If you grind your teeth (bruxism), you may be curious about whether you can still straighten them with Invisalign. After all, this innovative orthodontic treatment uses plastic aligners that could become damaged from the pressure of your biteforce. If you’re interested in improving your smile but aren’t sure if you can, here’s everything you need to know about straightening your teeth, even if you have bruxism!
The Good News
The good news about Invisalign is that your aligners are made of a durable material called SmartTrack. While not completely unbreakable, it stands up to a lot of pressure; so, instead of breaking, your trays will most likely only wear down a bit faster than anticipated. If they do break down ahead of schedule, your dentist can easily reorder you a new pair, so your treatment stays right on track!
Unlikely Helpers
While Invisalign may not be ideal for patients who need to wear a bite guard due to bruxism, if you don’t wear one of these devices, your trays may help curb your grinding. That’s because not only will it make you more aware that you’re doing it, but because it will feel uncomfortable, you may be more likely to stop. In fact, some patients report that they no longer grind their teeth at all following their treatment!
After Treatment
For those who continue to have bite issues after Invisalign, your dentist can create a custom bite guard to be used on the nights that you don’t wear your orthodontic retainer. This can help protect your teeth when your retainer can’t, ensuring that your smile stays looking its best for as long as possible!
Remember, grinding your teeth doesn’t mean you can’t get Invisalign; in fact, it may improve your bruxism symptoms as it straightens your smile, so speak to your dentist about aligners today!
About Our Practice
At RP Dental & Implants, we are proud to help patients restore their confidence and their beautiful smile. Whether you need dental implants, general dentistry, or you’d like to improve the alignment of your teeth with the help of Invisalign, our skilled dental team is here for you.
To learn more about the many hidden and not-so-hidden benefits of improving your smile with Invisalign, please schedule an appointment on our website, or give us a call at 352-750-0008.