Almost everyone has some type of malocclusion, or tooth misalignment. For years, the primary treatment option was traditional braces. There are many restrictions associated with traditional braces, including no chewing gum.
In the late 1990s, Invisalign clear aligners were introduced to the market. These aligners are designed to be a more discreet, convenient way to straighten teeth. The aligners can be removed for eating and drinking, as well as for taking care of oral hygiene. Many patients wonder whether this method allows them to chew gum.
Dr. Jeremy Kurtz at Invisalign Toronto has completed more than 4,000 Invisalign cases and is a Top 1% Diamond VIP provider. He is an expert in Invisalign. In this article, we'll explain more about chewing gum with Invisalign and what you should know.
There are two types of gum on the market: healthy and unhealthy. Here's what you should know about each one:
Most of the gum on the market is made with emulsifiers, preservatives, synthetic rubbers, and plastic. While some research indicates that these ingredients are safe for human use, you may want to avoid them and opt for healthy options instead.
Choose gum that is labeled as clean or natural. While there is no specific definition for "clean" gum, there are several qualities you should look for:
If you prefer a different base for your gum, find one made with chicle, which is a bark used in the 1950s. Also, while sugar-free gum is best, you should avoid those made with artificial sweeteners and instead choose gums with erythritol or xylitol, which are sugar alcohols.
You should avoid gums that are made with sugar because too much sugar consumption is associated with a variety of health problems. In addition, sugar has been proven to contribute to an increase in plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Artificial sweeteners are better than sugar- but you'll want to check to see which sweetener is used. The most common one is aspartame, but it has been linked to several health issues. If you're concerned about these, you'll want to choose gums made with sugar alcohol.
Chewing gum is a popular pastime for many people. There are several reasons that people chew gum:
Therefore, you may not be ready to give it up completely. Here are a few tips to consider if you want to chew gum with Invisalign.
Ideally, you should only chew gum when your aligners are out of your mouth. However, you should not remove your aligners for more than 4 hours a day.
Avoid gums with sugar, as these can increase the growth of bacteria and the occurrence of cavities and tooth decay
Consider using mints that are approved to work with your aligners. This will keep your mouth busy and avoid damaging your aligners.
If you have a misalignment and are interested in orthodontic treatment, schedule your consultation with Dr. Jeremy Kurtz at Invisalign Toronto. He has completed more than 4,000 Invisalign cases. We have 2 convenient locations to serve you:
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Dr. Kurtz will start with an exam and x-rays. In addition, he will discuss your expectations for treatment. This will determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you are, digital images of your bite will be sent to the dental lab for the fabrication of your aligners. Once the aligners are returned to the office, the first set will be fitted and you will be sent home with the remaining aligners.
Dr. Kurtz and the team at Invisalign Toronto believe that patients should understand their treatments. Therefore, we are more than happy to address any questions or concerns that you have at any time. Below are some of the most common questions that we get about this alternative to traditional braces.
If you've ever heard that Invisalign ruined someone's teeth, find out why the person feels that way. In most cases, it is due to allergies or irritation from wearing the aligners or from not wearing them properly. If you follow the recommended protocol, you should not have any problems with your aligners and your results.
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth and should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. This puts even pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into their appropriate positions within the jaw.
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, which means there are no brackets and wires to scrape the inside of your mouth. Some patients do have some minor discomfort when just beginning treatment or when switching to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is due to the teeth shifting. However, it should not be painful. If you are having pain, schedule an appointment to find out what is happening.
Yes, Invisalign has been proven effective for resolving mild to moderate overbite, as well as other malocclusions such as underbite, crossbite, open bite, gaps, and crowding.
The cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces- and the treatment time is usually much shorter. Unfortunately, dental insurance may not cover this method. Still, most patients agree that the benefits of Invisalign far outweigh the costs, so Invisalign treatment is worth it.
Invisalign aligners can be removed up to 4 hours a day and should be removed any time you eat or drink something. If you eat while wearing the aligners, you may damage or stain them.
