Does Invisalign Help With Teeth Grinding? Complete Guide

Family Dentist in Hampton Cove

Owens Cross Roads Dentist

Many of our patients know of Invisalign as an easy way to correct misaligned teeth. However, many of them are surprised to learn that Invisalign is useful in treating issues beyond those that are cosmetic. Invisalign has provided relief for individuals struggling with a number of dental issues originating from poorly aligned teeth.

Does Invisalign treatment help with teeth grinding? Yes! Invisalign has proven itself to be a valuable treatment option for individuals who suffer from regular teeth grinding. By correcting the bite and properly aligning the teeth, Invisalign can decrease or completely eliminate the occurrence of teeth grinding in many individuals.

Although Invisalign can provide relief for individuals struggling from teeth grinding, there are a few exceptions. Because teeth grinding can be caused by several things, Invisalign is not always a worthwhile investment. Keep reading to learn how Invisalign can treat teeth grinding! 

What is Invisalign?

Owens Cross Roads DentistInvisalign is typically viewed as a cosmetic dentistry service aimed at straightening the teeth. However, that is not the only benefit of this modern dental technique. When an individual decides to pursue Invisalign treatment, the Owens Cross Roads Dentist will first take precise images of their teeth. From these images, a plan is formulated to transform your teeth, slowly moving them into proper placement.

Once this digital plan has been created, you will receive your first set of Invisalign aligners. These clear trays are designed specifically for your teeth. As you work your way through Invisalign treatment, you will be provided with a precise set of aligners. These aligners will carefully and slowly move your teeth into their desired position.

One of the primary benefits of Invisalign is the use of clear aligner trays! Without the need for bulky, metal brackets, Invisalign is a popular procedure for adults. You will remove your aligner trays during mealtimes, carefully replacing them for the remainder of the day.

Invisalign can also be a great option for young adults who are highly involved in sports or music. The ability to remove the trays for short amounts of time can provide them with a much safer alternative to traditional braces.

With this general knowledge about the Invisalign treatment out of the way, we are ready to move on to learn how Invisalign can help with teeth grinding!

Can I Get Invisalign If I Grind My Teeth?

Yes! Not only can you get Invisalign if you grind your teeth, but it can also be incredibly beneficial! One of the primary causes of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is poorly aligned teeth. 

When your teeth are not in an ideal position, your bite becomes misaligned. This creates uneven surfaces throughout your mouth. Teeth that do not fit together properly can cause irritation to the temporomandibular joint, triggering a negative response. Grinding your teeth is the result of this involuntary reaction.

With Invisalign treatment, you will be required to wear your aligners for between 20 to 22 hours each day, or any time you are not eating. This includes wearing your aligners overnight, a time that is most common for teeth grinding. Most patients continue to grind their teeth during treatment, especially for the first several months.

Invisalign aligners are made using a plastic material. Because of this, individuals who grind their teeth typically wear through their aligners more quickly than others. This is not a prohibiting factor, just something that your dentist will need to keep an eye on throughout the course of your treatment. 

The upside to wearing your aligners for the majority of the day is that they act as barriers against grinding. With your teeth protected, you will save your teeth from the continued damage caused by grinding your teeth.

Do Night Guards Work With Invisalign?

Unfortunately, night guards or other protective devices are not compatible with Invisalign. If you have to wear a splint or night guard while you sleep, you may need to look into alternative treatment options. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment course for your unique set of circumstances.

Ideal Candidates for Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment is perfect for individuals who struggle with grinding their teeth because of misalignment. Although originally marketed to adults, Invisalign has become a popular dentistry service for young adults and teens. 

The most important part about Invisalign treatment is the consistent use of your clear aligner trays. If you can not commit to following your care plan, Invisalign is not the best treatment for you.

Meeting with your Owens Cross Roads Dentist is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. For many adults, Invisalign has provided successful relief from incessant teeth grinding.

