If you’re interested in straightening your smile, you’re probably at least a little bit curious about Invisalign. These clear plastic trays have become incredibly popular in recent years, allowing people to get the benefits of straighter teeth without the need for bulky wires and brackets.
You might also have bruxism, which is the scientific name for teeth grinding, which could make you a bit anxious about starting any kind of orthodontic treatment. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know how bruxism could affect your ability to get Invisalign treatment.
Why Would Nighttime Bruxism Be Problematic?
In case you don’t know, Invisalign aligners are removable. This is one of their core merits, and it allows for much greater versality in eating and cleaning. However, Invisalign aligners also only work while you’re wearing them, which means that it’s a good idea to do so as much as possible, including while you sleep. Thus, your Invisalign aligners will still bear the brunt of your bruxism, even at night.
Can You Get Invisalign with Bruxism?
Bruxism can put a lot of pressure on your teeth, and over time can even wear away your enamel. However, the plastic your aligners are made out of are incredibly tough, and you’re likely to only wear any given set of them for a few weeks. In that small timeframe, it’s not going to really be possible to damage your aligners with bruxism alone.
Even if you do, it isn’t usually the end of the world. Your dentist will usually have you wear a previous set of aligners for a few days or may prematurely move you to a tighter set. That means there’s no need to worry about bruxism standing in the way of your Invisalign treatment; you should be able to take advantage of everything they have to offer.
About Our Practice
At Darby Creek Dental, we are proud to be able to help patients of all ages and with a variety of issues, helping them to realize their ideal smiles. We find that the moment that people step into our office they’re surprised by how warm and inviting it is, and that the feeling endures until their time with us is finished. We know that orthodontics can be a long journey, which is why we commit to being here with you through every step of the way.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (937) 644-8822.