With Invisalign, you don’t need to refrain from chewing gum, but it can disrupt the alignment process if you’re not careful.

Perhaps one of the hardest parts about wearing braces is having to forfeit a variety of delicious food. Crunchy, sticky, and chewy snacks — such as chips, caramel, and chewing gum — are terrible for braces, as they can get lodged in the metal wiring. If not cleaned properly from the braces, these food particles can eventually harbor bacteria.

However, for those who wear Invisalign, the guidelines are a bit different. Since this discreet aligner fits snugly around the teeth, there’s no need for drastic lifestyle changes. So does this mean you can indulge in a piece of chewing gum while using Invisalign? The answer is both yes and no — here’s why.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a customized orthodontic solution that straightens dental misalignments, ranging from mild overbites and underbites to crooked and gapped teeth. These clear aligners are custom-made of patented and non-toxic SmartTrack® plastic to fit each patient for faster results with minimal discomfort. 

By applying slight pressure on specific teeth over time — sometimes with the help of SmartForce® attachments — these aligners straighten teeth in as little as 12 months, depending on the severity of the case. They should be worn 20-22 hours a day for the best outcome.

Over 11 million people have used Invisalign because of its convenience and transparent appearance. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign trays are removable, allowing patients to indulge in their favorite foods and drinks without sacrificing their dental progress or health.

What NOT to Do With Invisalign

Dentists and orthodontists recommend that all aligners, including Invisalign, be removed before consuming any food or drink. This includes chewing gum. Not doing so can result in gum sticking to your aligners, which can foster bacteria and stain the tray if not adequately scrubbed off.

Other actions to avoid while using Invisalign include:

• Poor Hygiene Practices: After eating or drinking, you should brush and floss your teeth to remove all residue forms before putting on your aligners. Not doing so can cause the residue to stain the plastic. To avoid bacteria and plaque buildup, you should also rinse the trays twice a day with lukewarm water.
• Exposure to Hot Liquids: Avoid drinking hot beverages and rinsing your aligners with hot water, which can warp and destroy the plastic.
• Removing Aligners Frequently: This can prolong treatment since the aligners do not have adequate time to shift your teeth.
• Tobacco Use: All forms of tobacco can stain the plastic material of the aligners.
• Using Harsh Cleaners: Refrain from using toothpaste, soap, mouthwash, and other scented and chemical-filled products to clean your aligners, as they can be damaging.

Although Invisalign aligners offer more lifestyle flexibility than metal braces do, they should still be used as instructed to ensure optimal results.

Risks of Untreated Misaligned Teeth

Nine out of ten Americans have some degree of crookedness in their teeth. There are numerous reasons why this is so common, but it can be boiled down to three main factors: a collectively small jaw size that does not allow much room for teeth to grow in; genetics; and extended developmental habits, like excessive thumb-sucking and pacifier use that shift teeth in the wrong direction over time.

While slight misalignments are only cosmetic, more severe cases may require treatment. If left unaddressed, it could progress into more serious issues, such as:

• Gum disease from improper cleaning and flossing of crooked/impacted teeth
• Chronic headaches caused by uneven jaw pressure
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome)
• Difficulties with speech articulation
• Declining self-esteem
• Tooth loss and jaw injury caused by excessive, irregular dental friction
• Poor digestion due to the inability to chew properly

If you feel that your teeth are giving you discomfort in any way, it’s time to visit your dentist to find out how your smile can shine bright again.

Straighten Your Smile at Espire

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Mission Valley location today! Our Invisalign-trained dentists can help you achieve a straighter smile at an affordable cost. Don’t live near our Mission Valley, CA office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Mission Valley, CA
8989 Rio San Diego Dr.
Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92108