Can You Get Invisalign If You Grind Your Teeth?

If you struggle with nightly teeth grinding (bruxism), you may be worried that this habit disqualifies you from straightening your smile with Invisalign. “The good news is that in most cases, you can safely use Invisalign even if you grind your teeth,” says Stephen Forrest, DDS, at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center. “In fact, Invisalign clear aligners might offer some bonus benefits for people who clench or grind.”

Invisalign aligners are made from durable plastic and are built to withstand normal biting forces. While grinding is harder on them, it usually isn’t a deal-breaker. Each aligner tray is worn for only a week or two before you switch to the next set. So even if you do wear down an aligner slightly by grinding, you’ll be moving on to a fresh one before it ever gets unusable. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your trays at check-ups. If any aligner shows excessive wear, a replacement can be ordered to keep your treatment on track. Rest assured, occasional grinding or clenching at night won’t ruin your chances of getting a straight, beautiful smile with Invisalign.

Invisalign aligners themselves act as a buffer or cushion between your teeth. They cover your top and bottom teeth, so when you do grind, the plastic is absorbing some pressure instead of your tooth enamel. Aligners can function similarly to a night guard by preventing direct tooth-to-tooth contact during grinding. Invisalign might protect your teeth from wear during treatment, which is a nice perk for bruxism sufferers.

What About Severe Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism exists on a spectrum. If you have very severe bruxism that requires you to wear a heavy-duty night guard every single night to prevent pain or damage, then Invisalign could be challenging. The main reason is you can’t wear an aligner and a night guard at the same time, and Invisalign needs 20, 22 hours of wear per day (including during sleep) to work. Someone who absolutely must sleep with a custom night guard for safety might have to address the grinding first or consider other orthodontic options. In rare cases of extreme bruxism, traditional braces could be recommended since they don’t require removal, and you could continue using a night guard on top of a retainer after braces.

However, these situations are the exception. Many people who grind their teeth, even at night, are still good candidates for Invisalign, it’s simply important to discuss your grinding history with your dentist.

How Invisalign May Help with Bruxism

Interestingly, Invisalign might not only be “okay” despite your grinding, it could actually help improve your grinding in the long run. Teeth grinding is often linked to bite issues. If your teeth are misaligned or your bite is off, the jaw may strain to find a comfortable position at night, leading to grinding. By gradually correcting crowding or bite misalignment, Invisalign can address one of the underlying causes of bruxism. In simpler terms: a better aligned bite puts less stress on your jaws and may reduce the reflex to grind.

There’s evidence behind this. One clinical study concluded that treatment with Invisalign “proved effective in reducing bruxism (clenching and grinding), jaw muscle contraction and pain” for patients over the course of treatment. Many dentists have observed that as patients’ teeth straighten out, their grinding symptoms diminish. You may find that you wake up with a less tense jaw and fewer headaches once your smile is in proper alignment.

Additionally, wearing aligners makes you more mindful of your teeth. If you tend to grind during the day when stressed or focused, the presence of the Invisalign trays can serve as a reminder and help break the habit. It’s hard to clench down fully on plastic without noticing. Some patients report that aligners made them more conscious of clenching, so they could relax their jaw when awake and prevent some grinding from happening in the first place. And as mentioned earlier, when you’re wearing the aligners at night, they’re providing a layer of protection. They won’t be as thick as a full night guard, but they do shield your tooth enamel from direct tooth-on-tooth friction.

Finally, Invisalign may have a positive effect on related jaw issues. Many people with chronic bruxism also experience TMJ discomfort (pain in the jaw joints). By aligning your bite, Invisalign helps distribute forces evenly when you bite and chew, which can relieve strain on the TMJ. Over time this can lessen jaw pain or clicking that go hand-in-hand with your grinding habit. It’s not a guaranteed “cure” for TMJ disorders, especially if multiple factors are at play, but a well-aligned bite sets the stage for a healthier, more relaxed jaw.

Invisalign vs. Night Guards: What You Need to Know

One common question from patients who grind is: “Do I have to give up my night guard for Invisalign?” During active Invisalign treatment, the answer is yes, you won’t be wearing a separate night guard. Your aligners are effectively doing double duty as orthodontic appliances and as a protective night guard substitute. They must stay in your mouth virtually round the clock (except for meals and cleaning) so there’s simply no time to wear a traditional night guard. Attempting to stack a night guard over aligners isn’t feasible either, it would be uncomfortable if not impossible to fit. The aligners themselves are the barrier protecting your teeth at night.

