Misaligned teeth can affect your dental health and your confidence. If you are plagued by a crooked smile, you might have thought about getting Invisalign clear aligners. But what if you grind your teeth? Could you still be a good candidate for Invisalign? You might! This blog post explains what you should know about the relationship between clear aligners and teeth grinding.
Teeth Grinding and Candidacy for Invisalign
Your dentist will have to consider several factors before determining if Invisalign is a good fit for you. For example, the extent of your dental misalignment, your personal habits, and more will all come into play. Whether or not you engage in bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) should also be considered. Many people who grind their teeth can get Invisalign.
However, Invisalign might not be right for you if your bruxism is fairly severe. If you have to wear a special mouthguard at night, it may be incompatible with your Invisalign aligners. It would reduce your Invisalign wear time and make it impossible for you to keep your treatment in your mouth for the required 20 – 22 hours each day. Braces might be a more practical way to straighten your teeth.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are made of SmartTrack, a patented plastic material that is durable, strong, and flexible. Even though it is tough, it will wear out more quickly if it is subjected to the pressures of bruxism. Fortunately, because you will switch aligners every 1 – 2 weeks, it is unlikely that your Invisalign will incur enough damage to become unusable before you reach the next step of your treatment.
If you do damage one of your aligners to the point where it is no longer effective, get in touch with your dentist. They may be able to order a replacement for you.
Can Invisalign Reduce Teeth Grinding?
Invisalign might be able to help with teeth grinding in a couple of ways:
- If you tend to grind your teeth during your waking hours, your aligners might make you more aware of your habit. This can help you train yourself to stop.
- In some cases, dental misalignment exacerbates or even causes teeth grinding. As your teeth are moved into proper alignment, you might find that you are much less prone to bruxism. In turn, you may enjoy a reduced risk of multiple dental problems, such as broken teeth and increased sensitivity.
Teeth grinding might not prevent you from getting Invisalign! Visit a qualified Invisalign provider to learn more about your treatment options.
Meet the Practice
At Meriden Dental Group, our team is pleased to offer both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces. We can also assist patients who struggle with teeth grinding. If you are interested in improving your oral health via orthodontic treatment, we would love to speak with you. Contact our friendly staff at 203-404-6800.