What is an Aligner Chewie?

If you are currently using aligner trays, your orthodontist or dentist may have told you to use “Aligner Chewies” during your treatment. What is an Aligner Chewie and how does it enhance my treatment process?

An Aligner Chewie is a small cylinder made of a soft spongy plastic-like material called Styrene Copolymer. It looks like a small roll of gauze or cotton. You use the Aligner Chewies to help close any air gaps between your teeth and your aligners. Typically when you get a new set of aligner trays, they may not fit tightly against your teeth at first. Biting on the Chewie helps your trays to fit tighter on your teeth, which helps your treatment progress faster. The purpose of the Chewies is to make certain the aligners are fully seated so that they allow for the optimum movement of your teeth.

To use an Aligner Chewie, just position it between your teeth and bite down. Quickly move it from one end of your mouth to another, continuing to bite up and down, until you have bitten on it with all of your teeth. Then go back and do it again, and keep repeating the process. Most orthodontists will tell you to bite on the Chewie for 5 to10 minutes several times per day. One popular method is to bite on the Chewie for at least 5 minutes before bed. This will help your aligner tray stay well seated and tight against your teeth while you sleep at night.

You can wash your Chewies with a mild soap and re-use them several times before they lose their elasticity. We recommend that you wash them after each biting session. They are available in white unscented or in several colors with scents. The Chewie is small enough to fit into the case with your aligner so it can be carried with you through the day.

The best results from your aligner treatment are obtained when your teeth fit perfectly in each aligner. You know your aligners are not fitting well (and are therefore unable to work effectively) when there are air gaps between your teeth and the aligner. Aligner Chewies will help assure that your aligners have a perfect fit. When you move on to your next set of trays you want to again make sure the fit is exact so the aligners can do their job of giving you the perfect smile. So use your Chewies each time you use a new tray.

Your dentist or orthodontist may give a sample of Aligner Chewies, but when you need more you can order online. Using good oral health habits, keeping your aligners clean and using your Chewies puts you on the path to your new winning smile!