Dental misalignment is a common problem — and so is teeth grinding and clenching. If you struggle with both of these issues, you might wonder how the latter problem will affect the former. Will bruxism (teeth grinding) prevent you from getting clear aligners to straighten your teeth? Not necessarily. In this blog post, you will explore the details of the relationship between teeth grinding and Angel Aligners.
Eligibility for Angel Aligners When You Grind Your Teeth
Your dentist or orthodontist will consider several factors before determining if Angel Aligners are a good fit for your circumstances. They will look at the current alignment of your teeth, your dental habits, and your general oral health. Bruxism is just one part of the equation.
The good news is that bruxism is not an automatic or absolute contraindication for Angel Aligner treatment. In fact, many people with grinding habits can still use clear aligners successfully. If you use a nightguard to protect your teeth from grinding, however, wearing both a guard and aligners overnight is usually not possible. Since Angel Aligners work best when worn for 20 – 22 hours each day, a nightguard would prevent you from reaching that goal. An alternative treatment, such as regular braces, is often best for individuals who need a nightguard.
How Tooth Grinding Can Affect Angel Aligners
Angel Aligners are made out of durable plastic; they are designed to be tough enough to move your teeth and put up with the stresses of everyday use. However, they are not invincible. Clenching or grinding may cause cracks or premature wear on your aligner trays.
Fortunately, since you will receive a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, that will limit how much damage is caused. If you move forward with Angel Aligners and ever notice significant damage to a tray, contact your orthodontist for a replacement so you can stay on track with your treatment plan.
Can Angel Aligners Reduce Your Tooth Grinding?
If you end up getting Angel Aligners, you will be happy to know that they could actually help reduce your teeth grinding! They may do so in a couple of ways:
- Wearing aligners may heighten your awareness of grinding during the day, which can allow you to break the pattern.
- As your teeth move into better alignment, you may find that grinding lessens, since poor alignment often contributes to bruxism.
If you grind your teeth, do not automatically assume that clear aligners are not for you. Talk to your dentist to learn about your next steps. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you learn!
Meet the Practice
At SimpliBraces in Queens, Dr. Isaak Yelizar is a highly skilled orthodontist who provides a broad range of treatments, including Angel Aligners, traditional braces, and more. Our team has helped many people of varying circumstances to straighten their teeth, including individuals who struggle with teeth grinding. To find out how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with us at 929-229-1009.