If you currently use a custom night guard, discuss this with Dr. Forrest. In most cases, he will advise you to forego the guard while the Invisalign trays are in use. The good news is that your aligners will cover your teeth at night, and as noted, they provide some protection against grinding damage. You might find your teeth actually feel less worn or sore in the morning with aligners than they did on nights you forgot your old night guard. And remember, each aligner set is temporary. Even if heavy grinding puts a few scratches or minor cracks in one tray, you’ll be moving to the next aligner soon. Your dentist can also have you switch to the next tray early or get a sturdier replacement if needed, Invisalign’s system has flexibility built-in for these situations.

For extremely severe nighttime grinders, Dr. Forrest might implement other strategies during treatment. This could include prescribing a muscle relaxant before bed or suggest stress-management techniques to reduce clenching intensity. Every patient is different. Dr. Forrest will monitor your tooth wear and the condition of your aligners at each visit. If there are signs your grinding is causing issues, he’ll address them promptly to keep your smile journey smooth.

What About After Invisalign?

Once your teeth are aligned, you’ll transition to wearing a retainer. Retainers are often similar to Invisalign trays, thin plastic that fits over your teeth, and you wear them at night. You generally can’t wear a heavy night guard and a retainer together, so there’s a period of adjustment here too. Many patients discover that after orthodontic treatment, their grinding is much milder or even goes away. If misalignment was a contributing cause, its correction can be a lasting relief. In such cases, you might not need a night guard going forward unless grinding recurs.

If you do continue to grind, don’t worry. Once your full-time Invisalign treatment is over, we have options. Some patients alternate nights, wearing a retainer most nights and a guard on others, once it’s feasible to do so. There are also combination appliances or specially made retainers that offer extra protection. Dr. Forrest will ensure you have a long-term plan to keep your teeth protected and your new smile intact.

Tips for Invisalign Patients Who Grind Their Teeth

Even though Invisalign is bruxism-friendly, here are some practical tips to help you get the best results and comfort:

Tell Your Dentist About Your Grinding

This sounds obvious but be candid about your bruxism history. Dr. Forrest can then plan your Invisalign treatment with grinding in mind, possibly using slightly thicker trays in some stages or scheduling more frequent check-ins. Transparency ensures you get a custom solution suited for you.

Stick to the 22-Hour Wear Schedule

Consistency is key for Invisalign to work efficiently. Interestingly, staying diligent with aligner wear may also curb grinding, as your teeth straighten, you could notice less urge to grind. Plus, the more you wear your aligners (20-22 hours daily), the more they function like a protective guard.

Practice Stress Reduction

Stress and anxiety are major triggers for bruxism. Consider using relaxation techniques, especially before bed. Simple habits like jaw exercises, meditation, or a warm compress on the jaw can signal your muscles to relax. Managing stress won’t directly move your teeth, but it will help reduce excessive clenching that could wear your aligners faster.

Monitor Your Aligners

Each time you switch to a new set of trays, take a quick look at the old set for signs of heavy wear (cracks, holes, or rough areas). If you’re consistently chewing through aligners, let Dr. Forrest know. He can determine if any adjustments are needed, for example, shortening the change interval or reinforcing certain trays. It’s rare, but if an aligner gets damaged, your dentist can order a replacement.

Maintain Excellent Oral Care

Grinding can sometimes cause tooth or gum soreness. Good oral hygiene, gentle brushing, flossing, and perhaps a soothing fluoride rinse, keeps your mouth healthy and more resilient. A clean, healthy mouth also makes it easier to detect any bruxism-related issues early on your teeth.

Your Next Step Toward a Straighter, Healthier Smile

Bruxism doesn’t have to stand in the way of your dream smile. You absolutely can get Invisalign even if you grind your teeth at night. In fact, you may find that Invisalign treatment not only straightens your teeth but also helps reduce your grinding and related jaw discomfort over time. Every case is unique, and at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, Dr. Forrest will take a close look at your situation. He has experience treating patients who grind their teeth and knows how to adjust Invisalign plans to suit grinders.

If you’re curious whether Invisalign is right for your teeth, the best thing to do is schedule a personalized consultation. Dr. Forrest will examine your bite, discuss your grinding habits, and honest advice on the safest, most effective way to straighten your smile. You’ll get a clear explanation of what to expect during Invisalign treatment as a bruxer, and you can ask all the questions you need to make a decision.

Don’t let nighttime grinding keep you from enjoying the confidence and comfort of a well-aligned smile. You can protect your teeth and improve your bite at the same time. Contact Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center today to take the first step. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, without the worry of grinding your teeth down in the process!