Key Takeaways
- Gum can stick to clear aligners and cause physical damage to the plastic.
- Sugar can get trapped under the trays and increase your cavity risk.
- Take out your aligners only to eat or drink anything other than water.
- Aligner chewies can satisfy the urge to chew while helping trays fit snugly.
- A dentist in SW Calgary can help monitor your tooth movement progress.
Maybe you or someone you know has just started their clear aligner journey with Springbank Dental Centre. We know you’re probably very excited, but you also may have questions. One of the most common questions we hear is whether you can still chew gum with your aligners in. We want you to understand the risks of that and what to do instead.
You want to skip chewing gum with Invisalign® because the sticky texture can damage the plastic trays and trap sugar against your teeth. This breakdown will discuss everything you need to know about gum and clear aligners.
How Gum Affects Clear Aligners
Sticky Textures & Aligner Damage
If you’ve ever gotten gum stuck somewhere it shouldn’t have, you know how strong it grabs onto surfaces. That same risk applies to your clear aligners, too: If you chew gum with aligners in, you might pull out a tray and find thick sticky blobs firmly attached to the material. Removing sticky residue can require extra cleaning, and aggressive scrubbing may distort the aligner material.
Constant jaw motion can also bend the clear trays completely out of shape. The warped plastic may no longer fit properly against your teeth, which could interfere with your treatment progress.
Cavity Risks from Sugary Treats
Many chewing gums contain sugar, which can become trapped beneath aligners. Normally, your saliva would wash food particles away from your bare teeth throughout the afternoon, but clear trays block some of that natural cleaning.
Instead, sugar gets trapped tightly against your enamel directly under the plastic shield. The trapped sugar feeds harmful bacteria right on the surface of your tooth, which increases the risk of cavities.
Solutions for Trays with Sticky Residue
Quick Steps for Aligner Cleanup
Accidents happen, and you may forget you’re wearing your trays. If you accidentally chewed some gum with your aligners in, don’t panic. You may be able to save the plastic from permanent damage by following these simple steps:
- Remove trays from your mouth right away.
- Peel off large pieces of gum with your bare fingers.
- Scrub the surface gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot water, which can warp the plastic.
When to Call Our Dental Team
Sometimes a quick wash at home falls short of cleaning the tray. If you’re unsure what to do next, our dental team can help evaluate the situation and suggest next steps for your treatment.
It’s a good idea to call our clinic if:
- Your clear aligner trays show visible bends in the plastic shape.
- Stubborn residue remains stuck, even after a careful wash.
- Poor fit makes the tray feel loose or very different in your mouth.
Safe Alternatives for Fresh Breath
Sugar-Free Mints & Water
You probably want a way to keep your mouth feeling fresh throughout the day. If you want fresher breath, it’s a good idea to remove your aligners before using mints or gum, then brush or rinse before putting them back in.
Always check the ingredient label for 0 sugar before you enjoy a mint. Plain water also naturally washes away food particles without harsh chemicals. A quick sip of water keeps things clean between your main meals.
Aligner Chewies for Comfort
The urge to chew something can feel very strong during the first few days of a new tray. Soft foam pieces called chewies can help satisfy that craving safely.
You bite down on these foam cylinders repeatedly while wearing your aligners, and the gentle pressure helps the trays fit snugly over your teeth. This comfortable habit supports a smooth orthodontic journey without damaging the plastic.
Daily Habits for a Healthy Smile
The 22-Hour Wear Requirement
For clear aligners to work properly, you need to wear the trays for 22 hours each day. This timeline leaves just enough room for daily meals and hygiene routines.
You’ll take the aligners out only for meals or hot drinks. Aim to keep breakfast, lunch, and dinner within a 30-minute timeframe. This strict schedule keeps your tooth movement right on track.
Proper Hygiene Techniques
Clean teeth create a solid foundation for your orthodontic care. You need to brush your teeth before putting the plastic back in your mouth every single time, which is important to prevent food from getting trapped under the material.
You can wash the trays with lukewarm tap water to remove saliva buildup, as hot water can warp the delicate material and alter the fit. We recommend storing your trays safely in the provided hard case when you eat to prevent any breakage.
Support for Your Orthodontic Journey
Routine Checkups in SW Calgary
Professional guidance can help keep your treatment plan moving forward without unnecessary delays. During regular visits, our team can check how well the trays fit over your smile and answer any questions you may have throughout the treatment.
Invisalign® at Springbank Dental Centre
You deserve dental care that feels comfortable for the whole family. If you’re curious about a straighter smile, we’d love to answer any questions you have. Schedule an appointment to discover if Invisalign® is right for you!
