Many people who want straighter smiles prefer the smooth, transparent plastic trays of Invisalign to the sharp metal brackets of braces. The smooth, clear material won’t injure the insides of your lips, cheeks, or gums. Not only that, but they’re removable, so there are no dietary restrictions to worry about.
However, some patients who grind their teeth wonder whether their habit precludes them from undergoing this alternative orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to learn more about whether you can successfully complete Invisalign with bruxism!
What is Invisalign?
Instead of relying on metal brackets and wires to pull your teeth into their rightful positions, this method utilizes clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over your grin to shift it. You must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their starting places. Then, after a week or two, your dentist will provide the next set in your series to switch to, which accounts for the ongoing movement of your teeth throughout your treatment.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to a condition in which you subconsciously clench your upper and lower arches together. It’s more common at night when you’re asleep, but some people also experience it throughout the day.
Unfortunately, all the added pressure of grinding your teeth together can wear down your enamel unevenly or prematurely, increasing your vulnerability to cavities or other injuries. It can also push them out of alignment or cause your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) to become painfully inflamed where they connect your jawbone to your skull.
Can I Get Invisalign with Bruxism?
It’s natural to wonder whether grinding your teeth will harm your Invisalign. After all, you wouldn’t want to invest in the elective service only to ruin the clear trays or render them ineffective. If you’re concerned that you’ll injure the aligners too much to complete your treatment, you can thankfully set your fears aside.
Although you might damage the plastic material, they only need to last a week or two, anyway. You’re not likely to cause sufficient harm before switching to the next set in your series, and even if you do, it’s not usually too difficult for your dentist to replace them. Furthermore, the plastic prevents your teeth from touching when you close your jaw. This can alleviate enough pressure to allow your TMJ to rest and relax, allowing you to heal and recover.
That means not only can you get Invisalign with bruxism, but your chosen orthodontics might even prevent damage from teeth grinding!
Meet the Author
Dr. Gary Nawrocki has more than three decades of experience helping people build happy, healthy smiles meant to last. He earned his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Florida and has since completed thousands of ongoing educational hours with prestigious organizations like the Pankey Institute and the Spear Educational Institute. Now, he offers a complete array of services at one convenient location to meet all your needs, including Invisalign. If you grind your teeth and are concerned it might interfere with your orthodontics, you can request an appointment on the website or call (321) 783-7514.