Wearing clear aligners in Aurora may be a discreet way to straighten your teeth, but if you struggle with teeth grinding (bruxism), you may be wondering whether you are a candidate for treatment. Excessive pressure on these trays can cause them to break. What is the truth about clear aligners and bruxism? Keep reading to learn whether your nightly habit will keep you from achieving a straighter smile with subtle orthodontics.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding or clenching. It occurs most often at night while a person is asleep and can lead to enamel erosion and jaw pain if left untreated.
It is most often caused by stress, a misaligned bite, sleep apnea, or certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking or medications.
Without appropriate care, the excessive pressure caused by teeth grinding can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, gum recession, headaches, earaches, and more.
Can Bruxism Disqualify You for Clear Aligners?
Fortunately, you are not out of the running for clear aligners, even if you grind or clench your teeth. Wearing these trays can help reduce the discomfort caused by teeth grinding, especially if your bruxism is due to a misaligned bite.
Clear aligners resemble custom nightguards, which are used to treat teeth grinding. Since you are required to wear each set of trays for only 1-2 weeks, it’s unlikely this will be enough time to damage them significantly.
If a misaligned bite is causing your teeth to grind, you should notice a change in your bruxism habits during treatment. As your aligners begin to move your teeth into proper alignment, you may no longer suffer the same issues as you did before.
What Should You Do About Bruxism After Treatment?
After you complete your clear aligner treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new location. This is essential if you want to avoid undoing months or years of hard orthodontic work.
Since you cannot wear a nightguard with aligners or a retainer, you will be instructed to try stress-reducing techniques to minimize teeth grinding. Also, you will eventually only need to wear your retainer a few nights each week, so you can begin to wear a nightguard on the other nights if you still struggle with teeth grinding and clenching.
Don’t discount your opportunity for a straighter smile with clear aligners. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about ways to navigate your nightly bruxism problem so that you can experience a damage-free, straighter, and healthier smile.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
At Grand Dental – Aurora, our orthodontist is here to help you enjoy a straighter smile. Whether it’s fixing crooked or crowded teeth or realigning an overbite, we can improve your appearance and oral health so that eating, speaking, and smiling are easier than ever before. If you struggle with bruxism, do not assume all is lost. Instead, visit our website or call (630) 538-8302 to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.