Aligner Chewies help keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment to straighten misaligned teeth. Aligners apply gentle pressure on certain teeth to move them into a straighter position. Many teens and adults enjoy clear aligners because they are removable and practically invisible.
Patients receive a new aligner every few weeks. Every new aligner fits slightly differently from the previous one, making it difficult to fit the new ones in the right position. Aligner chewies (also known as tray setters) are soft, plastic tubes that are about the size of a cotton roll. Chewies help situate an aligner into the correct place.
Using Chewies Properly
Chewies should be used every time you put an aligner back in your mouth, especially when you first get a new aligner.
Space between the bottom of your teeth and the aligner, air gaps, indicate that the aligner is not fitting properly. Using a chewie in an area with air gaps can nudge the aligner into place and help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
It is normal to feel discomfort when you start using a new aligner because it puts new pressure on the teeth. Chewies can also contribute to this discomfort, making the jaw sore from the repeated biting motion. After a few days of wearing the new aligner, the soreness will subside.
Aligner Chewies Will Keep Your Treatment on Track
Using chewies helps your treatment go as planned. On the other hand, if you skip using chewies you risk the aligner not fitting correctly. Ill-fitting aligners can lead to prolonged treatment times because the aligner is unable to put the proper amount of pressure on the teeth.
Aligners are an excellent choice for many orthodontic patients, but require extra responsibly since they can be removed. Even skipping out on wearing your aligner for a day can set back your treatment. Remembering to put your aligners back in after every meal and using a chewie to ensure they’re in the right spot will help your treatment go as planned.
How to Use Aligner Chewies:
- Put the aligner on your teeth, it should fit as snug as possible.
- Place a chewie in between your upper and lower jaw and repetitively bite down on it for several seconds at a time.
- Repeat this process in several places until your aligner feels like it is fitting snugly. This process should take about five minutes.
