If you are tired of having a misaligned smile, you have probably thought about getting Invisalign clear aligners. However, if you grind your teeth, you might wonder if you will be a suitable candidate for the treatment. Will bruxism (teeth grinding) cause your aligners to wear down faster? This blog post discusses what you should know.
Teeth Grinding and Candidacy for Invisalign
There are a number of factors that will have a bearing on whether Invisalign treatment is right for you, including the extent of your dental misalignment, your personal circumstances, and more. Teeth grinding is just one thing that your dentist will take into account, and many people who engage in bruxism can get Invisalign.
However, you might not qualify for Invisalign if your bruxism is severe enough that you need to wear a special mouthguard at night. Since you cannot wear your mouthguard and Invisalign at the same time, your bruxism treatment would make it impossible for you to wear your Invisalign aligners for the required 20 – 22 hours each day. Braces may be a better way for you to straighten your teeth.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are made of a durable, patented type of plastic known as SmartTrack. Although it is quite tough, it will wear out more quickly if it is continually exposed to the pressures of teeth grinding and clenching. The good news is that since you will switch to a new aligner every 1 – 2 weeks, it is unlikely that your Invisalign will completely wear out before you move on to the next step of your treatment.
If you do end up damaging one of your aligners to the point where it is no longer usable, your dentist may be able to order a replacement for you.
Can Invisalign Reduce Teeth Grinding?
If you grind your teeth during the day, your Invisalign aligners might make you more aware of your habit, which could help you to stop.
It is also worth mentioning that very often, dental misalignment causes grinding and clenching. After you complete your orthodontic treatment, you may find that you are much less prone to bruxism. In turn, this may lead to a much lower future risk of problems like broken teeth and premature wear and tear on your enamel.
Bruxism may not stop you from qualifying for Invisalign! Talk to your dental care team to find out if you can get started with this convenient and discreet orthodontic treatment.
Meet the Practice
At Abington Family Dental Care, we provide efficient and compassionate care to our community. Invisalign is one of the many services we provide. We also offer solutions for teeth grinding. If you would like our help to improve your oral health or enhance your smile, we are ready to consult with you. Contact our office at 781-780-2658.