Why I Created Movemints — The Orthodontist-Developed Alternative to Invisalign® Chewies
Written by Dr. Dave Pechersky, practicing orthodontist and inventor of Movemints:
I’ve treated thousands of clear aligner patients over the years, but when I went through aligner treatment myself, I finally understood what my patients had been talking about. The aligners worked great, but the Invisalign chewies didn’t. When I would try to do my chewing exercises, I'd literally gag on the foam. That was the moment I thought, “There has to be a better way.”
That’s how Movemints were born, the first clear aligner mints designed by an orthodontist to help seat your trays, freshen your breath, and make aligner treatment a lot more comfortable.
The Problem with Traditional Invisalign Chewies
Before Movemints, aligner patients only had one option for seating their trays properly: Invisalign chewies. They might do the job, but they come with plenty of issues:
- They get dirty and smelly after repeated use
- They’re easy to lose and awkward to use in public
- You have to hold them with your fingers, which isn’t sanitary
- They’re made of foam, which isn’t exactly pleasant to chew
As a doctor, I saw patients struggle with them. As a patient, I experienced that struggle myself. I finally understood why people were skipping their chewing exercises or using random dental tools as makeshift alternatives. It was time for something better.
The Idea That Started It All
When I gagged on that chewy, I started thinking about what would actually make aligner treatment easier. What if there was something that could seat trays just as effectively but was hands free, hygienic, and actually enjoyable to use?
That’s when I began experimenting in my East Pittsburgh lab. I reshaped chewies, tried different materials, and even tested on Jolly Ranchers to see what would hold up to chewing pressure. The goal was to create something that was:
- Small enough to fit between teeth
- Firm enough for effective chewing
- Edible and sugar-free
- Safe and convenient for daily use
Designing Movemints
Once I realized the solution needed to be edible, I started working on texture and shape. I wanted something firm enough to help seat aligners but pleasant to chew, something you could actually enjoy.
With the help of a local sculptor, we refined the shape until it fit perfectly between aligners. We added gentle grooves to guide proper chewing and keep the mint in place. After countless prototypes, flavor tests, and ingredient trials, Movemints Clear Aligner Mints were ready for the world.
The World’s First Edible, Hands Free Aligner Seating Mint
In 2016, we launched Movemints, the mint made for aligners. They’re made with xylitol, a natural sweetener that helps fight dry mouth and freshens breath while supporting oral health.
Today, Movemints are loved by Invisalign and clear aligner patients around the world. They’re available on Amazon, our website and through orthodontists who offer sample packs in their offices.
Fun fact: Movemints even made it into the 61st Annual GRAMMY Gift Bag!
Why Movemints Are the Best Invisalign Chewies Alternative
Millions of aligner patients have upgraded their smile journey with Movemints. They’re the only product that helps seat aligners while also freshening your breath, with no foam and no fuss.
- Orthodontist developed and patented design
- Sugar free and made with xylitol
- Portable, discreet, and delicious
- Safe and effective for daily aligner seating
Try Movemints
What started as a moment of frustration during my own aligner treatment has grown into a product that’s helped patients all over the world. If you’re ready to skip the foam and make your smile journey more comfortable, give Movemints a try.
