Chewies (also called aligner seaters) are small, soft cylinders you bite on after putting your aligners in. Biting gently on one for a few minutes, moving it around your mouth, helps the aligners sit fully on your teeth so they can do their job.
Why does aligner fit matter?
Each aligner is made to move your teeth a small amount. It works best when it sits snugly against every tooth. A small air gap between the aligner and the edge of a tooth can mean that tooth isn’t getting the gentle pressure it needs.
Chewies help close those gaps, especially with a new set, which usually feels tight for the first day or two.
How do I use a chewie?
Put your clean aligners in first, then:
- Place the chewie between your upper and lower teeth.
- Bite down gently and hold for a few seconds, then move it to the next few teeth.
- Work from one side of your mouth to the other, front and back, for a few minutes in total.
- Check in a mirror: there should be no gap between the aligner and the edge of your teeth.
When should I use them?
Use a chewie each time you put your aligners back in, for example after meals and in the morning. Use it more often during the first days of a new set, or if you notice a gap.
Bite gently. Chewies shouldn’t hurt, and you don’t need to bite hard for them to work.
Keeping chewies clean
Rinse your chewie with water after each use and let it air-dry. Replace it when it gets worn or flattened, or if it starts to smell. Keep it in a clean case, away from pets.
When should I call you?
Call us if an aligner still won’t sit snugly after a day or two of using chewies, if an attachment comes off and the aligner no longer fits well, or if an aligner cracks, breaks or is lost. If an aligner is broken or lost, call us and we’ll tell you whether to go back to your previous set, move ahead to the next one, or come in.
