Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that is great at addressing misaligned pearly whites, bite issues, and closing gaps in your smile. It features clean aligners that apply gentle but consistent pressure to your teeth. If you experience teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, you may be wondering if it’s possible to undergo this orthodontic treatment. Keep reading as we explore the potential benefits of using Invisalign as a solution for bruxism.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism, the involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, is a condition that commonly occurs during sleep but can also happen when awake. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and teeth misalignment are contributing factors. This prevalent condition affects people of all ages, leading to dental problems, jaw discomfort, headaches, and related symptoms.
Why Is Bruxism a Concern?
Untreated bruxism can result in complications including jaw pain, tooth wear, headaches, tooth fractures, and damage to teeth, gums, and jaw joints. The significant force exerted during bruxism poses a risk for such damage. Since it often happens during sleep, individuals are less aware of their teeth grinding, heightening the potential for harm.
Nighttime bruxism can cause discomfort in the jaw and neck, along with tension headaches. Unexplained dental damage may be a sign of sleep bruxism. If bruxism is suspected, it is essential to seek timely treatment and care from a dentist or healthcare professional.
Can I Get Invisalign If I’m Dealing with Bruxism?
Invisalign treatment provides advantages in managing bruxism by aligning misaligned teeth. The misalignment of teeth is often linked to teeth grinding, and Invisalign’s corrective approach helps alleviate bruxism symptoms by reducing the strain on the jaw muscles.
Misalignment of teeth can lead to irritation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing teeth grinding, discomfort, headaches, and other problems. Invisalign treatment provides a solution by offering aligners worn overnight when most grinding happens. These aligners act as a protective barrier against bruxism. By aligning the teeth, Invisalign reduces stress on the jaw muscles, minimizing teeth grinding and its associated complications.
Patients with bruxism should be aware that their Invisalign aligners may experience faster wear compared to those without the condition. Informing your orthodontist about your bruxism before starting the treatment is crucial. While the aligners provide some level of protection against bruxism, it is important to discuss with your orthodontist to assess if additional measures, like a night guard or other protective devices, are necessary for effective management.
About the Practice
Drs. Steven Rodriguez, Hana Gadalla, and Ewing are proud to lead the skilled team at Healthy Smiles Dental Care. They strive to administer exceptional care to their Flint patients with restorative, preventive, and cosmetic treatments you’ll love. Their dedication to oral health and aesthetics is evident in the diverse range of dental solutions they provide, including Invisalign. Invisalign serves as an effective alternative to traditional braces, offering the ability to straighten teeth and create stunning smiles. Call Healthy Smiles Dental Care at (810) 720-6433 to set up an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.