
05 Feb Does Teeth Grinding Affect Invisalign®?
Teeth grinding can be really damaging. For most people, it isn’t a serious complication, but unaddressed grinding can cause long-term and irreparable damage to your dental and overall well-being. It can be especially concerning if you’re undergoing a procedure like Invisalign® in Chicago. Yes, teeth grinding can hinder your Invisalign® progress. Here’s what happens and how you can fix it.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a brand that makes customized clear aligners for teeth straightening purposes. These aligning trays work just like metal braces but with much more convenience. They’re removable, made from flexible medical-grade plastic, and remain virtually invisible. When you work with the best Chicago cosmetic dentist, they devise a customized treatment plan for your needs.
These aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The wear time is around 20 to 22 hours a day, so you can easily brush, eat, and drink without worrying about the wires and brackets as with traditional braces. You also require newer trays (every week or two) as your teeth start shifting and adjusting to Invisalign® aligners.
Invisalign® is a comfortable and discreet option for some dental issues, including bite misalignment, crowding, crooked teeth, etc. While it’s a popular choice among teens and adults, it’s important to note there’s also some discomfort initially. Invisalign® jaw pain’ and Invisalign® headaches’ are for real, but they are normal as your teeth shift from their original position. Ask your chosen dentist for help if the discomfort increases or hinders your routine.
Invisalign® Cost in Chicago
Invisalign® cost in Chicago can vary from one provider to another. It also depends on how complex your particular case is and the type of aligners used. The typical range remains between $1,200 and $8,000. For people with bruxism, there can be additional expenses like replacing damaged aligners more frequently, using supplemental appliances, and any treatment necessary before getting Invisalign® in Chicago. These additional treatments can include dental implants, crowns, bridges, and fixing gum diseases or tooth decay. It’s best to consult a professional specializing in Invisalign® and bruxism to understand how to manage the costs.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding or clenching, also called bruxism, is when you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth excessively (and involuntarily) during the day or while asleep. Some people may clench and grind more due to stress, disturbed sleep cycles, jaw misalignment, and genetic or lifestyle factors. For many others, it may be a chronic habit and can go unnoticed for years.
Severe cases can cause pain and tension in the jaw, headaches, earaches, restricted jaw joint movement, enamel erosion, tooth sensitivities, TMJ disorders, and even fractures. If left unaddressed, teeth grinding can cause long-lasting distress not just on your dental but overall health, including any procedures you’re undergoing like Invisalign®. Understanding the cause of your concern is the key to working towards managing the situation and getting relief.
How Does Teeth Grinding Affect Invisalign®?
Teeth grinding can affect your Invisalign® treatment in many ways. If you grind and clench your teeth too much, it can put extra stress on your aligners, causing them to wear down quickly. To counter the wear, you would require frequent replacement of your aligners, increasing your stress and treatment cost. Teeth grinding can also impact the shape and fit of your aligners as they lose their effectiveness.
These slow the progression of the treatment and how well your teeth move. You’d likely have an rougher Invisalign® journey, as excessive teeth grinding or clenching can complicate the adjustment period. Your dentist must also make treatment adjustments more often and schedule frequent checkups to keep things on track. You can undoubtedly get Invisalign® for teeth straightening but the stress from bruxism will reduce its efficacy. The only way to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign® with teeth grinding problems is to consult an experienced Invisalign® dentist like Dr. Margaret Mitchell and devise the right action plan.
What Can Help?
One reason for bruxism is misaligned teeth, and Invisalign® can address this problem significantly. However, excessive grinding can do more damage by the time you achieve the desired results. While Invisalign® can provide cushioning between your teeth to offer some protection, it’s not a preferred solution. Invisalign® isn’t as durable and thick as night guards used for this purpose, so you’ll need additional measures to prevent grinding damage.
A proactive approach is essential to prevent nighttime grinding. This is when your condition worsens, and there’s no way to stop or be mindful. Invisalign® works best when you wear your aligners even at night. These aligners apply near-constant pressure to keep moving your teeth over time. Since you’re wearing them for over 20 hours a day, you’re also supposed to wear them at night. If you aren’t consistent, it affects the fit of your aligners, feels uncomfortable to wear, and won’t offer the expected results. Generally, Invisalign® treatment lasts between nine and 18 months, so you have to be extra careful not to extend the length of the procedure even further.
Coming to the actual question, what can help you keep up with your Invisalign® procedure even with teeth grinding? A night guard can absorb the force of biting. Your dentist may recommend wearing one while sleeping to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching-related damage. How do you wear a night guard when using your Invisalign® aligners? While a standard night guard likely won’t suffice, you’ll require a tailored treatment plan. Your dentist will provide the right oral device for your needs and ask you to keep alternating between your aligners and guard to protect your teeth from damage.
You can also get corrective dental work done to address misalignment, due to which bruxism worsens. Additionally, there are lifestyle changes like managing stress or practicing better sleep hygiene to control grinding and ensure optimal results.
Choose Dr. Margaret Mitchell for a Comfortable Invisalign® Journey
If you’re considering Invisalign and grind your teeth, too, Dr. Margaret Mitchell has your back. She’s helped many patients with their orthodontic needs and can also assist you. With her patient-centric approach, she conducts precise assessments and provides customized treatment plans. You can expect compassionate and complete care in a comfortable environment with all the modern amenities. Beyond Invisalign® expertise, Dr. Mitchell offers a range of dental services for your overall oral well-being. Book an appointment today to learn how you can protect your teeth from bruxism and maximize the impact of Invisalign®.
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