Common Causes of Teeth Grinding

Poor alignment of the teeth and jaw is the primary cause of teeth grinding. Uneven pressure is distributed across the surfaces of your teeth, causing unnecessary tension in your joints. Luckily, Invisalign treatment has proven to be successful in treating this type of tooth grinding.

There are, however, other reasons that people grind or clench their teeth. The second most common cause of teeth grinding is stress. When individuals are under large amounts of stress, they can easily tense their jaw or begin grinding their teeth. Oftentimes, these habits begin without any warning. Unfortunately, Invisalign will not directly help this type of grinding.

Although Invisalign will not eliminate grinding caused by stress, there are still a few benefits! Because you have a barrier between your teeth, you are less likely to tense your jaw. Additionally, the clear aligners protect the surfaces of your teeth when you do grind. In this way, it may decrease the occurrence of this harmful habit.

Alternative Solutions for Teeth Grinding

In addition to Invisalign, there are a few other ways to address teeth grinding. Your dentist in Owens Cross Roads will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your grinding. Once the root of the problem is discovered, you can begin on the path to recovery.

If you are grinding your teeth because of poor alignment, a corrective approach such as Invisalign is likely your best (and only) option. However, if stress is the root of your problem, other methods can provide relief.

Actively practicing relaxing your jaw can reduce the occurrence of grinding. One easy way to do this is to lightly rest your tongue between your teeth. This action forces the jaw to relax, prohibiting grinding.

Other practices such as light massage or even yoga can reduce the urge to grind your teeth as a response to outside stressors. No matter the cause of your teeth grinding, there are solutions that will successfully provide you with relief. 

Finding an Owens Cross Roads Dentist for Invisalign

Finding a dentist that you trust can be a challenge. However, it is especially important for more involved dental procedures such as Invisalign treatment. An Owens Cross Roads Dentist who specializes in this type of treatment will be able to provide you with the best results.

Additionally, it is wise to find a dentist in Owens Cross Roads who strives to keep your needs and desires at the forefront of your dental care. Dental Associates of Hampton Cove maintains a commitment to dental care that is patient-centric.

Invisalign treatment has proven to be an effective solution for many individuals suffering from chronic teeth grinding. By realigning your teeth and jaw, we are able to reduce the stress caused by uneven surfaces. This alleviates the pressure on your temporomandibular joint, minimizing the occurrence of harmful grinding habits.

You can learn more about Invisalign treatment for teeth grinding at our Owens Cross Roads Dentist website here. Relief from teeth grinding is easily attainable thanks to Invisalign!

Related Questions

Do traditional braces work better than Invisalign treatment? Many of our patients wonder if traditional metal braces are more effective than Invisalign treatment. Both types of treatment have various advantages as well as disadvantages. At the end of the day, no treatment is suitable for every patient.

While metal braces are more invasive that Invisalign treatment, they are oftentimes more suited to younger patients. Invisalign treatment requires constant attention to details and a commitment to following a detailed care plan. This is often overwhelming for younger patients.

Although Invisalign treatment may take a few more months than traditional braces, you will also be required to visit the dentist less often. This makes Invisalign treatment an ideal option for individuals who maintain a busy schedule or travel often.

Talking to your local dentist is the best way to determine if traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatment would provide you with a better outcome.

How long does Invisalign treatment take? Your Invisalign treatment time will greatly depend on your unique situation. The amount of adjustment required as well as how consistent you are while wearing your aligners will impact your treatment timeline.

However, as a general rule, Invisalign takes an average of 12 to 18 months. However, with more complex cases, Invisalign can take up to 24 months. Treatment times for Invisalign are relatively similar to that of traditional metal braces.

Although your treatment plan will evolve throughout the course of your Invisalign journey, your dentist should be able to provide you with a rough timeline during your initial consultation appointment.

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Hampton Cove Family Dentist

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6838 US Highway 431 South Unit B
Owens Cross Roads, AL

(256) 536-8120

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