One of the first things that others notice about you is the quality of your grin, and if yours is crooked, you’re not as likely to make a positive impression. If you want to reposition your teeth but don’t want to deal with braces, your dentist can provide a clear alternative with Invisalign.
However, if you suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), you might wonder whether your condition precludes you from undergoing this treatment. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can set your concerns aside!
What is Invisalign
Traditional braces have a long history of successfully straightening smiles, but many people want a more discreet solution. Instead of relying on bulky metal brackets like the standard method, Invisalign utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over teeth to gently shift them.
You’ll be given a new set of aligners every one to two weeks to account for the ongoing movement. You must wear each pair for 20 to 22 hours daily or risk your teeth reverting to their previous placements, which can elongate your overall treatment timeline.
What is Bruxism?
If you chronically grind your teeth either during the day or, more commonly, while asleep at night, then you may suffer from bruxism. All the added pressure from constantly clenching can overwork your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) that anchor your jawbone to your skull. This can result in tooth, head, and neck aches that require professional intervention to address.
You could also potentially push your teeth out of alignment so that the enamel wears down unevenly, increasing your vulnerability to tooth decay, gum disease, and physical injuries. You already know Invisalign can reposition your grin to prevent this, but you might question whether your bruxism will harm the plastic trays.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Grind My Teeth?
If you’re concerned that your teeth grinding precludes you from undergoing Invisalign, you’re in luck! Indeed, your habit could wear down the clear plastic more quickly, but they aren’t intended to last long anyway, so you’re not likely to affect your treatment. You might even come to find that wearing your trays provides a much-needed layer of cushion between your upper and lower teeth at night to protect them from the added force of clenching.
Bruxism doesn’t usually prevent patients from undergoing Invisalign, but if you’re still concerned, you can schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for treatment.
About the Practice
Patients at Marvel Dental & Orthodontics benefit from a team of experts who are eager to help you improve your quality of life by enhancing your dental health. They share years of combined experience and welcome people of all ages and provide a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location, including Invisalign. Then, they combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to keep your comfortable while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you want a straighter smile but are unsure which treatment is right for your unique circumstances, you can request an appointment on the website or call (682) 772-3072.