Invisalign aligners can straighten your teeth and improve your smile. This revolutionary orthodontic treatment uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth without the need for braces. Invisalign trays are made of a thin, flexible plastic that is custom fitted to your teeth. The aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours each day and will gradually move into their new positions. If you are prone to teeth grinding, is Invisalign still an option for you? Continue reading to learn if this is a good way to gain a straighter beam.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that causes people to clench their jaw as well as grind their teeth together. It can happen during the day as well as when sleeping. Bruxism can cause a variety of oral health problems and is often the result of stress, anxiety, or anger. Additionally, it can occur as a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Bruxism is most common among children, teenagers, and young adults. Studies have shown that bruxism affects up to 50% of children, 15% of adolescents, and 8% of middle-aged adults. However, the actual prevalence may be higher since many people are unaware of their teeth grinding habits.
Why Is Bruxism a Concern?
Grinding teeth at night can apply up to 250 pounds of force, so it’s understandable how tooth enamel can be damaged over time. The potential for damage while awake is significantly reduced since people are less likely to be aware of their teeth grinding while they’re asleep.
Sleep bruxism may cause up to 100 episodes of clenching each night with each lasting up to one second. The teeth grinding may not occur every night. Sleep bruxism usually doesn’t occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep but rather earlier in the sleep cycle.
Grinding your teeth at night can cause jaw and neck pain as well as tension headaches in the morning. If you have unexplained damage to your teeth, this may be a sign of night bruxism.
Can I Get Invisalign If I’m Dealing with Bruxism?
Invisalign treatment can actually help you deal with teeth grinding. One of the primary causes of bruxism for some is misaligned teeth. Invisalign can help realign your teeth and reduce the amount of stress on your jaw muscles.
When teeth aren’t aligned properly, they can irritate your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and cause them to grind. This can lead to pain, headaches, and other problems. Invisalign treatment can help since you’ll wear the aligners overnight when the most-damaging grinding often occurs. This can create a barrier against bruxism.
Even so, bruxism patients typically wear through the plastic of their aligners quicker than those without it. Your orthodontist will need to be aware of this throughout your treatment. It’s crucial for the aligners to provide some level of protection against bruxism since it prevents you from wearing a night guard or other protective devices.
About the Practice
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford has been serving the community for over 20 years. They offer a wide range of services, including Invisalign to straighten your teeth without the need for braces. They can help you determine if you are a good fit for this procedure so you can be on your way toward a beam you’re sure to love. Call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford at (817) 594-3806 or visit their website to make an appointment or for more information on Invisalign.