Can I Chew Gum While Wearing Invisalign?

Perhaps one of the most annoying parts about wearing traditional braces is having to stop eating a variety of delicious food while they are on your teeth. Snacks that are crunchy, sticky, and chewy — such as popcorn, caramel, taffy, and chewing gum — are terrible for traditional braces, because they can damage or get lodged in the metal wiring. There is also the additional burden of being very diligent about careful and detailed brushing because food particles lodged around traditional braces that are not consistently cleaned properly can lead to bacterial growth and increased risk for plaque, tarter, and tooth decay.

For those who wear Invisalign there is a huge benefit!  Since this discreet aligner fits snugly around the teeth and can be removed while eating, there’s no need for drastic lifestyle eating habit changes. So does this mean you can indulge in a piece of chewing gum while using Invisalign? The answer is that it is not recommended while wearing them and I will discuss why below. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a customized orthodontic solution that straightens all kinds of dental misalignments. These clear aligners are custom-made from a non-toxic, patented SmartTrack® plastic to custom fit each patient.

They apply slight pressure on specific teeth over time — sometimes with the help of SmartForce® attachments — and can straighten teeth in as little as 12 months, but can take more time depending on the severity of the case. They should be worn 20-22 hours a day for optimal results. That means you can take them out for 2-4 hours a day to eat and drink your favorite foods and, of course, brush and floss your teeth!

What to Avoid With Invisalign

It is recommended that all aligners, including Invisalign, be removed before consuming any foods or drinks. This includes chewing gum. If you chew gum with the aligners in you could risk gum sticking to your aligners. This can foster bacteria and even  stain the tray if the gum is not adequately scrubbed off.

It is important to read directions and use the aligners as directed. If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to call our office. 

If you do not yet have Invisalign and would like to find out if Invisalign is right for you, come schedule a visit at one of our wonderful office locations today! Our Invisalign-trained dentists can help you gain a straighter smile you’ll love at an affordable cost. 

Our Locations and numbers are: 

Oxnard Riverpark: 1000 Town Center Dr, Suite 250, Oxnard, CA 93036 805-983-7674   

Central Oxnard: 140 North A Street, Oxnard CA 93030 805-483-9537     

Thousand Oaks: 509 Marin Street, Suite 220, Thousand Oaks CA 91360 805-374-8484

Camarillo: 2107 Pickwick Drive, Camarillo CA 93010 805-819-2043

Beverly Hills: 9001 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 303, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-273-0726

Ventura: 3555 Loma Vista Rd Suite 217, Ventura, CA 93003 805-643-4184