Can I Still Undergo Invisalign If I Grind My Teeth?

If you’re struggling with misaligned or crooked teeth, then you might consider getting Invisalign to straighten your smile. With this orthodontic treatment, you can be sure to enjoy a smoother and more discreet method for improving your grin. But can your nightly teeth grinding negatively impact your chances of a successful process? Keep reading to learn what can cause this to happen and how it can interfere with your Invisalign treatment.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding and clenching can happen for several reasons, the most common one being poor tooth alignment. This usually results in increased pressure on certain parts of your smile and uneven surfaces. If your teeth grinding isn’t due to bite misalignment, then you might consult your dentist about getting custom-made nightguards for bruxism. These oral appliances will reduce the wear and tear of your enamel and help relax your jaw. You might also experience grinding or clenching because of stress or anxiety, which can end up manifesting during sleep.

Can Teeth Grinding Interfere with Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment involves wearing clear, biocompatible plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into more ideal positions. For this reason, you might assume that grinding or clenching your smile can interrupt or delay your orthodontic process. However, your clear aligners may be an effective solution for your bruxism.

Since a misaligned bite is the biggest reason for teeth grinding, your Invisalign process can potentially improve your condition by shifting your pearly whites into proper alignment. You’ll be required to wear your custom trays for 20-22 hours every day, allowing them to apply pressure gently and consistently to effectively straighten your smile. During this time, it’s still possible that your bruxism can wear down your aligners. However, this isn’t typically a problem, as you’ll only wear each Invisalign tray for a couple of weeks at a time. Even if you grind and clench your teeth, it shouldn’t interfere with or delay your treatment plan in any significant way.

So, if you suffer from bruxism and want to straighten your smile with Invisalign, be sure to notify your dentist about your condition. They’ll be more than happy to assess your situation and determine the best way to ensure your orthodontic process is as smooth as possible!

About the Author

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany has been delivering outstanding care for well over two decades. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry, and is a member of several organizations like the American Dental Association and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. She offers a wide range of first-rate dental services, including Invisalign and nightguards for bruxism. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call 818-760-0200.