Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign Chewies

If you're wearing Invisalign or another clear aligner system, you've probably heard about aligner chewies.

These small, soft tools help seat your aligners properly so your teeth move the way they’re supposed to. But many patients still have questions:

• What exactly do chewies do?
• Do you really need them?
• Can they reduce discomfort?
• Is there a better alternative?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Invisalign chewies, including how to use them properly and why many aligner patients now prefer Movemints, an orthodontist-developed alternative that seats aligners while also freshening breath and supporting oral health.

What Are Invisalign Chewies?

Invisalign chewies are small cylindrical tools made from a soft plastic or silicone material. They’re designed to help seat your aligners properly against your teeth.

When you insert a new set of aligners, there can sometimes be tiny air gaps between the tray and your teeth. These gaps can prevent the aligners from applying the precise pressure needed to move your teeth.

Chewies help solve this problem.

By gently biting down on a chewie, you push the aligner more securely onto your teeth, which helps:

• close air gaps
• improve aligner fit
• support proper tooth movement
• keep treatment progressing on schedule

Although chewies are simple tools, they can play an important role in keeping aligner treatment on track.

Why Orthodontists Recommend Using Chewies

Many orthodontists recommend using chewies daily, especially when starting a new set of aligners.

Here’s why they matter:

1. They help your aligners fit properly

For aligners to work correctly, they need to sit snugly against your teeth.

Chewies help press the trays into place so the aligners apply the correct pressure needed for tooth movement.

2. They can help keep treatment on schedule

If aligners aren't seated properly, teeth may not move as planned. This can cause tracking issues, where teeth fall behind the intended treatment progression.

Using chewies regularly helps keep aligners seated so your treatment stays on track.

3. They can make new aligners feel more comfortable

New aligners often feel tight during the first day or two. Chewies can help your teeth settle into the aligner more evenly, which may reduce pressure points.

4. They’re especially helpful when switching trays

Most orthodontists recommend using chewies when starting a new set of aligners, when air gaps are most likely to appear.

Invisalign Chewies vs Movemints

Some aligner patients now use Movemints instead of traditional chewies.

Movemints were developed by orthodontist Dr. Dave Pechersky to help patients seat their aligners while also improving daily aligner care.

Instead of chewing on plastic, Movemints are edible aligner mints designed to gently seat trays while supporting oral health.

Here’s how they compare:

While chewies can help seat aligners, Movemints offer additional benefits that many patients appreciate during treatment.

The Bottom Line

Invisalign chewies are a simple but useful tool for helping aligners fit properly and keeping treatment on track.

However, many aligner patients now prefer Movemints, an orthodontist-developed alternative that seats aligners while also freshening breath and supporting oral health.

Movemints make aligner care easier, more hygienic, and a little more enjoyable during treatment.

Try adding Movemints to your aligner routine today