Teeth grinding is an unhealthy habit that countless individuals practice, many of whom remain unaware of their symptoms. If you want to address your crooked teeth with clear aligners but discover your pearly whites are worn down because of bruxism, you may wonder if it’s even possible to move forward with this type of orthodontic treatment. Read on to discover how one can actually help improve the other.
Are Clear Aligners Possible with Bruxism?
Although it might seem as if wearing clear aligners while grinding your teeth is simply not possible, the truth is that these trays are usually only worn 1-2 weeks at a time before they are swapped out with a new set in the series.
Bruxism causes damage over time, but it’s unlikely that it will be enough to wear down your aligners within the short amount of time you will need to wear them to keep your teeth shifting in the right direction.
This is to say that you may still be able to receive clear aligner orthodontic treatment even if you grind your teeth. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to discuss the severity of your bruxism. This will determine whether you should opt for an alternative method of treatment or move forward with clear aligners.
How Can Clear Aligners Help?
An aspect you might not have thought of is that clear aligners might actually help alleviate your symptoms associated with bruxism.
Similar to a nightguard that you would wear to curb enamel erosion and jaw pain, clear aligners provide a durable barrier between the upper and lower rows of teeth, so they do not touch throughout the day or at night. This means that you may enjoy improved oral health because the enamel of your teeth is not wearing down as quickly. Also, you’ll no longer experience the discomfort brought on by grinding and clenching your teeth and how it affects your jawbone.
Don’t discount the opportunity of wearing clear aligners to straighten your smile, even if you do struggle with bruxism. By creating a plan alongside your orthodontist, you can be sure that your teeth remain protected while moving in the right direction for proper alignment.
About Grand Dental – South Elgin
At Grand Dental – South Elgin, our dental experts and specialists are here to make sure your teeth remain healthy, straight, beautiful, and functional. This is why we will attempt to deliver a treatment plan that focuses on aligning your teeth while also curbing further damage to your pearly whites. If you suffer from bruxism but want to straighten your smile with clear aligners, visit our website or call us at (847) 999-0935.