Can You Chew Gum with Invisalign?

February 28, 2025

Invisalign can be a real game-changer when it comes to straightening teeth. It’s modern, discreet, and designed to give you the confidence boost you deserve. It's easy to get started, but it comes with a few rules.

You can not eat or drink anything besides water when your Invisalign aligners are in—including chewing gum. Why? Gum can stick to the aligners, making cleaning a nightmare and degrading the shape of your aligners.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a sleek and discrete way to fix gaps, crooked teeth, or misalignment without the metal-and-wires look. These clear, removable aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually guide them into place. And the best part? They’re practically invisible. Perfect for teens, adults, and anyone wanting to keep their dental journey on the down low.

Invisalign’s removable design means you don’t have to avoid certain foods. Instead, you pop them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign can be more comfortable, easy-to-use, and less invasive.

Here’s how Invisalign works: You’ll wear a series of aligners, each applying gentle pressure to slightly shift your teeth. Every week or so—based on your treatment plan—you’ll switch to a new tray, keeping the progress going until your smile is exactly where you want it.

Not only does Invisalign improve your smile’s appearance, but it also enhances your overall oral health by correcting alignment issues that could lead to problems like jaw pain or uneven tooth wear.

Tips for Invisalign Treatment

Want to ace your Invisalign treatment? Follow these tips to maximize your results and maintain your aligners effectively:

Wear your aligners for 20–22 hours daily. Yep, even when you sleep, during Netflix binges, and everything in between.
Take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water. Snacks and aligners don’t mix. To avoid staining, wearing out, or otherwise damaging your aligners, always remove your aligners beforehand.
Say no to gum. It’ll stick, stretch, and potentially ruin your aligners.
Keep them clean. Regular cleaning keeps your aligners (and your smile) fresh.
Store them safely. Always use your case to avoid accidental damage or loss.

Stick to these rules and let your dental team guide you—you’ll be on track for a flawless smile in no time.

When it comes to cleaning your aligners, opt for a gentle toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the aligners and dull their transparency.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign still puts pressure on your mouth, same as traditional braces. You might feel a bit of pressure or mild discomfort when you first start or switch to a new tray. It’s a sign that things are working, and that feeling usually fades after a day or two.

If the discomfort doesn’t let up or seems intense, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They’re here to make sure everything goes smoothly.

To ease discomfort, consider rinsing with warm salt water or using over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist can also recommend orthodontic wax or other solutions to smooth the adjustment process.

What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment

Your Invisalign journey kicks off with a consultation. During this visit, your dentist will discuss your goals and create a custom treatment plan. Using digital impressions, your dentist will design customized aligners with unique pressure points to shape your smile.

Regular check-ins with your dentist are key—they’ll make sure everything’s on track and adjust your plan if needed. The length of your treatment depends on your unique smile, but your dentist will give you all the details upfront. Then, you can follow the plan and watch your dream smile take shape.

During your follow-ups, your dentist might make minor adjustments to ensure your progress stays on schedule. These tweaks are quick and painless, designed to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.

How Swish Oral Care Can Help

So, is Invisalign right for you? If you’re dealing with gaps, misalignment, or crooked teeth and want a solution that’s effective, discreet, and flexible, then the answer is probably yes!

At Swish, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. Whether you’re considering Invisalign or just exploring your options, we’re here to help every step of the way. With two convenient locations in Calgary, achieving your best smile has never been easier.