Not only can misalignment lead to various oral health issues, it can also take away from the appearance of the teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your smile discreetly. The treatment uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift the teeth to their new locations. The best part is that the aligners are virtually invisible! But what if you grind your teeth at night? Can you still get Invisalign? Here’s what you should know.
Can You Still Get Invisalign If You Grind Your Teeth?
Invisalign aligners are made using flexible plastic, so people who grind their teeth are often worried about whether or not they are a good candidate for treatment. The good news is that most people who grind their teeth can still get Invisalign. There is a chance that the aligners could wear down faster, but this isn’t usually a huge deal. Patients usually only need to wear their set of aligners for two weeks or so before moving onto the next set. Your aligners can even act as a barrier, preventing the teeth from becoming damaged.
How Does Invisalign Affect Teeth Grinding?
Invisalign may be able to improve your grinding. When your teeth aren’t in the ideal positions, your bite can be uneven. When teeth don’t fit together as they should, they can put pressure on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), causing you to tense your jaw and grind when you sleep. By working toward a more aligned smile, it can reduce your grinding and even improve your related symptoms, like jaw pain and headaches.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
When you design whether Invisalign is a good option, there are several factors to consider. Invisalign can correct crooked, gapped, crown, and misaligned teeth in the upper and lower arches. However, some bite issues may be too severe to treat, so traditional braces are necessary to make the changes needed.
Age is a significant factor, as the jaw and teeth are constantly changing and growing from childhood to the teenage years. Patients also much wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day to achieve the desired results. While it can work for responsible teeth, patients may want to consider braces for younger teens because they are fixed to the teeth, making them easier to maintain. Once they are committed to the Invisalign process, most teenagers and adults are good candidates for treatment.
Teeth grinding doesn’t have to get in the way of straightening your smile. During your consultation with your dentist, you can find out whether or not Invisalign is the best option for you.
About the Practice
At Valer Dental & Braces, we have a team of an orthodontist and two skilled dentists serving patients in the Albuquerque area. If you are interested in straightening your smile with Invisalign, they would be happy to help! For more information on Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (505) 257-2000.