Are you tired of feeling self-conscious due to dental misalignment? If so, you have probably thought about getting Invisalign clear aligners. However, if you grind your teeth, you might wonder if this treatment is right for you. Will bruxism (teeth grinding) adversely affect your aligners or the outcome of your orthodontic journey? This blog post discusses what you should know.
Teeth Grinding and Candidacy for Invisalign
There are several factors that your dentist will have to consider when determining whether Invisalign is a good fit for you. Such factors include the degree of your dental misalignment, your personal circumstances and lifestyle, and of course, whether or not you show signs of habitual teeth grinding and clenching.
Many people who grind their teeth can get Invisalign. However, if your bruxism is serious enough that you must wear a special mouthguard at night, Invisalign might not be right for you. That is because the use of your nighttime mouthguard would prevent you from wearing Invisalign for the required 20 – 22 hours each day. Therefore, your teeth would not be able to move as planned. Instead of clear aligners, you may be a better candidate for regular braces.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are made of a very durable type of plastic. They are tough enough to shift the teeth and endure a degree of pressure. However, they will wear out more quickly if you grind and clench your teeth. Thankfully, you should switch aligners every 1 – 2 weeks, so you should be able to move forward with the next step in your Invisalign treatment before too much damage has occurred.
If you damage one of your aligners so much that you can no longer use it, your dentist may be able to order a replacement for you.
Can Invisalign Reduce Teeth Grinding?
If you are a daytime teeth grinder, Invisalign may make you more aware of your habit, so it could help you train yourself to quit.
Additionally, it is worth noting that misaligned teeth can be a major contributing factor to bruxism. As Invisalign straightens your teeth, you may be much less likely to grind and clench your teeth at any hour of the day. In turn, this can reduce the risk of problems like broken teeth and premature wear and tear on your enamel.
If you grind your teeth, do not automatically assume that you cannot get Invisalign. Talk to your dental care team to find out if you can get started with this convenient and discreet orthodontic treatment.
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental, our skilled team is proud to offer both Invisalign and traditional braces. If you have misaligned teeth and/or struggle with bruxism, we can evaluate your case and recommend your next steps. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.