Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm; the clear aligners have helped millions of patients achieve straighter and more beautiful smiles—and quickly and conveniently! That said, you might be curious about embarking on the Invisalign journey yourself but aren’t sure if you’re a good candidate due to bruxism (teeth grinding). Here’s more about how Invisalign works to assist your smile and why it can still be utilized if you’re dealing with bruxism.
The Invisalign Process
The Invisalign process has gained quite a bit of momentum in recent years due to how expedited the overall process is. A series of clear aligners are employed to slowly shift a patient’s teeth into a proper position over the course of a few months. Each successive set of aligners moves the teeth closer to where they need to be, assuming the trays are worn roughly 22 hours daily.
Overall, patients generally experience a quicker timeline and an easier time reaching their orthodontic goals with Invisalign.
How Bruxism Interacts with Invisalign Treatment
Upon closer inspection, the aligners are made from a special, flexible plastic material that might seem somewhat fragile. This is because the aligners are designed to move and reposition your teeth, rather than protect them—thus, the material must be somewhat compliant. However, this might raise some doubts in your mind about whether or not they’re able to withstand the pressures of bruxism, or teeth grinding.
Although there is a small chance that it’ll wear your aligners down faster, it’s not something you should be concerned about. More than likely, the teeth-grinding won’t severely impact your aligners before it’s time to swap to a new set. If necessary, your provider can simply order a replacement set for you.
It’s also worth noting that Invisalign also serves as a protective barrier against potential damage caused to your teeth by bruxism. That said, if you require an appliance such as a nightguard or a splint due to bruxism, Invisalign might not be a viable option; it’ll be up to your provider’s discretion.
About the Practice
Our team here at Pinnacle Dental is thrilled to provide exceptional care to patients and families in the Braintree, MA area. We’re pleased to offer a wide range of services including orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. If you have any questions about Invisalign and how it can be used to address bruxism, or if you’d like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional assistance: (781) 412-1412.