Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw that you can’t explain? If so, you might be subconsciously grinding your teeth at night in a condition known as bruxism. Unfortunately, the added pressure from constant clenching can push your teeth out of alignment, which can cause dental problems in addition to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
Your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign, but many patients want to know whether their nightly habit will interfere with this orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to learn why you have nothing to worry about!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional orthodontics that continues to gain popularity as a less invasive way to reposition grins. This method relies on transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth, rather than sharp metallic brackets and wires, to shift them to their ideal placements.
Unlike standard braces, these aligners are removable so there are no dietary restrictions to adhere to. However, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions. Then, after about a week or two, your dentist will provide the next set of trays in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth.
Typically, patients complete this treatment in 12 to 18 months, much shorter than the 18 to 24+ months it takes the tried-and-true method.
Does Teeth Grinding Impact Invisalign?
The plastic material of Invisalign won’t jab your cheeks like the sharp corners and edges of metal braces, but they’re also not intended to be as durable. Each pair is only intended to be worn for a little while, so they’re not built to endure for long periods.
As a result, you might wonder whether your nightly teeth grinding will damage your plastic trays and render them ineffective. While it’s true that you might wear the material down faster, doing so likely won’t impact your overall treatment timeline. You’re not likely to overly injure them before it’s time to switch to the next set, and if you do, it’s not difficult for your provider to order a replacement.
In some cases, wearing Invisalign protects your teeth because it provides a layer of cushion to keep them from touching. This can give your jaw enough of a break to relax and heal, reducing aches and inflammation that result from frequent or prolonged pressure.
Although teeth grinding can wear down the clear trays a little faster than usual, your orthodontic treatment might help reduce the symptoms of bruxism!
About the Practice
Dr. Caleb Goodman offers expert general and emergency dental care in Goodyear, AZ. With a gentle, patient-first approach, our team provides thorough evaluations, pain-free tooth extractions, and comprehensive post-op support to help patients recover quickly and comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency tooth extraction or a planned procedure, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Call us at (623) 925-8822 or request an appointment online.