Does Invisalign Help With Bruxism?

Bruxism — the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth — can cause headaches, jaw pain, and wear on your teeth over time. It often happens during sleep, which means you might not even realize you’re doing it until the effects show up. If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism or suspect it might be an issue, you may be wondering: can Invisalign help?

The answer depends on the cause, severity, and what your teeth need most.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism can be caused by stress, sleep habits, or a bite that’s slightly out of balance. Some people clench without grinding, while others grind so much they damage their teeth. It affects people of all ages and can lead to jaw tension, enamel erosion, or even cracked teeth.

Nightguards are often recommended to protect the teeth, but what about clear aligners like Invisalign?

Invisalign Might Help in Certain Cases

If your bruxism is related to bite misalignment, Invisalign may help reduce grinding over time. The aligners gradually move your teeth into better positions, which can ease the tension that contributes to clenching.

During treatment, the trays also act like a barrier between upper and lower teeth. That means less direct wear and tear while you sleep — even if you’re still clenching. After treatment, Vivera® retainers (which are made by Invisalign) may offer some protection for mild clenching, though they aren’t meant to replace a nightguard.

However, Invisalign — and Vivera — are not substitutes for a custom nightguard. If your bruxism is more advanced or continues after treatment, Dr. Torres may recommend a dedicated nightguard for long-term protection.

Talk To Your Dentist About the Right Approach

If you’re dealing with bruxism and thinking about Invisalign, start with a full evaluation. Dr. Torres can help determine the root cause and recommend the best next step.

Invisalign and Bruxism Treatment in Cedar Park at Dental Salon

At Dental Salon in Cedar Park, TX, Dr. Ana Torres works with patients to address both bruxism and alignment concerns. If you’re curious whether Invisalign could help with grinding or clenching, we’re here to answer your questions and create a plan that fits your needs.

Call today to schedule a consultation — and let’s take a closer look at your smile.

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Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

This post was written by Dental Salon