Chewies: your treatment bestie and how they help your orthodontic aligners
If you're starting a treatment plan to straighten your teeth, you might have been told to invest in this orthodontic hack. While metal braces move your teeth continuously, Impress and other Invisalign treatment types only work when the device is positioned correctly.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about using your Chewie tools.
What are aligner Chewies?
They are small rubber cylinders designed to improve the fit of invisible aligners. Chewies are one of the best tools in your Impress Kit as you get used to invisible braces. You can use them 'longways' or 'short ways' to bite on to ensure your tray is fully seated onto the tooth.
What does the orthodontic accessory do?
They help the invisible straightening device fit better to the teeth during invisible correction, eliminate the gap between the teeth and the braces, and achieve the best invisible correction effect.
They are a simple but highly recommended tool for maximising the effectiveness of invisible orthodontic treatments. Using the chew helps to eliminate any air between your teeth and the device.
What are Chewies made of?
Dental Chewies come in a variety of shapes and rich colours, and help you get used to wearing your clear aligners with confidence.
- Chewies are usually made of food-grade silicone, so they're suitable for use in your mouth
- They're safe and harmless
- Made with high elasticity and toughness
- They're part of your treatment kit, helping you to gently ease your Impress aligners into position
5 signs you need Chewies
- Ill-fitting aligners: Aligners are supposed to fit snugly against your teeth; if they are loose or feel like they encroach on your gums.
- Continuous discomfort with new trays: If you continue to feel like your aligners are causing you pain and irritating your gums and teeth after a few days.
- Pain wearing your aligners full-time: If the tightness and squeeze of your aligners prevent you from being able to wear your aligners all day (minus mealtimes).
- Uneven pressure on teeth: You should feel aligners apply equal pressure on your teeth. If it feels like they're exerting more pressure in some places than others, it could mean that you need to use Chewies to even it out.
- Slow treatment progress: If you notice that your treatment is taking longer than expected, it could be because your aligners aren't in the correct position. If they're not positioned correctly, they can't do their job properly. Try your Chewies a few times a day to see if the fit improves.
Benefits of using your Chewies
- Achieve greater comfort and a better fit when putting your aligners in.
- Correct use of the chewable tool can exercise facial muscles.
- You can prevent facial deformities caused by masticatory muscle atrophy.
- Effectively prevent the side effects of poorly placed invisible aligners.
How to use Chewies: Step-by-step
Step 1 > Pop in your invisible aligners: Insert the device and push it into place gently.
Step 2 > Grab a chewie: Hold the teether between your upper and lower teeth in the area where you need a better fit.
Step 3 > Bite gently: Make slow, firm chewing movements, making sure to apply pressure to all areas of the dental arch.
Step 4 > Go all the way around your teeth: Change the position of the Chewie along your teeth to ensure a uniform fit.
Step 5 > Repeat as directed: Use Chewies several times a day, especially after eating and repositioning your aligners.
How to clean chewies
It's a simple process to take care of your chewies!
Keep them stored in your plastic aligner case in between uses. Wash them in warm water. Your Chewies are meant to be reusable, replacing them when they are worn or thin, as they need to provide enough resistance to be effective.
Possible side effects
The only potential side effects and risks are allergies to the material they're made from, and that they are small enough to be a choke hazard, so you must keep them out of the way of small children!
Additionally, and most commonly, you might experience some jaw pain and soreness from the repetition of biting or chewing; however, the soreness will subside after a while. If the pain persists, get in touch with your dentist or orthodontist via the Impress App.
Ready to get started with clear aligners?
We'd love to talk you through your personalised treatment recommendations, and we welcome you to book your first visit for free.
You can contact us by making an appointment through our website, via WhatsApp, or by calling +442038081072. Get information about our prices and orthodontic treatments without obligation. We look forward to seeing you!
FAQ's about aligner chewies
How long do chewies last?
The reusable chewies should last you the duration of your treatment, and come in your Impress treatment kit. If you want an alternative, they are available on other online outlets, where you can buy edible, flavoured and scented ones.
What happens if I don't use chewies?
Chewies can be helpful when you first put in your aligners, helping them to fully seat. While not always necessary, they are definitely a nice-to-have!
How often should you use your Chewies?
Using your Chewies a few times a day is recommended, to ease any discomfort your aligners are giving you, to ensure they’re snug against your teeth – especially after eating, brushing and putting them back in.