Wearing Invisalign is a big step toward a straighter smile, and it comes with new habits, especially when it comes to eating and chewing. One of the most common questions Invisalign users ask is: Can you chew gum with Invisalign in?
Let’s break it down clearly and help you understand what’s okay, what to avoid, and why it matters for your treatment success.
Can You Chew Gum With Invisalign?
No, you should not chew gum while wearing Invisalign aligners. Gum can stick to the plastic trays, distort their shape, and interfere with the way your aligners work.
Why is it Not Advisable to Chew Gum With Invisalign Attachments?
Chewing gum may seem harmless, but it’s not Invisalign-friendly. Because gum is sticky, it can stick to the trays and attachments, making cleaning them challenging and perhaps causing them to distort or lose their effectiveness. Here’s why it’s best to avoid it while your trays are in:
- It Sticks to the Aligners: Gum can easily cling to the plastic, making it hard to clean and creating a mess inside your mouth.
- It Warps the Trays: The chewing motion and sticky texture can cause your aligners to bend or shift out of shape, affecting how well they fit.
- It Traps Sugar and Bacteria: Chewing sugary gum with your Invisalign aligners traps sugars between your teeth and trays, increasing the risk of cavities and bad breath.
- It May Discolor Your Aligners: Colored or flavored gums can stain your clear aligners, making them look cloudy or yellow.
- It Disrupts Treatment Timing: Invisalign requires 20-22 hours of daily wear. Removing your trays for gum breaks cuts into your wear time and could delay your progress.
For more guidance on smart aligner habits, check out our guide on Invisalign dos and don’ts
Can You Chew Gum With Invisalign Off?
Yes, you can chew gum when your aligners are removed, but with caution. Always take your trays out before chewing and clean your teeth thoroughly before putting them back in. This helps prevent gum from sticking to your aligners and protects your teeth from sugar exposure. It would be best if you could stick to sugar-free gum.
Also, make sure you don’t exceed your recommended aligner-free time. Too many “gum breaks” could set back your progress.
Is There Anything You Shouldn’t Eat With Invisalign?
Yes, certain foods can damage your teeth or aligners, even if you remove your trays before eating. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Sticky and Chewy Foods: Foods like caramel, taffy, or gummy candies can stick to your teeth and are tough to clean off before putting your aligners back in.
- Hard Foods: Biting into hard candies, nuts, or ice can chip your teeth or lead to soreness that interferes with your treatment.
- Staining Foods and Drinks: Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as foods like curry or berries, can stain your teeth and discolor your aligners if you don’t rinse or brush before reinserting them. Learn more about what you can drink with Invisalign.
- Sugary and Acidic Foods: Sweets and soda can create a breeding ground for bacteria, as their traces may remain on your teeth before putting your trays back in.
For more information on mealtime habits, check out our blog on Eating with Invisalign
Are There Any Alternatives to Gum While Wearing Invisalign?
While you might feel the need to chew gum to freshen your breath or manage cravings, it is not advisable while wearing aligners. However, the good news is that there are some safer Invisalign-friendly options that you can opt for. They are:
- Sugar-Free Mints: Opt for sugar-free mints that dissolve quickly. Avoid chewy or coated types.
- Water: Sipping water throughout the day keeps your mouth moist, flushes bacteria, and reduces bad breath.
- Invisalign Chewies: These small, rubbery tools help seat your aligners properly and provide a satisfying chewing sensation without damage.
- Crunchy Vegetables (When Trays are Off): Eating raw carrots or celery during meal breaks can help with oral stimulation and keep you feeling full.
Also, don’t forget to clean your Invisalign regularly to keep them clear and fresh!
Need Help with Invisalign Care?
Have questions about what you can or can’t do with your aligners? Whether it’s chewing, cleaning, or tracking progress, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your appointment with Brite Orthodontics today.
So, can you chew gum with Invisalign? Not unless you remove the trays first. Still, it’s best to brush before reinserting them. Gum may seem small, but it can create big problems for your aligners and your treatment progress.
With smart choices and a little discipline, Invisalign can work quickly and effectively to give you the smile you’ve been waiting for.
FAQs
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What Can I Chew With Invisalign?
Yes, you can use Invisalign chewies to help seat your trays. You can also suck on sugar-free mints. Remember to avoid anything chewy or sticky while your aligners are in.
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What should I do if my Invisalign gets gum on it?
Take off your aligners right away and gently try to scrape off as much gum as you can if it adheres to them. After that, immerse the trays in lukewarm water with clear antibacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Steer clear of hot water as it can distort the plastic. Speak with your orthodontist if gum is still present.
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Is it okay to eat mints when using Invisalign?
Sure, but only if they are sugar-free and not chewy. You can safely freshen your breath without taking out your aligners by using hard, sugar-free mints that dissolve fast. Just stay away from coated or sticky mints that can become stuck or leave residue.