If you’ve been considering straightening your smile with the help of Invisalign but have a condition called bruxism where you grind your teeth, you may be wondering if clear aligners will still work for you. Whereas braces are not affixed to the biting surfaces, Invisalign fits over your teeth, touching all visible parts. This means that if you grind them, it could cause excessive wear on your aligners. But does that mean you simply can’t get them? Here’s what you need to know about wearing Invisalign if you have bruxism. In a word, yes! Most people can undergo Invisalign treatment even if they have bruxism. Though you are at a higher risk of your aligners wearing down faster than normal, for many people Invisalign can actually help prevent grinding, especially if it’s caused by misaligned teeth. Furthermore, your aligners can also act in a similar way to the bite guards your dentist may prescribe for bruxism, in that they can provide a cushion to your teeth when biting. This will not only help protect them from wear, but it can also help reduce your desire to grind them in the first place. The good news is that most Invisalign aligners are only worn for one to two weeks, and thus they are not needed long enough to exhibit any real signs of wear. By the time they are, you will likely be ready to switch to a new set, eliminating the problem as you progress. Once your Invisalign treatment is over, you’ll need to wear retainers to sleep each night. The great news is that in most cases, bruxism is either greatly reduced or eliminated after Invisalign treatment, so you most likely won’t need a mouthguard. Furthermore, any residual bruxism symptoms can usually be managed by the retainers themselves if still present after treatment. Remember, while bruxism can be extremely harmful to your smile, Invisalign can often help reduce symptoms while it straightens your teeth. If you’d like to see if you’re a good candidate for treatment, please speak to your dentist today. Dr. Gonzalez earned his associate degree in science from Utah Valley State College, his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He is a certified Invisalign provider and a member of the American Dental Association, the San Antonio District Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. To schedule a consultation for Invisalign at San Antonio Smiles, please visit our website or call us at 210-737-6900.
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About Dr. Gonzalez
Can I Still Get Invisalign If I Grind My Teeth?
If you’ve been considering straightening your smile with the help of Invisalign but have a condition called bruxism where you grind your teeth, you may be wondering if clear aligners will still work for you. Whereas braces are not affixed to the biting surfaces, Invisalign fits over your teeth, touching all visible parts. This means […]
Cleaning Every Space: How to Floss with Invisalign
If you plan to get Invisalign, you may already know it won’t disrupt your oral care. The treatment’s removable trays are famous for letting you clean your teeth as usual. With that said, you’ll still want to consider proper flossing as you undergo the alignment work. Practicing this bit of oral hygiene will ensure your […]
Invisible Adjustments: What Are Invisalign Refinements?
Did you know that straightening your smile can improve your appearance and your dental health? Overcrowded teeth are harder to clean because not all their surfaces are accessible to brush and floss. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of developing common oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease. Thankfully, your dentist can reposition your grin […]
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