If you grind your teeth, you probably already know all the trouble this frustrating habit can cause. Between the jaw soreness and stiffness, as well as the uneven tooth wear and damage, it can sometimes feel like you’ll never be free of the shackles of bruxism. But it can be even more discouraging if you’re considering straightening your smile. In fact, many patients are curious about whether they can still even attempt treatments like Invisalign if they grind their teeth. If this sounds like you, don’t despair. Here’s everything you need to know about aligning your bite with Invisalign, yes, even if you grind your teeth!
What is Bruxism?
Teeth grinding (known as bruxism) is a condition that occurs when you clench your jaw or grind your teeth. While there are many reasons it may happen, it typically occurs due to factors such as stress, genetics, misaligned teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or even sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Although it can certainly happen during the day, many people suffer from bruxism during their sleep, making it difficult to diagnose, recognize, and ultimately stop. Thankfully, nightguards available from your dentist can help curb this behavior by repositioning the jaw and cushioning the teeth against the biteforce created while grinding them.
Can I Still Use Invisalign if I Grind My Teeth?
Many people who grind their teeth suffer from bite misalignments or crooked teeth, whether the conditions are related or not. However, because the pressure of the jaws can damage aligners, it’s natural to wonder if you can even get Invisalign if you grind your teeth. The good news is that in many cases, yes, you can! That’s because even though Invisalign trays aren’t meant to stand up to the pressure created by bruxism, they often do a great job at dissuading the wearer from griding their teeth in the first place. Plus, as their smile straightens, they may be either less likely to subconsciously move their jaws this way, and if they do it may not be as bothersome since their alignment is more comfortable.
Can I Wear My Nightguard During Invisalign Treatment?
If you have been given a custom nightguard or bite guard from your dentist, you may be wondering if you can still wear it during Invisalign treatment. However, because you must wear your trays for 22 hours a day, there’s not much time to put on a night guard. The good news is that you likely won’t need it.
Should I Wear a Nightguard After Invisalign Treatment?
Once your Invisalign treatment has concluded, you will need to wear retainers to help maintain your new smile. While you’ll wear them for at least 10 hours a day at first (most patients wear them to bed) you can eventually transition to just a few nights a week. At this point, you may benefit from wearing a nightguard, or in many cases the retainers should be effective enough to protect against grinding without needing to switch back to the guard. Your dentist can discuss your options with you once your Invisalign treatment has concluded and find the best solution to protect your newly improved smile!
Remember, bruxism can be extremely dangerous to your smile, but it’s not a dealbreaker during Invisalign treatment. In fact, it could make your teeth grinding symptoms a whole lot better! To learn more about Invisalign, bruxism, and how you can get a healthy, straighter smile, contact your dentist today!
About Dr. Arrechea
Dr. Vanina Arrechea earned her first dental degree in Argentina, and after moving to the United States in 2001, earned her second degree at the prestigious University of Southern California’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2010. If you are interested in straightening your smile but have held off due to teeth grinding, don’t let bruxism hold you back. Schedule a consultation for Invisalign at Daily Smiles Dental Dallas by visiting our website or calling 214-624-6221.