Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding and clenching, afflicts millions of people across the U.S. It is particularly common among adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults. If you struggle with this issue, you might wonder how it may affect your candidacy for orthodontic treatment. In particular, you might ask, “Can I get SureSmile if I grind my teeth?” Your dentist is the best person to answer that question, but this blog post can give you a general overview of the relationship between clear aligners and teeth grinding.
Can Teeth Grinding Ruin Your Aligners?
Clear aligners fit over your teeth, including their chewing surfaces. While the aligners are very durable, they can become warped or suffer damage if they are exposed to too much force. Therefore, there is a risk that your bruxism could damage your SureSmile aligners, particularly if you grind your teeth at night when you are unaware of what you are doing.
The good news is that you will probably switch to a new aligner every couple of weeks, so even if your aligners incur minor damage, it shouldn’t be a big deal. If more significant damage occurs, you might need to ask your dentist to order a replacement aligner.
Many people with bruxism can get SureSmile. The exception is if your problem is severe enough that you have to regularly wear a nightguard to prevent your teeth from damaging one another. Unfortunately, nightguards are not compatible with clear aligner treatment.
SureSmile Can Help Bruxism
Bruxism can have many different causes, one of which is misaligned teeth. As you progress through your SureSmile treatment, you might find that your tendency to grind and clench gradually diminishes. After you complete treatment, you may even be totally free from bruxism!
Another way SureSmile might be able to help is by making you more aware of when you are bruxing. If you grind and clench during daytime hours, feeling your aligners grind against one another can be a startling reminder of what you are doing. The sensation can motivate you to relax your jaw and train yourself to be gentler with your mouth.
What Should You Do?
Teeth grinding could affect your candidacy for SureSmile, but you can only find out for sure if you consult with a dental professional. They will evaluate your oral health, assess your dental misalignment, and recommend your next steps.
Meet the Practice
The talented, compassionate team at Brookside Dental Care proudly offers SureSmile clear aligners as one of our many services. If you would like to find out whether you are a candidate for this treatment, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our Prestonsburg dental office at 606-874-9311.