Can I Still Wear Invisalign If I Grind My Teeth?

These days, more and more patients are turning toward Invisalign clear aligners to achieve all of their orthodontic goals and unlock their smile’s true potential. If you’re enticed by this convenient alternative to braces, you might have doubts about your eligibility if you suffer from bruxism, which means you’re prone to grinding and clenching your teeth. To learn more about Invisalign and why it’s still a viable orthodontic treatment for patients who grind their teeth, continue reading below!

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that accomplishes the same job as traditional braces; however, the way it does this is different. Rather than relying on metal brackets and wires that are bonded to the teeth, the Invisalign system uses sets of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth for around 22 hours each day.

The aligners can be used to tackle a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth as well as overbites, underbites, and more. Patients also advance to new sets of trays roughly every two weeks, to keep up with the movement of their teeth. Assuming all conditions are met, patients can expect a treatment process that lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months on average, which is often shorter than the timeline for braces.

Will Bruxism Impact My Invisalign Eligibility?

Bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding/jaw clenching, is a very common condition that affects around 10% to 30% of all adults. What’s worse is that many patients experience this when they’re asleep, meaning they’re unaware it’s happening in the first place. However, bruxism can cause harm to the jaw joints, surrounding muscles and ligaments, and the teeth themselves, meaning that it’s reasonable to assume that the condition will also affect – and potentially ruin – their Invisalign aligners.

You’ll be happy to hear that bruxism does not disqualify you from Invisalign treatment! Even if your bruxism does wear out a set of aligners before you’re supposed to move on to the next pair, your provider can simply order a new set for you if it’s needed. It’s also likely that they won’t become so worn they’re unwearable before you’re meant to advance to a new set of trays.

Just note that patients who must wear a nightguard or splint due to their teeth grinding may not be eligible for Invisalign, as you’d have to give up wearing these devices at night in favor of the Invisalign trays. Speaking with your provider about your circumstances beforehand is wise before giving up on treatment altogether.

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Marco Caballeros and Dr. Carlos Parra, the team at On Point Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Frisco and the surrounding North Texas area. They offer a wide range of services for patients of all ages, including orthodontic solutions like SureSmile and Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to schedule an appointment, please feel free to reach out online or by phone for more information. Telephone: (469) 476-4092.