New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
If you feel self-conscious about having crooked or misaligned teeth, you may have thought about getting Invisalign. However, if you grind your teeth, you may doubt whether clear aligners are a suitable option for you. Will grinding affect your candidacy for Invisalign? This blog post discusses some important points.
Teeth Grinding and Candidacy for Invisalign
Your dentist will need to consider a range of factors before determining whether Invisalign is a good fit for you, including the type and severity of your dental misalignment, your personal circumstances and habits, and more. Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is just one of many things they will have to take into account. The good news is that many people who engage in mild bruxism can get Invisalign.
However, keep in mind that you might not qualify for clear aligners if your teeth grinding is severe enough that you must wear a special mouthguard when you sleep. Since it is not possible to wear your mouthguard and Invisalign simultaneously, your bruxism would prevent you from wearing your aligners for the required amount of time (20 – 22 hours) each day. It might be best if you used traditional braces to straighten your teeth instead.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are constructed out of a durable type of plastic called SmartTrack. Although it is able to stand up to a lot of use, it will wear out faster if you grind and clench your teeth. Fortunately, you will likely switch aligners every 1 – 2 weeks, which may be before the teeth grinding has done enough damage to render the aligners unusable.
If one of your aligners incurs damage to the point where you can no longer wear it, your dentist may need to order a replacement for you.
Can Invisalign Reduce Teeth Grinding?
If you grind your teeth while you are awake, your Invisalign aligners could make you more aware of your habit, which might provide extra motivation for you to stop.
It is also important to keep in mind that in many cases, dental misalignment is at least partially responsible for bruxism. After your orthodontic treatment, you might discover that you are much less likely to grind and clench your teeth. You may also be at a reduced risk of issues like broken teeth and prematurely worn-down enamel.
Teeth grinding can affect Invisalign treatment, but that does not necessarily mean you cannot take advantage of this treatment. Talk to your dentist to find out if clear aligners are a good fit for you.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we strive to provide comprehensive care for members of our community. Invisalign, teeth grinding nightguards, and many other services are available in our office. To learn how we may be able to help you address your oral health concerns, contact our office at 203-712-4068.