Perfectly-fitting clear aligners are the key to effective teeth straightening treatment. But let’s face it: sometimes, aligners can be stubborn.
Sometimes they just don’t want to lock into place, especially when you move from one set to the next.
That’s why most aligner companies provide chewies, small rubber pieces you can chew to “seat” them.
Movemints are a fresher, more convenient way to seat your aligners on the go. These are specially-shaped mints that let you simultaneously ensure your aligner fit and freshen your breath, making the entire process easier and more comfortable. But are they worth the price? Read on and you’ll find an honest Movemints review and all the info you need to decide if you should pick some up yourself.
What Are Movemints?
Movemints creator, Dr. David Pechersky, wanted to give his patients a fresher and more sanitary option to traditional foam chewies, one that could simultaneously fight the bad breath and dry mouth associated with all-day aligner (ex: Byte and Smile Direct Club) wear.
He hit the lab and, after some tinkering, these versatile little mints were born.
Each mint has two curved sides that fit between your front top and bottom teeth (AKA the “social six”). They’re Spearmint flavored and sweetened with xylitol, a low-calorie natural sweetener.
Each pack contains 20 mints and is small enough to slip inside a pocket, backpack, purse, or glove compartment – ideal for on the go aligner maintenance.
Pros & Cons of Movemints
There’s no question that Movemints can help make your aligner treatment smoother and more comfortable. But we said this was going to be an honest review, and we weren’t lying, so we’ve laid out all the pros and cons right here.
Pros
- Movemints are perfect for on-the-go aligner care
- They help combat the bad breath and dry mouth sometimes caused by clear aligners
- They taste better and are more sanitary than rubber chewies
- Movemints are an aligner-safe alternative to chewing gum
Cons
- You can get three 20-count packs of Movemints for $12.99, which is more expensive than regular mints or chewies.
- Xylitol sweetener is a healthy sugar alternative, but it’s toxic to dogs, so keep the pets away!
Best Clear Aligner Accessories Kit?
Movemints doesn’t stop at mints alone. They aim to facilitate a more comfortable end-to-end aligner experience, so they offer a popular accessories package that includes other useful products like:
- The OrthoKey: A small, ergonomic tool with a tiny hook for easy aligner removal.
- Knotty Floss picks:These flossers are made from cornstarch instead of plastic.
- Soluria Smile Saver: A peroxide-free aligner cleaning spray.
- An aligner case: To keep your aligners clean when you’re on the go.
This is your take-anywhere aligner comfort kit, perfect for the times you need to remove, clean, and replace your aligners for meals or snacks.
What Are Customers Saying?
Does Movemints deliver on their promise? Do they actually make aligner treatment easier, fresher, and smoother? For answers, we turned to online customer reviews to get a sense of the average customer experience.
It appears that Movemint customers almost always find them effective. They generally like that the flavor is minty, but not too overpowering. Many customers say that they vastly prefer Movemints over rubber or foam chewies. Even though they work well, not everyone thinks Movemints are worth the price. Some reviewers say that they’ve found regular xylitol mints to be just as effective for less money.
Other customers report irregularities in the mints’ consistency. Some say they break too easily, while others wish they were chewier. We tried them and yes, they’re not soft like foam chewies, but they withstand bite pressure well enough to effectively seat your aligners, but aren’t so hard that they damage the plastic.
Movemints vs. Other “Chewies”
There’s only one other type of chewy on the market: the traditional cylindrical rubber/foam ones. Often, dentists and orthodontists will hand these out for free to patients undergoing Invisalign treatment. But you can also purchase them on Amazon and other online retailers.
The main advantage Movemints have over traditional chewies is that they freshen your breath and fight dry mouth at the same time, ideal for after meals, snacks, coffee, etc. Plus, since traditional chewies are reusable, they can be less sanitary if you aren’t diligent about cleaning them.
But that reusability cuts both ways. It also means you won’t need to purchase nearly as many chewies. Once you finish your supply of Movemints, you’ll need to restock. And because Movemints are more expensive than chewies, they might not be ideal for anyone on a tight budget.
Final Thoughts: Are Movemints Worth Buying?
Clear aligner treatment is a journey and Movemints help make it a smooth one. Based on our research and experiences with Movemints, we think they’re worth it for anyone who has trouble seating their aligners, snacks throughout the day, or wants a good alternative to chewing gum.
That said, if you don’t struggle to seat your aligners, and you don’t remove them much throughout the day, they might not be the best fit for you, although you might still appreciate having aligner-safe mints that keep your breath fresh all day long.
If you’re looking for an aligner-safe mint, or a fun alternative to traditional chewies, Movemints are a great option. We tested them out ourselves and feel great about recommending them to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you leave Movemints in?
As long as you want! They’re edible and safe for your aligners, so you can use them just like you would a normal mint. You should bite down gently to seat your aligners right away, though. Otherwise, they might soften up.
Can you eat Movemints?
Absolutely. They’re sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan, so they’re a viable option for a variety of diets too! The best part: they only have two calories.
How often can you use Movemints?
You can use them as often as you’d like. Typically, aligner wearers will use one after meals or snacks to seat their aligners and freshen their breath. Doses 40-50g of xylitol per day can cause nausea, bloating, and diarrhea in adults. But each mint only contains 0.5g of xylitol, so you’d have to go on quite a binge before experiencing any side effects.
Will Movemints hurt my aligners or teeth?
Nope. They’re designed to be safe for both aligners and teeth. Just bite down gently with the Movemint securely between your top and bottom teeth and it will handle the rest.
What is xylitol?
A naturally-occurring sweetener that contains 40% fewer calories than table sugar. It’s commonly found in sugar-free chewing gums and is thought to help prevent tooth decay (although it should never replace your regular oral hygiene). It’s totally safe for your aligners and mouth, although it’s toxic to dogs, so store them somewhere your furry pal can’t find them.
Where can I buy Movemints?
The easiest way to get Movemints is on their website. If you choose Invisalign treatment, your dentist or orthodontist might have small sample packs in their office too.
How much do Movemints cost?
It depends on how many you want. You can buy the 20-count bags in packs of 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, or you can get a full kit that includes other aligner accessories like the OrthoKey and a whitening pen. A 3-pack costs $12.99, and 28-pack costs $64.99, and the full Invisalign accessories kit costs $59.95.
What’s the difference between Movemints and chewies?
Chewies are small, cylindrical pieces of spongy plastic that you can chew to help seat your aligners. They’re typically unflavored and reusable. Movemints, on the other hand, are small mints that are sweetened with xylitol and specially shaped to fit between your front top and bottom teeth. They’re not soft like chewies, but they’re still effective in seating your aligners, and gently biting down on them won’t damage the plastic.
Who should use Movemints?
Movemints are perfect for anyone who has trouble seating their aligners, experiences bad breath or dry mouth when they’re wearing aligners, or frequently snacks throughout the day. They’re perfect for on-the-go aligner maintenance.