Gapped or overcrowded teeth can make you feel self-conscious about how you look. Although braces can straighten your smile, having metal brackets cemented to your enamel for years at a time doesn’t usually improve your confidence.
Those seeking a more discreet option might benefit from Invisalign. This alternative orthodontic service relies on transparent plastic trays to shift your pearly whites to their ideal places. However, if you subconsciously grind your teeth, you might wonder if you’re a good candidate. Continue reading to learn more about whether you can get Invisalign if you have bruxism!
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, happens when you subconsciously clench your upper and lower arches tightly together. It impacts an estimated 30% of Americans, and though it usually happens at night while you’re sleeping, can also affect you during the day.
All the added force of constantly biting down can wreak havoc on your oral health. For example, your enamel is more likely to wear down unevenly or prematurely, increasing your vulnerability to damage, decay, and disease. It can also overwork your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), triggering aches where your jawbone connects to your skull.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to standard braces because it’s considered more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The smooth plastic trays won’t lacerate the tender tissues in your mouth or detract from your appearance like traditional orthodontics.
Instead, you’ll wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to gently shift your chompers and prevent them from reverting to their previous places. Every one to two weeks, your dentist will provide the next trays in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. Most people complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, though it can be more or less, depending on your unique circumstances.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Grind My Teeth?
It’s natural to worry that you can’t get Invisalign with Bruxism. After all, you wouldn’t want to invest in this treatment just to damage your trays by constantly grinding your teeth together. If you’re afraid that means you’re excluded from this treatment, you’re in luck!
While you might wear down your aligners faster than someone who doesn’t frequently clench, you’re not likely to damage them to the point that they can’t fulfill their purpose. Plus, they’re not meant to last longer than a week or two, and if you do hurt one irreparably, your dentist can order a replacement relatively easily. Furthermore, the plastic creates an extra layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches to shield your teeth and prevent damage.
As a result, getting Invisalign can help prevent potential problems that might otherwise occur with Bruxism!
About the Practice
At Dalton Hunt Dentistry, you and your loved ones benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Hunt and Dr. Helms collaborate to provide a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location, including Invisalign. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to help you feel comfortable while delivering accurate treatment results intended to last. If you want to reposition your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (919) 787-8243.