Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can have many causes:

• Stress: A stressful life can make some people grind their teeth at night. 
• Genetics: Dentists think bruxism is genetic so if one of your parents grinds their teeth at night, chances are you will too. 
• Age: Bruxism is more common in kids, but this habit usually goes away as they grow
• Medications: Certain medications can increase the risk of bruxism. 

But, let's imagine that you just started your Invisalign treatment and are now worried that your teeth-grinding habit may affect the aligners. 

Is it a valid concern? 

Signs You Are Grinding Your Teeth 

It's worth mentioning some of the most prominent teeth-grinding signs as some people are not even aware they are doing it. Knowing you are dealing with bruxism and talking with your dentist about it will make it easier to create a personalized orthodontic treatment plan. 

So here are some signs that may indicate that you are grinding your teeth at night: 

• Jaw pain and tightness 
• Worn out teeth 
• Cracked teeth 
• Loose teeth 

Some of the damage may be so small that it can be hard to detect. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth talk to your dentist about getting X-Rays to assess the damage. 

Can I Get Invisalign Treatment If I Grind My Teeth? 

Yes, you can still enjoy the benefits of Invisalign treatment even if you grind your teeth. In some cases, the Invisalign trays may even protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding. 

But, if your bruxism is severe, you may alter the aligners' shape, affecting the efficiency of the treatment. If you know this to be the case, talk to your orthodontist to shorten the timeframe between getting new aligners. Usually, patients get a new set of aligners about every two weeks, but you can reduce this period to just one week to maintain the integrity of your aligners. 

You can also make some lifestyle changes to ensure that your Invisalign treatment isn't disrupted by teeth grinding. 

• Try to reduce your stress: Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, can help manage stress and reduce teeth grinding.

• Lifestyle Changes: Making simple lifestyle changes can also help reduce teeth grinding. For example, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime, can help relax your jaw muscles and reduce the likelihood of grinding your teeth at night.

• Avoid chewing gum: Because your jaws get used to the movement, you are more likely to grind your teeth. 

Can Invisalign Help with Teeth Grinding?

In some cases, Invisalign can actually help reduce teeth grinding by addressing the underlying issues causing bruxism. Misaligned teeth, an improper bite, or jaw issues can contribute to teeth grinding, and Invisalign treatment can help correct these problems. However, it's essential to discuss your concerns about teeth grinding with the North Billerica dentist at North Billerica Smiles before starting Invisalign treatment.

‍Get in touch with us and let us help you transform your smile and improve your oral health.