Invisalign Chewies: What Are They & How to Use Them

Invisalign Chewies: What They Are and How to Use Them

Written by the Diamond Braces clinical team · Updated November 4, 2026

Chewies are small, soft cylinders you bite on after putting your Invisalign aligners in. Biting gently along the aligners helps them sit snugly against your teeth. Use them when your orthodontist recommends it, usually each time you put a new or freshly cleaned aligner back in, until the aligner sits flush. Chewies help keep treatment on track; they don't make it shorter.

What Are Invisalign Chewies?

Chewies, also sold as aligner seaters, are made of a soft, non-edible material. Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, sells its own seaters and describes them as a way to help aligners fit properly over the teeth. A gap between the aligner and a tooth means the aligner isn't pressing on that tooth the way it was designed to.

How to Use Chewies

Wash your hands and put your aligners in.
Place the chewie between your teeth and bite down gently.
Move the chewie along the arch so every tooth gets pressure, front and back.
Repeat on the other aligner and stop when the aligners sit flush against your teeth.

Your orthodontist will tell you how often and how long to use them. Follow those instructions over any general rule.

When Chewies Help Most

When you switch to a new set of aligners
After you take your aligners out to eat or clean them and put them back in
When you notice a small gap between the aligner and a tooth

If an aligner still doesn't sit flush after using a chewie, or it feels very tight or cracked, call your orthodontist rather than forcing it.

Caring for Your Chewies

Rinse the chewie with warm water and mild soap after use and let it air dry.
Store it in a clean case.
Replace it when it loses its shape or gets worn. Chewies are not food, so don't swallow them.

Invisalign Chewie FAQs

Do chewies make Invisalign treatment faster?

No. Chewies help each aligner fit as designed, which helps treatment stay on track. Treatment length depends on your case. Invisalign.com says treatment takes 12 to 18 months on average and can be as short as 6 months.

How many hours a day should I wear my aligners?

Invisalign.com recommends wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean them.

Can I use something else instead of a chewie?

Use a chewie or seater made for aligners, or ask your orthodontist what to use. Don't bite on household items.

Are chewies safe?

Yes, when used as directed. Bite gently; hard biting doesn't seat the aligner better. If you have jaw pain, tell your orthodontist.

Find a Diamond Braces office near you

Sources

Invisalign.com, Frequently Asked Questions (wear time and average treatment length)
Invisalign Accessory Store, Aligner Seaters

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