Can You Chew Gum with Invisalign?

Invisalign has changed the landscape of orthodontic treatment, offering millions of people a discreet way to straighten their teeth without traditional metal braces.

But as with any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign comes with its own set of rules and lifestyle adjustments. A question that frequently comes up is whether you can chew gum while wearing your aligners. Most dentists do not recommend chewing gum with Invisalign, specifically while wearing the aligners.

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are easy to remove, but it's recommended to wear them for most of the day to achieve the best results. Fortunately, there are other ways to keep your breath fresh aside from chewing gum.

Is It Okay to Chew Gum with Your Aligners?

While you technically can chew gum with Invisalign, most dentists recommend removing your aligners before doing so. Chewing gum while wearing your aligners can cause several problems that may compromise the effectiveness of your treatment and damage your expensive aligners.

The good news is that Invisalign aligners are designed to be removable, making it possible to enjoy gum occasionally if you follow the proper guidelines.

How Chewing Gum Affects Your Invisalign Aligners

Chewing gum while wearing your aligners can affect them in several ways.

Staining & Discoloration

Chewing gum can leave residue on your aligners, particularly if the gum contains artificial colours or flavourings. This residue can cause permanent staining that makes your "invisible" aligners much more noticeable. Even sugar-free gums can contain ingredients that may discolour the clear plastic over time.

Risk of Damaging Your Aligners

Invisalign aligners are made from a specialized thermoplastic material designed to be durable yet flexible. But the sticky nature of chewing gum can put unexpected stress on the aligners, potentially causing them to crack, warp, or develop rough edges.

If gum gets stuck to your aligners, attempting to remove it can be even more damaging. The pulling and scraping required to remove stubborn gum residue can create microscopic scratches or tears in the plastic.

Interference with Proper Fit

Gum residue can accumulate in the small spaces between your aligners and teeth, and cause them to fit improperly. This interference can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment by preventing the aligners from applying the correct amount of pressure to move your teeth as planned.

Guidelines for Chewing Gum with Invisalign

If you're someone who regularly chews gum and finds it difficult to give up completely during your Invisalign treatment, here are some guidelines to help you minimize potential problems.

Always Remove Your Aligners

The most important rule is to always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that could stain or damage them, such as chewing gum. This prevents all the potential problems mentioned above and allows you to enjoy gum without compromising your treatment.

Choose Sugar-Free Gum Only

When you chew gum, opt for sugar-free varieties. Sugar can feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease—problems that can complicate your orthodontic treatment.

Plus, sugar-free gum containing xylitol may actually benefit your oral health by helping to neutralize acids and reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Limit Chewing Time

Keep your gum-chewing sessions brief. The longer you keep your aligners out, the less effective your treatment becomes. Invisalign works best when you wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day, so extended breaks for gum chewing can slow your progress.

Clean Thoroughly Afterwards

After chewing gum, it's essential to clean your teeth and aligners thoroughly before reinserting them. Brush your teeth to remove any sugar or artificial ingredients that may have accumulated on them, and rinse your aligners with lukewarm water.

Time It Strategically

If you're going to chew gum, try to do it during times when you would typically have your aligners out, such as during meals or snack times. This way, you won't add extra time to your aligner-free periods.

Alternative Options for Freshening Breath

Many people chew gum primarily to freshen their breath, but several Invisalign-friendly alternatives can help you maintain fresh breath without compromising your treatment:

Sugar-Free Mints

Sugar-free mints dissolve quickly and don't require prolonged chewing that can damage aligners. Look for mints containing xylitol for added oral health benefits.

Mouth Rinse

An antimicrobial mouth rinse can help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid drying out your mouth, which can actually worsen bad breath.

Proper Oral Hygiene

The best way to maintain fresh breath during Invisalign treatment is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss daily, and clean your aligners regularly with the recommended cleaning system.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Water is also safe to drink while wearing your aligners.

Invisalign-Safe Breath Sprays

Some breath sprays are safe for use with aligners. These products can provide quick breath freshening without requiring you to remove your aligners.

The Importance of Following Your Treatment Plan

Your Invisalign treatment plan is carefully designed to move your teeth in specific increments over a predetermined timeline. Any deviation from the recommended wear schedule, including extended periods without aligners for gum chewing, can affect your results.

Making the Most of Your Invisalign Treatment

Success with Invisalign requires commitment and lifestyle adjustments, but the results are worth it. By following the guidelines for gum chewing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can enjoy the benefits of clear aligners while still maintaining some of your favourite habits in moderation.

If you have questions about what you can and cannot do during your Invisalign treatment, don't hesitate to ask our team at Westwood Dental for advice. Contact us today to receive personalized guidance.