Grinding Grins: Does Bruxism Impact Invisalign?

You might think of your crooked smile as more of an aesthetic concern, but the truth is that overcrowded teeth are harder to clean. It’s difficult to thoroughly brush and floss all their surfaces when they overlap.

Thankfully, your dentist can straighten your grin with Invisalign! However, if you habitually grind your teeth, you may wonder whether this subconscious habit precludes you from undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you have bruxism and are considering clear aligners, continue reading to learn more about it!

What is Invisalign?

Many patients wanting to reposition their teeth want a more discreet method than traditional braces. Bulky metal brackets and wires are easily noticeable and are notoriously uncomfortable, infamously gauging the insides of the tender tissues inside your mouth.

Meanwhile, Invisalign utilizes clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gently shift them to their ideal places. You must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions. Then, after about a week or two, you’ll be given a new set to wear to account for the ongoing movement of your smile.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition in which someone subconsciously grinds their teeth together. While this can potentially happen during the day, it’s more common at night while you’re sleeping. Unfortunately, the added pressure from frequent or prolonged clenching can prematurely wear down your enamel, push your teeth out of alignment, or contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.

Does Bruxism Affect Invisalign?

If you know you press your teeth together at night, it’s natural to wonder whether your condition precludes you from getting Invisalign. You might worry that you’ll wear down the plastic trays too quickly or damage them during the night.

While it’s true that your subconscious habit can potentially wear down your aligners sooner than someone without bruxism, it’s not likely to interfere with your orthodontic treatment timeline, even if you do. The trays aren’t intended to be worn for more than a couple of weeks anyway, and you’re unlikely to cause enough damage that they can’t function within that time frame.

Furthermore, your clear aligners provide a layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches, which can shield your teeth from the constant pressure. That means not only can you get Invisalign with bruxism, but the plastic trays can even help you heal from teeth grinding.

About the Practice

Patients at White Oak Dental benefit from two dentists with 20+ years of combined experience helping people build happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Korte and Dr. Stapleton are dedicated to providing a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location to meet all your needs, including Invisalign. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate treatment results to address them. They’re happy to help you straighten your grin to improve your dental health and appearance. You can request an appointment on the website or call (952) 448-2868.