Aligner chewies or seaters are small cylindrical devices made of soft material. They play a supportive role in improving the fit of clear aligners and the effectiveness of orthodontic care. Biting down on chewies daily enhances aligner fit by reducing gaps between teeth and the appliance.
The practice of biting on chewies for a better fit of aligners ensures optimal treatment. Wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and changing them every 10-14 days, as research suggests, are also crucial. However, seaters and similar tools help aligner placement, especially after tray changes. Let’s explore more about these little supportive aligner accessories.
Table of Contents:
What are Aligner Chewies: Purpose and Types
Aligner chewies, or aligner seaters, are needed to ensure that the dental appliance snugly fits your teeth and applies even pressure in all the right places.
Invisalign aligner chewies might be the most notable brand, but you can also get aligner chewies from any other aligner brand. Chewies from all brands do the same job and are made similarly – ensuring a snug fit for better and faster results.
Different Types of Aligner Chewies
- Standard Chewies: These are the basic unscented chewies aiding aligners to snugly fit against teeth.
- Flavored Chewies: Available in an array of flavors such as mint, orange, or others, enhancing the chewing experience.
- Eco-Friendly or Biodegradable Chewies: Specially designed for environmental consciousness, offering biodegradable or otherwise recyclable options.
- Textured Chewies: Equipped with textured surfaces for improved grip, facilitating better adherence of aligners to teeth.
- Silicone Chewies: Crafted from medical-grade silicone, prioritizing comfort while aiding aligner fit and potentially alleviating any associated discomfort.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Use Invisalign Chewies
Orthodontic aligners tend to not have a perfect fit right away. Knowing how to use chewies properly is key to getting more efficiency out of your invisible braces. The steps below might seem obvious, but skipping any of them might have negative consequences for your Invisalign treatment or tooth health overall.
1. Clean Hands, Fresh Start
Before diving into chew time, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This keeps bacteria at bay and ensures a hygienic experience for both you and your aligners.
2. Pop in Aligners
Insert your regular or passive aligner on the top and bottom teeth as instructed by your orthodontist, ensuring they’re properly seated on your teeth.
3. Grab a Chewie (or Two)
Take one or two chewies—more for new aligners, less for those already adjusted to your smile. Hold the aligner chewie firmly from one side and start biting down on the other side, beginning from your back molars.
4. Chew Your Way to a Better Fit
Gently bite down on the chewies and move your jaw in a natural chewing motion, focusing on areas where the aligners might feel a bit loose. As each tooth gets a turn, the chewing action ensures the correct aligners fit.
5. Rotate and Repeat
After a few minutes of chewing, rotate the chewies to different areas of your mouth and repeat the process. This ensures even pressure distribution and optimal fit throughout your entire smile.
6. Switch It Up
For new aligners, use chewies several times a day for about 10-15 minutes each time. As your aligners settle in, you can gradually reduce the frequency of using chewies. And remember, always follow your orthodontist’s specific instructions for the best results!
7. Clean Up and Carry On
Once you’re done, discard the used chewies and rinse your aligners with cool water. Some chewies can also be used repeatedly until their firmness is gone, so you can simply rinse and store them in your aligner case.
Maximizing Aligner Chewie Use
To optimize the use of aligner chewies, it’s essential to incorporate them into your routine multiple times per day. This practice is crucial when you begin using clear aligners or shift to a new set that doesn’t fit properly. It’s beneficial to move the chewie around various mouth areas, repeating the biting action. It can also be done at night but is usually more effective when fully awake.
Having extra chewies is advisable for maintaining hygiene and convenience, as it’s best to replace them every few days when the texture changes. Cleaning it thoroughly before use may help to extend it’s lifespan. However, don’t overdo it with flavored chewies, as they might lose some flavor.
Treatment Benefits of Using Aligner Seaters
Aligners are an important investment for making your teeth look nice, so it’s fair to want good results. Chewies help a lot during aligner treatment, making it faster and better. Most dentists recommend using them. Learn how aligners move teeth in a better way if you know how to use Invisalign chewies regularly.
Helps seat aligners properly. These devices facilitate proper seating of aligner trays, ensuring a snug fit for optimal results
Reduces discomfort during new aligner adaptation. Aligners hurt during the adjustment to new ones. Chewies alleviate discomfort, ensuring a smoother transition.
Promotes better alignment of teeth. Using chewies supports improved teeth alignment throughout the orthodontic journey.
Aids in aligner retention. These devices aid in aligner retention, securing them in place during wear.
Encourages healthy oral habits. Consistent chewie use fosters healthier oral habits for better treatment outcomes.
Provides sensory stimulation to reduce anxiety. Chewies offer sensory stimulation, potentially easing anxiety related to orthodontic treatment.
Aligner Chewies: Alternative Options
Invisalign chewies aren’t obligatory to use because other methods can be as effective. Aligner chewies are just one way to enhance clear aligner effectiveness; discuss the following alternative methods with your dental professional for suitability in your treatment.
- Orthodontic Wax: Eases discomfort caused by aligners rubbing against the mouth.
- Dental Masticatory Rolls: Helps seat aligners by applying consistent pressure.
- Silicone Aligner Seaters: Assists aligners to conform snugly to teeth for effective treatment.
- Orthodontic Bite Blocks: Aids in adjusting bite issues during aligner treatment.
- Custom-fitted Rothodontic tools: Precision tools for orthodontic adjustments and corrections.
- Molar Ramps or Bumpers: Controls tooth movement and alignment, especially in molars.
- Orthodontic Silicone Teether: Provides relief from discomfort during orthodontic aligner treatment.
- Cotton Cloth: Offers a grip for removing aligners without damaging them.
- Dental Silicone Putty: Helps in creating molds for personalized orthodontic appliances.
Where to Purchase Aligner Chewies
Aligner chewies can be found at local orthodontic offices or dental supply stores. Online options include retailers like Amazon and Walmart, where a wide variety of chewies is available. Dentists and orthodontists often give a sample of chewies along with the best clear aligners when you begin the treatment.
When purchasing aligner chewies, consider key factors like material, prioritizing food-grade silicone or Styrene Copolymer for safety and comfort. Opt for durable options that last through one tray (aligner) cycle.
Prices of aligner chewies from different brands vary, but they are generally affordable. Do consider brand, quantity, and any scented or flavored options for a pleasant experience.
Invisalign Chewie Care and Maintenance Tips
To maintain Invisalign chewies for prolonged use, clean them after each use by rinsing them with warm water and mild soap or using an antibacterial solution. Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals to prevent damage. Store chewies in a clean, dry case or container to prevent contamination.
Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Replace chewies if they lose their texture or become less effective, and regularly inspect for signs of wear and tear. You must ensure proper hygiene by keeping them away from surfaces or objects that might introduce germs, and avoid sharing chewies with others.
Conclusion
Aligner chewies play a helpful role in orthodontic treatments, ensuring clear aligners conform effectively to teeth, enhancing their fit and comfort. They aid in tooth movement, optimizing aligner function, and accelerating treatment for many patients.
Chewies alleviate discomfort from ill-fitting aligners, contributing to a smoother experience. These small aligner tray seaters significantly impact aligner effectiveness, making them indispensable for successful teeth straightening without braces.