How Does Invisalign Affect Teeth Grinding?

You want to straighten out your smile, preferably with the discrete, slim profile of Invisalign clear aligners. There’s just one problem: you grind your teeth. Will that be a problem for the plastic trays? How will an Invisalign treatment affect your teeth and jaw?

Fortunately, Invisalign might still be able to even out your smile. Depending on the extent of your habit, the aligners might even be the perfect orthodontic solution for you! Keep reading to learn more.

Invisalign Could Alleviate Bruxism

Bruxism (the clinical term for teeth grinding, clenching, and gnashing) has many causes, ranging from stress to sleep disorders. When it’s caused by poor jaw or dental alignment, though, Invisalign could actually provide long-term relief. The clear aligners can correct the vast majority of misalignment cases, and once the underlying problem is solved, your symptoms should decrease.

Clear Aligners Provide Dental Cushion

One of the possible treatment options for bruxism, especially nightly bruxism, is to wear a mouthguard-like oral appliance that will protect your teeth from wear. Invisalign aligners are actually pretty similar to these mouthguards, meaning they could also protect your teeth from your compulsion. You could hit two birds with one stone!

Treatment Progress Can Replace Worn Aligners

In severe instances of bruxism, however, you might still end up wearing down your Invisalign aligners. Fortunately, there’s a silver lining. Most patients have to replace their aligners with a tighter set that’s meant to progress their treatment. And how often does this typically happen? Every one-to-two weeks! By the time your trays start to show signs of wear, you’ll likely be ready to upgrade to your next set anyway.

Talk With Your Dentist to Be Sure

Orthodontics and bruxism treatment can both involve adjusting your dental or bite alignment, so it’s important to talk to your dentist if you grind your teeth. Depending on the extent of your habit, Invisalign may or may not be the right solution for you. Your dentist will keep you informed about your situation and can provide an alternative treatment plan if necessary. You can count on them to guide you through the Invisalign process!

About the Practice

At Sunrise Dental, we have four experienced and skilled dentists. Each has their own unique specialty, enabling us to provide patients with a truly comprehensive list of services. Our Invisalign certified providers, Dr. Steven Chancellor and Dr. Demi Tran, would be happy to discuss clear aligners and bruxism with you. To contact our office with questions or to schedule a consultation, call 713-869-9973.