Should I be chewing gum with rubber bands in?

Question

Alright, I have rubber bands on my braces (for overbite, of course). I was wondering if chewing gum would effect the process that the rubber bands are putting my teeth through?

I don't want to do anything that will add more time to my braces seeing as I should be getting them off at the end of the year if everything goes as planned.

Answer 1

It won't effect the process but the rubber bands will snap so I would take them out.My orthodontist actually told me to chew gum when I had my rubber bands but  if your going to chew gum chew sugar free cause it won't stick.

Answer 2

Gum is never a great idea with any kind of braces,  since they add a lot of sugar to the metal,  and can be sticky enough to pull off some parts of the braces.   Anytime anything breaks loose,  you risk adding time to your braces because the action of the braces stops.

You may have no problems,  or the gum may cause some problems,  it's up to you if it's worth the risk,  depending on how fast you want your braces off.

Answer 3

Chewing gum at all with braces is not a good idea!

Answer 4

I had braces a few years ago (with three sets of elastic bands for overbite). I do NOT recommend chewing gum with them. They will snap against the inside of your mouth, which forms tiny cuts, which germs get in and form mouth ulcers. I used to get the WORST mouth ulcers from chewing gum with braces/elastics, so painful I couldn't eat anything but soup for a week.

So you could either not do it now or wait until you have horrible pain from the mouth ulcers to teach you not to do it. :P  

Answer 5

I had braces too and I wouldn't suggest it. The rubber bands can and will snap in your mouth! And it hurts when they do. I don't think it can affect the process, but be careful for those snapping rubber bands! lol

Answer 6

For one thing, you shouldn't be chewing gum in the first place.

Honestly, I'm not too sure how it would affect it. But, I'm pretty sure that as long as you keep your rubber bands on as you chew, it will be alright. Just like how some orthodontists suggest keeping your rubber bands on during mealtimes.

I personally think rubber bands work better when you're chewing or talking. The constant opening and closing of the jaw adds an extra pull to the rubber bands. I've never mention that, in particular, to my ortho, so don't take my word on that. It's just what I've noticed.

good luck! hope i helped. keep your rubber bands on! trust me, try to not take them off.. like seriously, I was supposed to get my braces off this past july, but because I didn't put on my rubber bands much during this week where i was on vacation, my teeth didn't move, so they couldn't do something they had to.

The consequence? Well, I'm getting them off on September 9, instead of early july.

so again, keep your rubber bands on! and I think you'll be okay with the gum chewing.

but i still think you shouldn't do it in general.