You might think of your crooked smile as merely an aesthetic concern, but the truth is that overcrowded teeth can also harm your dental health. It’s harder to reach all their surfaces to thoroughly brush and floss them, increasing your vulnerability to cavities and gum disease.
Your dentist can reposition your grin with Invisalign, a clear alternative to traditional braces. However, if you suffer from bruxism, you might wonder if your condition precludes you from undergoing treatment with these orthodontics. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What is Bruxism?
Have you ever woken up in the morning with a stiff jaw or sore teeth? If so, you might be suffering from bruxism. People with this disorder subconsciously clench their teeth together, and it happens most frequently at night while they’re sleeping.
Unfortunately, the extra pressure from frequent grinding can prematurely wear down your enamel, leaving you more likely to develop chips, cracks, decay, and other damage. It can also push them out of alignment, contributing to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues like jaw pain.
What is Invisalign?
Many patients wanting to address crooked grins prefer to avoid the hassle and frustration of traditional braces. Thankfully, Invisalign utilizes clear plastic trays, rather than bulky metal wires and brackets, to exert enough force on your teeth to gently reposition them. The smooth, transparent material fits snuggly over them to shift them more comfortably.
You must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your teeth from reverting to their previous places. Then, you’ll be given a new pair of trays to wear after a week or two to account for their ongoing movement. By the time you finish wearing the last set in your series, you’ll have a beautifully straightened smile to show off.
How Does Bruxism Impact Invisalign?
If you chronically grind your teeth, it’s natural to wonder whether you’re a valid candidate for Invisalign. You might worry that your habit will damage the plastic trays, rendering them incapable of successfully shifting your chompers.
Fortunately, not only are you able to get Invisalign with bruxism, but this alternative orthodontic service might even improve your teeth grinding. It’s true that you might be harder on your trays, but you’re not likely to impact your overall treatment timeline. Each set is only intended to be worn for a short timeframe, and your grinding probably won’t break them before it’s time to switch to the next set.
Furthermore, the soft material provides a layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches, so your teeth don’t press together when you clench your jaw closed. That means Invisalign can safeguard your smile while you sleep.
If you’re unsure whether your bruxism is too severe to get clear aligners, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
At Newton Corner Dental Care, people of all ages benefit from two dentists with 20+ years of combined experience. Dr. Anjomi and Dr. Davis work together to offer a comprehensive menu of world-class services at one convenient location, including Invisalign. They prioritize patient care by tailoring treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Then, they use state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you need help with bruxism or want a straighter smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (617) 332-6232.
