Bruxism & Braces: Is Invisalign an Option?  

You desire a straighter set of teeth but would rather avoid bulky metal brackets and wires to achieve your goals. While Invisalign might appear to be a better option, as it’s more discreet, there’s one thing that could cause a problem – your teeth grinding habit. Can this harmful practice keep you from pursuing your preferred orthodontic treatment? Keep reading to learn the truth.

What Can Cause Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be the result of:

• Stress
• Sleep apnea or other similar sleep disorders
• Bite misalignment
• Certain medications
• Lifestyle habits, like smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, etc.
• Certain health problems, like ADHD or acid reflux

Over time, if the condition remains untreated, it can lead to enamel erosion, jaw pain, earaches, difficulty sleeping, painful chewing, loose teeth, TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), and damaged teeth.

Is Invisalign an Option if You Grind Your Teeth?

Although it might seem impossible, you can pursue orthodontic treatment with Invisalign even if you grind your teeth.

If you consider the risk factors associated with this harmful habit and compare them to various orthodontic issues that need correction (i.e., a misaligned bite), these clear aligners can actually help address both problems at the same time.

A fully customized set of Invisalign trays can provide the necessary cushion your teeth need to prevent further damage while also working to straighten your teeth.

If your concern is how quickly your teeth grinding will wear down your aligners, keep this in mind. Each set of Invisalign trays is likely to be worn for only 1-2 weeks, so the chances of causing serious damage to your braces are slim.

Ways to Manage Bruxism During and After Invisalign Treatment

No one wants to grind and clench their teeth, causing further damage and discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this problem during and after Invisalign treatment. You can:

• Find ways to reduce stress in your life (i.e., breathing techniques, talking to a counselor, exercising, etc.).
• Wear a retainer after you’re done wearing Invisalign. This will be necessary immediately following your treatment to keep your newly straightened teeth permanently in place. It’s also likely that your teeth grinding issue may not be as severe because of the bite correction achieved with Invisalign.
• Continue to wear a nightguard on the days you do not wear your retainer. Although you’ll be required to wear your retainer daily for some time, you’ll eventually only have to wear it a few times each week throughout the night.

Invisalign can still be an option to straighten your smile even if you grind your teeth. By sticking with treatment, you can experience the benefits these aligners provide to both your oral health and smile.

About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran or “Dr. R” as he is known by his patients, offers Invisalign aligners to individuals who prefer less noticeable orthodontic treatment. As a trained professional who can ensure the success of these cases, he understands that certain lifestyle habits and conditions (i.e., teeth grinding) might cause patients to assume Invisalign is out of reach. Fortunately, he and the team at Southwest Dental are here to set the record straight. If you grind your teeth but want to pursue clear aligner treatment, contact us at (505) 896-9399.