You might think of your crooked smile as a largely aesthetic concern, but the truth is that overcrowded teeth can harm your dental health. They’re harder to brush and floss because their surfaces might not all be accessible, increasing your vulnerability to cavities and gum disease.
Fortunately, your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign, but if you grind your teeth regularly, you might wonder if treatment is feasible. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can make an informed decision to improve your oral condition!
What is Invisalign?
Braces are the tried-and-true way to reposition grins, but many patients want to avoid the hassle and frustration of having metal brackets cemented to their teeth for months or years at a time. Invisalign is a more discreet method that utilizes clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them instead.
These removable aligners are considered much more comfortable because the smooth material won’t gauge the tender tissues of your gums or the insides of your lips or cheeks. Plus, they allow your natural teeth to show through, so you look and feel like the best version of yourself. You must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent anything from relapsing. Then, after one to two weeks, you’ll be given a new pair to wear to account for the ongoing movement.
What is Bruxism?
Many people subconsciously clench their teeth together throughout the night, although it can also happen during the day. This habit can unfortunately wear down your enamel prematurely, leaving you more likely to experience decay or injuries like chips and cracks. Not only that, but the added pressure from constantly grinding can eventually push your pearly whites out of their rightful places and contribute to jaw aches and stiffness.
Does Grinding My Teeth Affect Invisalign?
If you suffer from bruxism and are wondering whether your condition precludes you from undergoing Invisalign, you can thankfully set your concerns aside! Although you might indeed be harder on the plastic trays than someone who doesn’t grind their teeth, the aligners aren’t intended to be worn for very long anyway. Your condition isn’t likely to harm them to the extent that they no longer function before switching to the next set in your series.
Your aligners might even improve your grinding habit because they provide a cushion layer between your upper and lower arches. This keeps your teeth from touching and gives your overworked jaw a chance to heal and recuperate while you sleep at night.
If you have additional unanswered questions about how teeth grinding might impact your orthodontics, the best way to find the answers is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
At Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two dentists passionate about helping them build their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. Dr. Kulwin and Dr. Maric work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services to conveniently meet all your family’s needs under one roof. Then, they combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last. They help with everything from basic preventative care to cosmetic procedures, including Invisalign. You can request an appointment on the website or call (513) 648-9900.