Teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, is a condition that affects millions of people across the U.S. If you struggle with this issue, you may wonder if it will have an impact on your prospects for orthodontic treatment. In particular, you may be interested in the question, “Can I get Invisalign if I grind my teeth?” Your orthodontist is the best person to help you find an answer. However, this blog post can give you an overview of how teeth grinding might affect your clear aligners.
Can Teeth Grinding Ruin Your Aligners?
Clear aligners are designed to fit over the entire visible surface of your teeth. They are very durable, but they can become warped or damaged if they are exposed to excessive force. Therefore, there is a risk that teeth grinding could damage them. This is especially true among individuals who grind their teeth at night; they are not aware of what they are doing and cannot remind themselves to stop.
The good news is that with Invisalign, you will probably switch to a fresh aligner every two weeks. Even if your aligners incur a bit of damage, it might not be a big deal. Of course, if serious damage occurs, your orthodontist might need to order a replacement aligner for you.
Many people with bruxism are candidates for Invisalign. The most common exception is among individuals whose bruxism is severe enough that they have to wear a nightguard. (A nightguard is a special device that places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth during sleep). Unfortunately, nightguards and clear aligner treatment are not compatible with one another.
Invisalign May Help Your Bruxism
Bruxism can have several different causes, among which is dental misalignment. As your Invisalign treatment progresses, you might discover that the tendency to clench and grind slowly diminishes. At the end of your Invisalign course, you might even be completely free of bruxism!
Another way in which Invisalign may prove helpful is by making you more aware of your grinding and clenching habit. If you brux when you are awake, you will feel your aligners grind against one another, which can be a startling reminder that you need to stop.
What Should You Do?
It is possible that bruxism could affect your candidacy for Invisalign. The only way to find out for sure is to consult with an orthodontist. They will assess your oral health, analyze your dental misalignment, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and the Columbus Orthodontic Center team proudly offer Invisalign and many other treatments. If you are curious about your candidacy for clear aligners, schedule a consultation with us. We will be happy to answer your questions. Contact our office at 614-549-5835.
