Are you frequently bothered by sensitive teeth, headaches, and a sore jaw? If so, you may grind your teeth. Believe it or not, more than 1 in 10 adults grind their teeth while they’re sleeping. There are a number of reasons you may grind your teeth at night. Maybe you have sleep apnea, hyperactivity, or acid reflux. Nighttime teeth grinding may also be a side effect of depression.
It can wear your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your tooth. Worn enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity and cause chipped or even broken teeth. So it’s important to put an end to this habit as soon as possible.
If you grind your teeth at night and are longing for a more attractive smile, you may be wondering if you can get Invisalign. In most cases, the answer is yes. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth and resolve common issues like an overbite, underbite, and crooked teeth in a discreet, comfortable way. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can remove Invisalign every time you brush, floss, eat, or drink.
However, if your teeth grinding requires you to wear a splint or night guard, Invisalign is probably not a good option. Here’s why: In order for Invisalign to be effective, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. This will allow your teeth to slowly but surely move to their proper positions. If you have to wear a device for your night time grinding, it can be difficult for you to meet this criteria.
Before you dismiss Invisalign, it’s a good idea to speak to your orthodontist. They can evaluate your situation and design a unique treatment plan.
Contact RVOrthodontics
If you have further questions about Invisalign or teeth grinding, don’t hesitate to contact our Richmond, Virginia orthodontics office today at 804-884-9906. We look forward to hearing from you!
