If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without bulky brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners can produce stunning results discreetly. They’re also removable, which allows you to circumvent the dietary restrictions that often come with orthodontic treatment.
However, people who are interested in getting Invisalign may wonder how it will interact with a fairly common condition: bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. If you wondering whether grinding teeth can affect your ability to get Invisalign treatment, here’s a guide with some information that may be helpful for you.
Can I Get Invisalign If I Grind My Teeth?
If you grind your teeth at night, your teeth are under quite a bit of stress. You’ll be wearing your aligners when you sleep, so they’re going to be absorbing a lot of that pressure.
That said, bruxism shouldn’t necessarily prevent you from getting Invisalign treatment. Your trays are made of tough plastic, and you only wear any given set of them for a few weeks. That shouldn’t be enough time for even the worst bruxism to do serious damage.
What if I Break an Aligner?
That said, it’s certainly not impossible that you could break your tray by grinding your teeth, so it may be smart to know what’s likely to happen if you do.
If you do wind up breaking a tray, you should call your dentist. They may advise you to move back to a previous tray or, if you’re going to be switching soon anyway, bump you up to the next level early. If the timing is particularly bad, they may order you a replacement aligner and have you stay on the previous stage until then.
How to Deal With Bruxism
If you want to avoid having to deal with the risks associated bruxism, you could always talk to your dentist about how you could deal with the condition. While you won’t be able to wear them until your treatment is complete, you could get a professionally crafted nightguard to protect your teeth.
You may also want to address some of the risk factors associated with bruxism. Stress is one of the major ones, but caffeine and nicotine use can also be a factor. Talk to a professional about what would be the case for you.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino is a dentist who not only helps his patients maintain a healthy smile but also brings a wonderful attitude and contagious optimism to his work. Dr. Artino received his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and he has since completed advanced training in fixed prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, among others.
If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (303) 238-2800.