If you’re wearing clear aligners like Angel, Invisalign® or other orthodontic aligners, you’ve probably received a small foam cylinder called a chewie. While it may seem like a simple accessory, chewies play a big role in helping your treatment stay on track and ensuring you achieve the beautiful smile you’re working toward.
What Are Aligner Chewies?
Aligner chewies are soft, flexible cylinders designed to help your clear aligners fit snugly against your teeth. By gently biting down on a chewie, you help seat your aligners completely, allowing them to apply the precise pressure needed to move your teeth according to your personalized treatment plan.
Think of it like pressing the lid onto a coffee cup. If the lid isn’t fully sealed, it won’t stay in place. Your aligners work the same way—they need to fit securely around every tooth to be effective.
Why Do Chewies Matter?
Clear aligners move your teeth in small, carefully planned stages. For each new aligner to work properly, it must fully contact your teeth. If there is a gap between the aligner and your teeth, the aligner cannot deliver the intended force efficiently.
Using your chewies helps:
- Ensure your aligners are fully seated
- Improve aligner fit and comfort
- Keep your teeth moving according to your treatment plan
- Reduce the risk of teeth not tracking properly
- Help prevent delays in treatment
What Does “Tracking” Mean?
One of the most common terms you’ll hear during aligner treatment is tracking.
Tracking means your teeth are moving exactly as planned and fitting properly into each new set of aligners. If a tooth isn’t tracking, you may notice a small space between the aligner and the tooth. This indicates the tooth isn’t keeping up with the movement programmed into your aligners.
When this happens, your orthodontist may recommend wearing your aligners longer or using your chewies more frequently to help guide the tooth into position.
When Should You Use Your Chewies?
At Bortnem Orthodontics, we recommend using your chewies:
- Every time you insert your aligners
- Especially when switching to a new set of aligners
- If you notice a gap between your aligner and your teeth
- Anytime your orthodontist recommends additional usage
Most patients benefit from biting gently on the chewie for several minutes, moving it around your mouth so every section of the aligner seats properly.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Your clear aligners can only work if they’re worn consistently and fit correctly. To keep your treatment progressing smoothly:
- Wear your aligners for 20–22 hours each day
- Always use your chewies after inserting your aligners
- Change to your next aligner only as instructed by your orthodontist
- Contact your orthodontic office if you notice an aligner isn’t fitting properly
Let Bortnem Orthodontics Help Keep Your Smile on Track
Small habits make a big difference during clear aligner treatment. Using your chewies consistently helps ensure your aligners fit properly, your teeth move as planned, and your treatment stays on schedule.
If you ever have questions about your aligners or notice a tooth isn’t tracking, our team at Bortnem Orthodontics is here to help. We’ll make sure your treatment stays on track so you can achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Clear Aligner Consultation
Interested in straightening your smile with clear aligners? Contact Bortnem Orthodontics today to schedule your free orthodontic consultation. We’ll determine if clear aligners are right for you and create a customized treatment plan designed just for your smile.
