If you’ve been bothered by crooked teeth for a long time, the idea of using Invisalign to correct the alignment of your smile can be appealing. However, if your dentist has found signs that you grind your teeth, you may worry about your candidacy for clear aligners. Can teeth grinding stop you from wearing Invisalign? Here’s what you need to know before you begin the path toward a straighter grin.
What Can Cause You to Grind Your Teeth?
Unconscious teeth grinding is referred to as bruxism. It often occurs while you’re asleep and have little control over what your jaw is doing. The exact cause of bruxism is not completely clear, but there are many known risk factors, such as:
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Specific medications
- Genetics
Can You Get Invisalign If You Grind Your Teeth?
The short answer is yes; even if you have bruxism, you may still be able to undergo an Invisalign treatment. Admittedly, there is a chance that repeated grinding of the teeth could wear down the aligners faster than normal. However, this is not as big an issue as it seems because the Invisalign process involves switching to new aligners roughly every two weeks. As such, it’s likely that you’ll be ready to switch out your aligners by the time the wear and tear on your current set becomes noticeable.
Furthermore, Invisalign could actually end up being beneficial for patients with bruxism. The aligners can help ensure that the upper and lower rows of teeth don’t make direct contact with each other, essentially fulfilling the same role as a nightguard. As a result, your teeth will receive protection from the damage that bruxism can potentially cause.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Of course, regardless of whether you have bruxism, you will need to speak to your dentist to make sure that Invisalign is a good choice for your smile. Invisalign can be used to correct a wide variety of alignment issues involving the teeth and the bite. However, it will be necessary to check how severe your particular problem is; Invisalign tends to work best for making mild to moderate changes.
It’s also worth noting that since Invisalign is removable, patient compliance is a major factor in determining the success of the treatment. You should only move forward with the process if you’re sure that you can commit to wearing the aligners for the required 20 to 22 hours every day.
In short, bruxism does not have to prevent you from achieving a straighter smile with clear aligners, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist today in order to schedule your first Invisalign consultation!
About the Practice
At Glastonbury Dental Associates, we have spent more than four decades bringing high-quality dental care to local patients. We have multiple dental experts under a single roof, allowing us to offer all kinds of smile-enhancing services. We’re proud to be able to offer Invisalign as an option for straightening crooked teeth. To schedule a consultation at our office, visit our website or call (860) 633-3671.