Can You Chew Gum with Invisalign?

If you're considering Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering about the little details - like whether you can still chew gum. After all, chewing gum is a common habit for many people. So, can you continue this practice while going through Invisalign treatment?

At Clove Dental, our expert orthodontists have the answer. As a premier provider of Invisalign in Ventura County, we've got the scoop on what is and isn't allowed when it comes to your clear aligners.

Why Can't You Chew Gum with Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are made of a strong, flexible plastic material that is designed to gradually shift your teeth into the proper position over time. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth, applying gentle, controlled forces to move them.

Chewing gum can negatively impact this delicate process in a few key ways:

1. Distortion of the aligners: The act of chewing gum can warp and distort the shape of the Invisalign trays. This can prevent them from fitting properly over your teeth, reducing their effectiveness. Over time, repeated gum chewing can cause significant deformation of the aligners.

2. Increased wear and tear: Chewing is a forceful motion that places a lot of stress on the Invisalign material. This accelerated wear and tear can cause the aligners to become weak and brittle more quickly, shortening their lifespan.

3. Interference with tooth movements: Invisalign works by guiding your teeth into their new, desired positions over the course of your treatment. Chewing gum can disrupt these gradual movements and prevent your teeth from shifting as planned.

In short, chewing gum while wearing your Invisalign aligners is simply not recommended, as it can hinder the treatment process and lead to a less than optimal outcome.

What Can You Eat and Drink with Invisalign?

While you'll need to avoid chewing gum, you can still enjoy a wide variety of foods and beverages with Invisalign. The key is to take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Here are some general guidelines on what's allowed:

Foods and Drinks Allowed:

• Water
• Most solid foods (e.g. fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, pasta)
• Soft foods (e.g. yogurt, pudding, applesauce)
• Soups and broths
• Coffee and tea (without cream or sugar)

Foods and Drinks to Avoid:

• Sticky or chewy candies and foods (e.g. caramel, taffy, gummy bears)
• Crunchy foods (e.g. chips, hard pretzels, popcorn)
• Beverages with sugar (e.g. soda, juice, sports drinks)
• Alcohol

It's important to thoroughly clean your teeth and rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in after eating. Food particles and sugary residues left behind can lead to staining or even tooth decay if not properly removed.

At Clove Dental, we provide comprehensive instructions on eating, drinking, and caring for your Invisalign aligners to ensure the best possible treatment outcome. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

If you're ready to explore the benefits of Invisalign, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you.