Can I chew gum with Invisalign?
Avoid chewing gum while wearing Invisalign to prevent any potential damage to your aligners. Sticky gum can stick to the aligners and cause negative effects, such as discoloration and damage. This is especially true for sugary gums, as they can raise the risk of cavities and tooth decay if sugar becomes trapped in the aligner.
Invisalign is a personalized orthodontic treatment that corrects a range of dental issues, such as mild overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, and gaps. Made from a special protected non-toxic plastic called SmartTrack®, these clear aligners are custom-designed for faster and more comfortable results.
To ensure effective treatment progress, make sure to wear your custom aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day. When you feel like chewing gum, it is recommended to take out your aligners first. It’s best to choose a sugar-free gum with xylitol to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
What NOT to Do With Invisalign
It is advised by dental professionals to remove all aligners, like Invisalign, before eating or drinking, including chewing gum. Failure to do so may cause gum to stick to the aligners, leading to bacterial growth and discoloration if not properly cleaned.
Additional behaviors to avoid when using Invisalign:
- Poor Oral Hygiene Practices: Make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly after meals and beverages, as well as before wearing your aligners. Failure to do so may result in the plastic becoming stained by any leftover residue. Additionally, it is important to rinse your aligners twice daily with lukewarm water in order to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Exposure to Hot Liquids: Do not expose your aligners to high temperatures as it can cause the plastic to deform and deteriorate. Refrain from consuming hot beverages and using hot water to clean your aligners.
- Removing Aligners Frequently: Treatment time may be extended because the removable aligners do not have enough time to properly adjust the position of your teeth.
- Tobacco Use: Tobacco in any form has the potential to discolor the plastic aligner trays.
- Using Harsh Cleaners: Avoid using any scented or chemically infused products such as toothpaste, soap, mouthwash, or other similar items when cleaning your aligners, as they may pose a risk of damage.
While Invisalign aligners are a popular choice that provide greater flexibility in terms of lifestyle compared to traditional metal braces, it is important to follow the instructions for proper use in order to achieve the best results.
How to Get Gum Off Invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign are removable, which makes it super easy to keep up with your oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite activities without any hassle!
Removing gum from Invisalign can be difficult, but there are different techniques you can try:
1. Oil Treatment:
- Apply oil: Place a small amount of olive oil, coconut oil or peanut butter on the gum.
- Let it sit: Allow the oil to soften the gum for a few minutes.
- Scrub gently: Use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush, instead of traditional toothbrush, to gently scrub the gum residue away. Refrain from using toothpaste because it may damage the custom-made, clear plastic aligners.
2. Freezing:
- Place in freezer: Place your Invisalign trays in a zip-lock bag and put them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Gum becomes brittle: The cold temperature will cause the gum to harden and become brittle.
- Remove gum: Once the gum is frozen, use a toothpick or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently pry it off the tray. The brittle nature of the gum will make it easier to remove without damaging the aligners.
3. Vinegar Soak:
- Mix solution: To create a cleaning solution, combine equal parts of vinegar and warm water.
- Soak trays: Soak your Invisalign trays in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft toothbrush to remove the softened gum and food particles. Focus on getting rid of most of the gum first and save the harder-to-remove sticky residue for later.
4. Denture Cleaner:
- Use cleaner: Apply a denture cleaning solution to your trays.
- Let it sit: Give the cleaner the full time they need to do their job effectively.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the trays with warm water. Be careful not to put too much pressure to avoid the risk of damage.
Removing gum from Invisalign trays can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, it’s possible to restore your aligners to their original state. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove gum without damaging your trays with proper care. Remember to be patient and gentle during the process, and always consult your orthodontist if you encounter any difficulties. Preventing future gum buildup by removing your Invisalign trays before chewing gum is essential for maintaining their cleanliness and ensuring a successful dental treatment.