Many older teens and adults put off orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to compromise their appearance with metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, Invisalign is available to help you achieve a straighter smile with clear, plastic aligners. This treatment works by slowly shifting your teeth to their rightful locations by completing a series of aligners. They are able to help a wide range of people meet their goals, but what if you grind your teeth at night? Can you still get Invisalign? Here’s what you should know.
Is Invisalign an Option If You Grind Your Teeth?
Invisalign’s clear aligners are made using flexible plastic, so people who grind their teeth often worry that they won’t make a good candidate for treatment. The good news is that most people who grind their teeth can still get Invisalign. There is a chance that your aligners could wear down faster, but this isn’t usually a big deal. Patients are usually given a set of aligners to wear for only about two weeks. Then, it’s time to move onto their next set. Your aligners can even act as a barrier for grinding, therefore preventing damage to your teeth.
Does Invisalign Affect Teeth Grinding?
Invisalign can actually help to improve your grinding. When your teeth aren’t in an ideal position, your bite becomes misaligned. This can create uneven surfaces throughout your mouth. Teeth that don’t fit together as they should can cause problems for the temporomandibular joint (the jaw joint), causing you to involuntarily grind your teeth. By working toward a more aligned smile, you can reduce your grinding and related symptoms, like jaw pain and headaches.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
When you decide whether Invisalign is a good option, there are multiple factors to consider. Invisalign can correct crooked, gapped, crowded, and misaligned teeth on the upper and lower arches. However, some bite problems may be too severe to treat, so traditional braces are needed to make the necessary changes.
Age is also a significant factor. The jaw and teeth are constantly changing and growing from childhood to teenage years. Patients also need to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours per day to achieve desired results. While it can work for responsible teens, parents may want to consider braces for their younger children because they are fixed to the smile, making them lower maintenance. Once committed to the Invisalign process, most teenagers and adults are good candidates for Invisalign.
Teeth grinding won’t get in the way of achieving the goals you have for your smile. During your consultation, you will find out if Invisalign is the best option to meet your needs.
About the Author
Dr. Adriana Zaharie is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Antioquia and Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the Advanced Standing Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at her office in Katy, visit her website or call (281) 395-2100.