Many people grind their teeth. They have a problem with their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or unconsciously grind and clench while sleeping, or are under extreme stress and teeth suffer as a result. It makes sense to wonder if Invisalign can even work for you if you already rely on a heavy-duty nightguard to bear the pressure your teeth put on each other. While the answer won’t be the same for every patient, Invisalign could be a possibility.
The Relationship Between Invisalign and Teeth Grinding
When you wear Invisalign, it isn’t possible to wear a traditional night guard. Orthodontic aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day and that includes while sleeping, for adult Invisalign or Invisalign Teen. The difficulty then is wondering how you can get the benefits of Invisalign if you grind your teeth severely. If the orthodontist determines you are a good candidate, keep the following in mind:
- Wear time: Each set of Invisalign trays are only worn for about two weeks at a time. If they start to wear down from teeth grinding, you’ll switch them out for the next set of aligners in two weeks. Ideally, teeth grinding is not so severe that an aligner is broken during treatment.
- Bite alignment: Invisalign addresses a problematic bite, an issue that is often behind teeth grinding to begin with. When teeth and jaw are fully aligned, this can often ease teeth grinding problems though further treatment may still be necessary.
- Orthodontic wax: Wax can be used to prevent discomfort to the soft tissues of the mouth caused by aligners or teeth grinding. Your orthodontist will guide you and let you know if wax will truly help.
- Full disclosure: Inform your orthodontist about your teeth grinding and clenching habit (they’ll notice anyway because of telltale enamel and gum signs). There may be an option to get slightly thicker aligners to compensate for potential teeth grinding damage.
Alternatives to Invisalign
Some patients who want straight teeth with Invisalign may discover upon consultation with their orthodontist that Invisalign isn’t the best choice. If you grind your teeth severely with or without a nightguard, you may not be eligible to wear Invisalign. This isn’t the end of the world. There are other ways to straighten teeth – that are nearly as discreet as Invisalign – and protect them from the side effects of teeth grinding.
- In extreme teeth grinding cases, a nightguard may be prescribed and customized to cover teeth and braces. This move is done sparingly because the goal is for teeth to move incrementally without interference. A solid nightguard can derail this transformation.
- Some patients may be given the option of wearing only braces on the top teeth, going through that treatment, and wearing a night guard on the bottom teeth. Then the night guard can be moved to the top with braces on the bottom arch. Again, this option is usually only recommended in the most severe circumstances.
Invisalign is an option for so many adults and teenagers. Sure, teeth grinding can get in the way for some patients, but aligning your smile could also lead to some relief. Find out whether you’re eligible for this advanced orthodontic treatment. Schedule a consultation with Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA.
