chewies are designed to be cleaned, but pens and random stuff definitely aren’t.
That’s a good point—chewies are way less gross than pens (been there, regretted that). I’ve had a tray crack too, and even though my dentist said it was “fine,” I noticed it got worse after a week. I ended up swapping to the next tray early. Anyone else ever have to do that? Did it mess up your progress at all?
When my tray cracked, I was so worried about having to pay for a replacement that I just kept using it until it really started feeling weird. Ended up calling the office and they told me to move to the next one early, too. Didn’t notice any major issues, but I was paranoid for weeks that my teeth would shift the wrong way or something.
I’m curious—has anyone tried just patching a crack with something like dental wax or even tape? I know it sounds kinda sketchy, but these trays aren’t cheap and insurance barely covers anything. Also, does anyone else feel like chewies actually help the trays fit better, or is that just what we’re told to make us buy more stuff? Sometimes I wonder if I’m overthinking all of this...
I’m curious—has anyone tried just patching a crack with something like dental wax or even tape? I know it sounds kinda sketchy, but these trays aren’t cheap and insurance barely covers anything.
I totally get where you’re coming from. My daughter’s on her second round of aligners and we’ve had a couple crack on us too. The first time, I tried using orthodontic wax to cover a sharp edge, but honestly, it didn’t hold up for more than a few hours. Tape seemed like a no-go—she said it felt gross and the tray wouldn’t sit right. In the end, we just called the ortho and they told us to move on to the next tray early, same as you.
If the crack is tiny and not cutting up your mouth, I guess wax could help for a day or two, but I wouldn’t count on it long-term. The plastic just doesn’t bond to anything, so it’s mostly a comfort fix rather than a real repair.
About chewies: I was super skeptical at first, too. They seemed like one of those “extras” they push on you. But my kid actually does notice a difference when she uses them, especially with new trays that are a tight fit. She bites down on them for a few minutes after popping in new trays and it really seems to help them seat better. Maybe it’s psychological, but her ortho said it helps distribute pressure more evenly so the trays fit snugly against the teeth. We just use the same pair and wash them—no need to buy new ones every time.
Honestly, I think overthinking is kind of unavoidable with this stuff. The trays are expensive, and nobody wants to mess up months of progress over a crack or a bad fit. My main advice is if something feels really off, call the office. They’ve probably heard it all before.
It’s a hassle, but you’re definitely not alone in worrying about this stuff.
If the crack is tiny and not cutting up your mouth, I guess wax could help for a day or two, but I wouldn’t count on it long-term. The plastic just doesn’t bond to anything, so it’s mostly a comfort fix rather than a real repair.
Haha, yeah, “comfort fix” pretty much sums up my experience. I once tried patching a tray with a dab of clear nail polish (don’t judge, desperate times), and let’s just say the taste was… memorable. Lasted about as long as my patience for the whole ordeal. Wax worked for me in a pinch when a sharp edge started attacking my cheek, but it kept falling off every time I took the tray out to eat (which, let’s be honest, is like 12 times a day).
Chewies, though—totally agree with you there. I thought they were just another gimmick until I actually used them. They’re weirdly satisfying, kind of like chewing on a stress ball for your teeth. My trays always felt tighter and more secure after a chewies session.
I still cringe every time I hear that little “crack” sound. But yeah, if something feels really off, calling the office is way less embarrassing than explaining why your tray smells like nail salon.
Yeah, the wax is definitely a temp fix at best. I tried the nail polish trick too, and honestly, I regretted it the second I put the tray back in—tasted like chemicals for hours. Chewies are a game changer though, totally agree. They’re weird but actually work. The “crack” noise is the worst, but hey, you’re not alone. Just gotta power through and laugh at the little fails.
