So, you’ve been wanting to straighten your teeth for a while now and you’ve been seeing the ads for Invisalign everywhere. The only problem is you know you grind your teeth. Wouldn’t that break the trays? Can you still receive the treatment?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can impact your dental health, and it’s natural to question how it interacts with orthodontic treatments like Invisalign where you are required to wear a set of aligners for the majority of your day.
If you’re still trying to navigate the issue, continue reading. Below are factors to consider that may mean Invisalign is a viable choice for you, even if you grind your teeth.
What Causes Bruxism?
To understand the problem, we must understand what causes it. There are several reasons you might develop the involuntary response of grinding your teeth.
Stress and anxiety are major factors, but for those who typically do it while they sleep, it could be a sign of other oral health conditions such as a bad bite or missing or crooked teeth.
When your bite is out of alignment, your teeth don’t fit together correctly. Even a small misalignment can cause your jaw to subconsciously try to course-correct, leading to jaw pain and involuntary teeth grinding.
What are Invisalign Aligners Made Of?
The durable plastic trays that come with the Invisalign system are made from a flexible material called SmartTrack. While this plastic isn’t indestructible by any means, it is durable enough to stand up to occasional teeth grinding.
Each tray in the Invisalign system is made to be worn for around ten days, so there isn’t ample opportunity for your teeth to wear through the aligner. Even if you did manage to wear through it, your orthodontist will be able to replace it with a new one.
Can You Wear Invisalign if You Grind Your Teeth?
It’s unfortunate to think that the very problems you’re trying to solve by using Invisalign could be hindering your treatment, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
In fact, many orthodontists recommend Invisalign to help treat the underlying causes of bruxism. Wearing the aligners creates a barrier that could lessen the effects of grinding while simultaneously working to correct the source of the problem.
While most people can use Invisalign even with bruxism, if you have more severe grinding that requires a night guard, you may not be able to wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time of 22 hours each day.
Ultimately, your orthodontist will be able to tell you whether or not you are a candidate for Invisalign as they understand your current conditions and can accurately judge your eligibility.
Teeth grinding doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from benefiting from Invisalign treatment. By working closely with your orthodontist, you can explore customized solutions that address both your teeth straightening goals and bruxism concerns.
About the Practice
Dr. Pankti Patel and Dr. Jainisha Patel are both proud members of the United States Armed Forces who have decided to serve their community better by offering high-quality dental care. Dr. Pankti has two dental degrees and was invited to join Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a prestigious dental honor society. After graduating with her dental doctorate, Dr. Jainisha completed a rigorous dental implant preceptorship to continue her education. Both dentists are proud members of multiple professional organizations like The Academy of General Dentistry. To schedule an Invisalign consultation or learn about other services offered at The Elegant Dentistry, visit the website here or call (469) 598-1023.