Many older teens and adults put off orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to compromise their appearance with metal brackets and wires. The good news is that Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile with clear, plastic aligners. This treatment works by slowly shifting your teeth to their rightful locations by completing a series of aligners. They are able to help a wide range of people meet the goals that they have for their smiles. But what if you grind your teeth? Is Invisalign still an option for you? Here’s what you should know.
Is Invisalign and Option If You Grind Your Teeth?
Invisalign aligners are crafted from flexible plastic, so people who grind their teeth often worry that they won’t make a good candidate for treatment. The good news is that most people who grind their teeth can still get Invisalign. There is a chance that your aligners could wear down more quickly, but this isn’t usually a big deal. Patients are usually given a set of aligners to wear for only about two weeks. Then it’s time to move onto their next set. Your aligners can even act as a barrier for grinding, therefore preventing damage to your teeth.
Does Invisalign Affect Teeth Grinding?
Invisalign can actually help to improve your grinding. When your teeth aren’t in an ideal position, your bite becomes misaligned. This can create uneven surfaces throughout your mouth. Teeth that don’t fit together as they should can cause problems for the temporomandibular joint (the jaw joint), causing you to involuntarily grind your teeth. By working toward a more aligned smile, you can reduce your grinding and related symptoms, like jaw pain and headaches.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
When you decide whether Invisalign is an ideal option, there are multiple factors to consider. Invisalign can correct crooked, gapped, crowded, and misaligned teeth on the upper and lower arches. However, some bite problems may be too severe to treat, so traditional braces are necessary to make the needed changes.
Age is also a significant factor. The jaw and teeth are constantly changing and growing from childhood to teenage years. Patients also need to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours per day to achieve the desired results. While it can work for responsible teeth, parents may want to consider braces for their younger children because they are fixed to the smile, making them lower maintenance. Once committed to the Invisalign process, most teenagers and adults are good candidates for Invisalign.
Teeth grinding won’t get in the way of achieving a straighter smile. During your consultation, you will find out if Invisalign is the best option to meet your needs.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong earned his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Since then, he has taken over 300 hours of continuing education each year. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He also has a Master’s Certification in progressive orthodontics and is an Invisalign certified provider. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Clarendon Hills, visit his website or call (630) 789-1555.