Aligner chewies are small, soft cylinders you bite on to press your aligners fully onto your teeth. Many orthodontists recommend them. But how strong is the evidence? Honestly, it's thin so far, though the reasoning behind them is sound and new trials are under way.
Why fit matters
Each aligner is shaped to push your teeth a small, planned distance. Aligner makers say the tray needs to sit fully on the teeth for those planned forces to be delivered as designed [1]. A small air gap between tray and tooth, often visible at the edges, is a sign it isn't fully seated. Chewies are one way to close that gap.
What the research shows so far
- On comfort: a small pilot study at Oregon Health & Science University looked at patients using chewies or a vibration device alongside their aligners. Both groups reported significantly less "frustrating" pain than the comparison group. The author concluded such aids may reduce how intense and long-lasting aligner soreness is [2]. It was a pilot study, so the findings need confirming.
- On tooth movement: a randomised trial is now registered to test whether biting on chewies more often makes tooth movement more predictable [3]. Results aren't available yet.
So there's no solid evidence yet that chewies speed up treatment. There's early, small-scale support that they may help with comfort. And there's a sensible reason, a better fit, why your orthodontist may recommend them.
What's normal soreness?
A systematic review found people treated with clear aligners generally report less pain in the first days than people with fixed braces [4]. In one study it included, pain in both groups peaked around 24 hours and had dropped by day 7 [4]. If soreness is severe, lasts much longer, or a tray won't seat at all, speak to your orthodontist.
How to use chewies
Aligner providers commonly advise a simple method [5]:
- Put your aligners in.
- Place the chewie between your teeth and bite down gently for a few seconds.
- Move it around, front to back, on both sides, repeating as you go.
- Focus on any spot where you can see a gap.
Most people use them for a few minutes after putting in a new tray, and after meals. Follow your orthodontist's advice on how often. Rinse the chewie after use and let it dry in a clean place.
Our chewies and removal tool are designed to go wherever your aligners go, so seating and removal take seconds.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your orthodontist whether chewies are right for your treatment.
References
- Align Technology. Invisalign aligner seaters (product information). Manufacturer statement, not independent research.
- Ramanan P. Clear aligner adjunct therapies: effects on patient experience and aligner efficacy. Oregon Health & Science University; 2022. Pilot study.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. Evaluation of the effect of aligner seaters on the predictability of tooth movement in clear aligner therapy (NCT07726485).
- Cardoso PC, et al. Pain level between clear aligners and fixed appliances: a systematic review. Prog Orthod. doi:10.1186/s40510-019-0303-z.
- Candid. How do I use my chewies? Provider guidance.