Clear aligners are removable trays made of thin, transparent plastic designed to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. Patients must wear the aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours each day to be effective. Incorporating aligners into daily life often involves minor, temporary adjustments to eating and drinking habits. A frequent question patients have centers on whether they can continue to chew gum while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Why Gum and Aligners Don’t Mix
The direct answer to whether you can chew gum while wearing aligners is no. Clear aligners are fabricated from specialized thermoplastic materials that are not resistant to the adhesive properties of chewing gum. When gum is chewed, it instantly sticks to the surface of the plastic tray material. This sticking turns the gum into a sticky, unhygienic mess that is nearly impossible to remove. Attempting to scrape the residue off can easily damage or distort the thin aligner tray itself. Furthermore, the trapped residue creates a breeding ground for bacteria held directly against the tooth surface, significantly compromising oral hygiene.
Long-Term Risks to Treatment Progress
The constant, repetitive chewing motion can exert force on the thin plastic, potentially causing the aligner to warp or distort its precise shape. This distortion compromises the intended fit, which is often referred to as “tracking” in orthodontics. When an aligner loses its precise fit, it can no longer deliver the calibrated forces necessary to move the teeth correctly. This disruption slows down the treatment timeline and can necessitate costly adjustments or the ordering of new, replacement trays.
Staining and Mechanical Issues
Even sugar-free gum poses a risk because the chewing action itself is the primary mechanical culprit, not just the sugar content. Moreover, if the gum contains artificial colorants, these pigments can transfer and cause noticeable staining or discoloration of the transparent aligner material. While clear aligners are designed to be discreet, staining makes them highly visible. The mechanical force of chewing works directly against the calculated, gentle pressure needed for effective tooth movement.
Recommended Alternatives for Fresh Breath
Patients often chew gum to combat dry mouth or maintain fresh breath, and several practical solutions can address these needs without compromising treatment. The most reliable alternative for freshening breath is regular, thorough brushing of the teeth and aligners. Portable toothbrush and toothpaste kits are designed for quick use after meals.
If breath freshening is needed without brushing, thoroughly rinsing the mouth and aligners with plain water is highly effective. Some orthodontist-approved mouthwashes can also be used, but patients should confirm the product is non-staining and alcohol-free.
For those who desire something to consume, sugar-free mints can be used, but this must only be done with the aligners completely removed from the mouth. Consuming anything other than plain water while the aligners are seated risks trapping sugars or flavorings against the teeth, which heightens the risk of decay and staining the appliance. After consuming a mint, rinse the mouth before reinserting the trays.