Invisalign has allowed many people to enjoy straighter, healthier smiles, but you might be wondering if it can work if you have a teeth-grinding habit. Invisalign works by providing the patient with a series of custom-fitted aligners designed to shift their teeth over time. Does teeth grinding damage the clear aligners? Do the clear aligners provide the teeth with any protection? Here’s what you should know about how Invisalign works if you grind your teeth.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic method that became available in the late 1990s. Instead of the irremovable metal brackets and wires used with traditional braces, Invisalign uses removable clear plastic dental aligners. The patient wears each set of aligners for at least twenty hours each day for two weeks and then moves on to the next set of aligners. Each set moves the teeth into slightly better alignment. Since these aligners can be removed from the teeth, the patient is free to eat whatever they like during treatment as long as they clean their teeth and aligners thoroughly before putting them back in.
Will Teeth Grinding Ruin My Aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are made from a specially engineered plastic called SmartTrack and are designed to be worn over the teeth. Many people who grind their teeth worry that the force of their grinding will ruin their aligners.
While most people who deal with teeth grinding can undergo Invisalign treatment, it may not be an option for those who need to wear a bite guard or splint at night to prevent grinding. Since patients have to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours every day, involuntarily grinding one’s teeth at night can wreck these appliances and make the patient ineligible for Invisalign.
However, it’s important to talk to your orthodontist if you’re interested in Invisalign even if you grind your teeth at night. In some cases, the patient won’t grind their teeth enough to destroy their aligners before their two-week term is up. In some other cases, the orthodontist can simply order replacement aligners if any get ruined.
About the Practice
Milton Hill Dental delivers the best dental care available in Milton, MA. Led by Drs. Rania Arif and Andrew Luccio, the staff provides stellar customer service in a friendly and comfortable environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to Invisalign. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact the office online or dial (617) 696-4800.