Invisalign is a popular treatment for correcting misaligned teeth and improving smiles. However, many people are unaware that it can also potentially help other dental issues, such as teeth grinding. Invisalign is a proven and valuable treatment for regular teeth grinding. Since this tool helps teeth align properly, it can reduce or eliminate teeth grinding in many orthodontic patients.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can arise from several different causes. The most common ones are maligned teeth and jaws, and stress.
Poor Dental Alignment
Teeth grinding most frequently happens due to poor teeth and jaw alignment. Poor alignment causes uneven pressure across the surfaces of the teeth resulting in unnecessary tension in the jaw joints. In many patients, Invisalign is a successful treatment for this type of teeth grinding. The result is better tooth and jaw alignment, which ultimately reduces irritation to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Stress
Stress is another common cause of teeth grinding. Individuals facing significant amounts of stress may be prone to tensing their jaw or begin grinding their teeth. Unfortunately, this can start without warning, and Invisalign doesn’t directly help with this type of scenario.
However, even though Invisalign can’t reduce or eliminate teeth grinding caused by stress, it can still be beneficial. Since the plastic Invisalign trays act as a barrier between the teeth, patients are less likely to tense their jaw. These clear aligners also help by protecting the surfaces of your teeth if teeth grinding occurs. They also make users more aware of their teeth grinding, which can help reduce this behavior.
Will Teeth Grinding Ruin the Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign involves switching several different sets of trays or aligners over several months of treatment. Teeth grinding can wear down Invisalign aligners faster than normal during your treatment.
However, this usually isn’t as concerning as you might think, as Invisalign users typically wear a given set of aligners for only two weeks or so before switching to the next scheduled set. Even if bruxism does wear out a set of aligners before a scheduled switch, the Invisalign orthodontist will simply order a replacement set.
Other Benefits of Invisalign
In addition to helping treat and prevent teeth grinding, Invisalign offers many additional benefits. These include the following:
- No metal brackets or wires
- Clear aligners, making them difficult for others to notice
- The aligners are easily removable so that users can eat, drink, brush, and floss as normal
- Checkups are only every four to eight weeks
- Treatment is often faster than traditional braces
- Both teenagers and adults are potential candidates for Invisalign
- Cost is comparable to conventional braces
Find Out How Invisalign Can Help with Your Teeth Grinding
While Invisalign may not be the right answer for every patient with teeth grinding, it can help prevent and treat some forms and offer many other benefits. If you are concerned about teeth grinding, the team at Kensington Natural Smiles can provide practical solutions. To learn more or start your treatment, call our office at 301-933-3903, or request an appointment online.