The Perfect Xylitol Candy to Eat With Invisalign

Think candy and Invisalign don’t mix? Think again. While sugar and orthodontic treatment usually spell trouble, there’s one sweet exception that dentists actually approve of: xylitol. This naturally occurring sweetener doesn’t just taste good; it helps fight bacteria, freshen breath, and protect your smile.

At Movemints, we took that science and shaped it into something smarter: an edible, breath-freshening mint that seats your aligners and supports oral health. Here’s why xylitol is the secret ingredient your Invisalign routine has been missing.

What Is Xylitol Candy?

Xylitol candy looks and tastes like regular candy, but it behaves very differently once it hits your mouth. Xylitol is a plant-based, sugar-free sweetener found in fruits, vegetables, and even the human body. It delivers the same sweetness as sugar with about 40 percent fewer calories, and it’s a favorite among dentists and orthodontists for a simple reason: it actually improves your oral health.

When cavity-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans try to feed on xylitol, they can’t break it down for energy. Instead, they use up their resources trying and eventually die off. The result is less acid, fewer bacteria, and a healthier mouth environment overall.

Xylitol also helps reduce how strongly bacteria stick to your teeth, which means plaque has a harder time forming. Over time, that can mean fewer cavities, fresher breath, and better protection for your enamel.

Why Regular Candy and Invisalign Don’t Get Along

If you wear clear aligners, you already know that sugar is not your friend. When you eat candy, plaque-causing bacteria feed on those sugars and release acid that attacks your enamel. Add in the snug, moisture-trapping environment of your aligners, and bacteria have everything they need to thrive.

That’s why most orthodontists warn against sugary foods during Invisalign treatment. The sugar doesn’t just sit on your teeth; it stays trapped under your trays, increasing the risk of cavities, staining, and gum irritation.

Replacing regular sugar with xylitol flips that script. Instead of feeding bacteria, it starves them. Instead of damaging your enamel, it supports it. For aligner wearers dealing with dry mouth or plaque buildup, xylitol candy is an easy, dentist-approved way to keep your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

How Xylitol Supports Oral Health

Xylitol works on multiple fronts to promote a healthier mouth:

1. It stops bacteria from feeding.
Most harmful oral bacteria rely on sugar for energy. Xylitol tricks them into thinking they can eat it, but they can’t actually process it. This halts their growth and acid production.

2. It reduces plaque buildup.
By preventing bacteria from sticking to your teeth, xylitol helps reduce plaque formation and supports a cleaner, healthier smile.

3. It increases saliva production.
Xylitol mints and candies stimulate saliva, which naturally rinses your mouth and helps neutralize acids. More saliva means fresher breath and better enamel protection.

4. It helps maintain a balanced oral microbiome.
Xylitol discourages harmful bacteria and allows beneficial ones to thrive, helping you maintain a healthier overall balance.

In short, xylitol doesn’t just replace sugar. It actively improves your mouth’s environment and supports better oral hygiene every time you use it.

What Makes Movemints the Perfect Xylitol Candy for Invisalign?

Movemints were created by practicing orthodontist Dr. Dave Pechersky after years of hearing patients complain about the tools they used to seat their aligners. Foam or rubber chewies worked, but they were expensive, tasteless, and unhygienic. Some even caused a gag reflex. Dr. Pechersky wanted something that patients would actually enjoy using.

After experimenting with shapes and textures, he developed a patented mint that could do more than freshen breath. The unique design of Movemints fits perfectly between clear aligners, allowing patients to gently bite down to help their trays seat correctly. The pressure helps improve tracking and blood flow to the gums, which can even ease aligner discomfort.

Unlike traditional chewies, Movemints are completely edible, hygienic, and portable. They are made with xylitol, so each mint not only helps your aligners fit but also promotes a healthier mouth.

A Mint That Works as Hard as Your Aligners

Movemints combine three benefits in one small, orthodontist-developed mint:

• Aligner seating: The patented shape helps your trays fit securely for optimal tracking.
• Fresh breath: Natural mint flavors keep your breath fresh all day.
• Oral health: Xylitol helps fight bacteria and plaque while stimulating saliva.

You can enjoy Movemints anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re on the go, between meals, or finishing up your nightly aligner routine, Movemints are a clean and refreshing way to care for your smile.

Smart Aligner Care for Daily Use

Candy and Invisalign may seem like opposites, but with xylitol, they can actually work together. Movemints give aligner patients an easy way to seat their trays, freshen their breath, and support oral health in one simple step.

Created by an orthodontist and trusted by thousands of aligner users, Movemints are the perfect addition to your Invisalign care kit.

Ready to try the only mint designed for your aligners?
Shop Movemints and our new Aligner & Retainer Cleaning Tablets for smarter aligner care every day.