaces between your teeth and the aligners which makes the treatment less effective. The aligners need to fit tightly against your teeth so they can move them into place by applying the right amount of pressure on them. If gum makes room or changes the fit your teeth may not move as expected which could make your treatment longer or change the results.
The good news is you can take your aligners out which gives you more options than people with regular braces. You can take your aligners out first if you really want to chew gum. This lets you chew gum without putting your aligners or your treatment progress at risk. But there is a big catch to consider. In order for Invisalign to work well you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. When you take your aligners out to chew gum you are cutting into the time you need to wear them.
Most people don’t think it’s worth it to take their aligners out several times a day just to chew gum. You should always put your aligners back in their case when you’re done with them. You should wash your teeth before putting the aligners back in after you chew gum. This will keep food and sugar from getting stuck between your teeth. If you like to chew gum a lot during the day this can get old fast. Many people find it’s easier to just not chew gum while they have Invisalign than to take their aligners out and put them back in.
If you chew gum to freshen your breath there are better options for those with Invisalign. Sugar free mints that dissolve fast are a great choice. Another way to keep your breath fresh is to take care of your teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth after meals, using mouthwash and drinking plenty of water all help keep your breath fresh without the problems that gum causes. As part of our Dental Hygiene focus we want to stress how important it is to keep your teeth and aligners clean. Not only will this help your breath smell better but it will also help avoid cavities and keep your gums healthy during treatment.
Some people chew gum because it’s a habit or to help them relax or focus. If this sounds like you then you might want to look for other things to do while you’re wearing your Invisalign. You can get similar benefits by drinking water, eating crunchy veggies when your aligners are out or doing breathing exercises without slowing down your orthodontic progress.
At Dentistry on the Pines in Vaughan we want all our patients to know what they can and can’t do with Invisalign before they start. Making small changes to your habits can have a big impact on how well your treatment goes and how happy you’ll be with the results. Giving up gum for a short while is worth it when you think about how much better your smile will look in the long run.
We help our patients understand how their daily choices affect the results of their treatment as part of our Cosmetic Dentistry services. Invisalign is more flexible than regular braces but you still have to commit and be consistent for it to work. A small but vital part of that commitment is not chewing gum while wearing your aligners.
Book a consultation with us if you’re considering Invisalign in Vaughan and want to know how it will work for you. We’ll discuss all the details of treatment, what to eat, how to take care of yourself and what to expect. We want you to have the best smile possible with the least amount of hassle.