How to Use Aligner Chewies for Best Results 2025
If you’re using clear aligners like Invisalign or Byte, you’ve probably heard about aligner chewies – those small foam cylinders that help seat your trays properly. But do they really make a difference?
The answer is yes! Chewies improve aligner fit, reduce discomfort, and even speed up treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using chewies effectively, including:
- What chewies are and how they work
- Step-by-step instructions for proper use
- Best brands and alternatives
- How often to use them for best results
- Expert tips to avoid common mistakes
Whether you’re a first-time aligner user or struggling with tracking issues, this guide will help you get the most out of chewies.
What Are Aligner Chewies?
Chewies (also called “aligner seaters” or “bite sticks”) are soft, cylindrical foam tools designed to:
- Ensure a snug fit between aligners and teeth
- Reduce air gaps that slow down tooth movement
- Relieve pressure points that cause discomfort
- Improve tracking (preventing misaligned trays)
Who needs them?
- New aligner users (helps with initial tightness)
- People with tracking issues (if trays feel loose)
- Those wanting faster treatment (better pressure = faster shifts)
How Do Aligner Chewies Work?
Chewies aren’t just foam pieces – they’re scientifically designed to optimize aligner performance. Here’s how they work:
- They create a tight seal by compressing when you bite down, pushing the aligner firmly onto your teeth and eliminating tiny gaps.
- They stimulate bone remodeling through gentle chewing motions that increase blood flow to gums and periodontal ligaments, helping osteoclasts break down bone and osteoblasts rebuild it in new positions.
- They distribute pressure evenly across all teeth, preventing certain teeth from bearing more force than others which can lead to slow progress or discomfort.
How to Use Chewies for Aligners
Follow these steps for proper chewie use:
- Insert your aligners and make sure they’re fully seated by hand first.
- Place a chewie between your teeth, starting with molars (back teeth) and working forward.
- Bite down gently but firmly for 5-10 seconds per spot, using enough pressure to feel the aligner seating but not so much that it causes discomfort.
- Move the chewie around your mouth to cover all teeth, spending extra time on any stubborn teeth needing more movement.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times daily, especially when switching to new aligners.
Pro tip: For new aligners, use chewies 5-10 minutes per day for the first 3 days. For daily maintenance, 1-2 minutes after reinserting trays is sufficient.
Best Aligner Chewies Brands
Here’s a comparison of top chewie brands:
Dentsply Chewies
- Material: Medical-grade foam
- Durability: 2-3 weeks
- Price: $8-$12
- Best for: Everyday use
Essix Chewies
- Material: Denser foam
- Durability: 3-4 weeks
- Price: $10-$15
- Best for: Heavy chewers
Generic Foam Chewies
- Material: Soft foam
- Durability: 1-2 weeks
- Price: $5-$8
- Best for: Budget option
Silicone Bite Tubes
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Durability: 6+ months
- Price: $12-$20
- Best for: Eco-friendly users
Our top pick is Dentsply as it’s the most trusted by orthodontists.
Aligner Chewies Alternatives
If you don’t have chewies, try these safe substitutes:
- Silicone baby teethers (soft and hygienic)
- Sugar-free gum (short-term use only)
- Ortho silicone bite tubes (reusable option)
Avoid using hard objects like pens or ice cubes, and be careful not to over-chew which can fatigue jaw muscles.
How Often Should You Use Chewies?
Here’s a quick reference guide:
- New aligner: 5-10 minutes per day (first 3 days)
- Daily maintenance: 1-2 minutes after reinserting
- Tracking issues: 3 times per day (focus on problem teeth)
Signs you need more chewie time include aligners feeling loose or “floaty” and certain teeth not moving as expected.
Do Chewies Help with Pain?
Yes! Chewies can help reduce aligner discomfort by:
- Increasing blood flow (reduces inflammation)
- Preventing “hot spots” (even pressure = less soreness)
For extra relief, try chilling chewies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before use or massaging gums with clean fingers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To get the most from your chewies:
- Don’t bite too hard (can crack aligners)
- Replace old, flattened chewies (lose effectiveness)
- Never skip chewies with new trays (poor seating slows progress)
Pro tip: Replace chewies every 2-3 weeks or when visibly worn.
FAQs: How to Use Aligner Chewies
1. How long should I chew on chewies?
Ideal duration:
- New aligners: 5–10 minutes/day (first 3 days).
- Daily use: 1–2 minutes after reinserting trays.
- Tracking issues: 3–5 minutes, 2–3x/day.
Pro Tip: Focus on areas where aligners feel loose.
2. Do chewies make Invisalign faster?
Indirectly, yes! They:
✔ Improve aligner fit (better pressure = more movement).
✔ Reduce refinements (fewer tracking issues).
Note: They won’t override the 22-hour rule (see #3).
3. What is the 22-hour rule for Invisalign?
- Wear aligners ≥22 hours/day for effective treatment.
- Chewies complement this by ensuring proper seating.
- Shortcut? No—skipping wear time delays results.
4. Can I use chewies with my retainer?
Yes! Chewies help:
- Seat Essix/Vivera retainers tightly.
- Prevent retainer warping (especially at night).
Avoid if you have fixed/wire retainers.
5. Can you overuse chewies?
Yes. Signs of overuse:
- Jaw soreness (from excessive chewing).
- Aligner damage (if biting too hard).
- Flattened chewies (replace every 2–3 weeks).
Safe limit: ≤10 minutes/day total.
6. Do chewies make you bloat?
No. Chewies:
- Are too small to swallow air (unlike gum).
- Don’t affect digestion.
If bloated, check for other causes (e.g., aligner-related dry mouth).
Key Takeaways
✅ Chewies optimize treatment but won’t replace compliance.
✅ Use 1–5 mins/day (more for new trays/tracking issues).
✅ Retainer users benefit too!
Need chewies? Contact us
Can I reuse chewies?
Yes, but replace them every 2-3 weeks due to bacteria buildup.
Do chewies speed up Invisalign?
Indirectly – better fit means more efficient movement.
Can I use chewies with retainers?
Yes! Helps seat Essix/Vivera retainers properly.
Are silicone chewies better than foam?
They last longer but don’t compress as well for seating.
Where can I buy chewies?
Amazon, dental offices, or direct from Dentsply/Essix.
Final Verdict : How to Use Aligner Chewies
Chewies are absolutely worth the small investment (just $5-$15) because they:
- Improve aligner fit
- Reduce discomfort
- Prevent tracking issues
As one orthodontist noted: “Patients who use chewies consistently finish treatment 10-15% faster.”
Ready to optimize your aligner journey? Consider trying Dentsply Chewies (best value) or silicone alternatives (eco-friendly option).
Read Accelerated Invisalign Treatment: Straighten Your Smile Faster