Invisalign and Teeth Clenching - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Invisalign and Teeth Clenching: What You Need to Know

Invisalign has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces for adults seeking straighter teeth. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and more comfortable than braces. However, some Invisalign wearers report that the aligners cause them to clench or grind their teeth at night, leading to a host of other issues.

What Causes Teeth Clenching and Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, involves clenching the jaw or gritting the teeth, particularly at night during sleep. It is typically caused by lifestyle factors like:

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Abnormal bite alignment
• Side effects of some medications

Teeth clenching is often related to stress and anxiety. When you are under pressure, you may squeeze your jaw muscles or clench your teeth without realizing it. This clenching places enormous force on the teeth and jaws that can lead to cracked teeth, worn enamel, chipped crowns, headaches, jaw pain, and more.

Do Invisalign Aligners Cause Clenching?

Some experts believe that Invisalign aligners may inadvertently encourage clenching and grinding. Since the aligners are removable plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth, some wearers tend to clench their jaw to keep the aligners in place. The aligners may also change the normal position of the teeth slightly which can contribute to abnormal wear and grinding at night.

Signs That You Are Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Here are some of the most common symptoms of bruxism or teeth grinding:

• Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth
• Worn tooth enamel
• Sore or tight jaw muscles
• Jaw, neck or face pain
• Headaches upon wakening
• Tooth sensitivity
• Indentations on your tongue or damage to the inside of your cheek

You may also notice that your Invisalign aligners do not fit as expected. If clenching and grinding is severe, your aligners are more likely to crack or break. Your orthodontist may need to replace them more frequently than normal.

Tips to Stop Clenching and Grinding with Invisalign

If you notice symptoms of teeth grinding with Invisalign, try these tips to break the habit:

1. Identify triggers. Note times of day or activities associated with clenching. Avoid or manage triggers whenever possible.
2. Reduce stress. Make time for relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
3. Watch your diet. Avoid foods and drinks that may promote grinding like alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
4. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help ease tension and pent-up energy.
5. Improve sleep habits. Get on a sleep schedule, limit electronics before bed, and create a restful sleep environment.
6. See your dentist. They can fit you with a custom nightguard to protect your teeth during sleep.
7. Talk to your orthodontist. They may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, adjusting your Invisalign schedule, or bite pads to reduce grinding.

Professional Treatment Options for Teeth Clenching

In more severe cases of teeth grinding, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend specialized treatment such as:

• Nightguard - A custom dental appliance worn over the teeth at night to prevent grinding. This is the most common and effective solution.
• Botox - Injections of botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles to relax them and reduce clenching and grinding, especially at night.
• Physical therapy - Exercises and techniques to strengthen jaw muscles, improve bite alignment, and reduce pain associated with bruxism.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - Working with a therapist to identify thought patterns contributing to stress-related clenching and develop healthier coping strategies.
• Medication - Muscle relaxants or sedatives may be prescribed to relieve jaw tension and prevent grinding in some cases.

Protecting Your Invisalign Aligners from Clenching

If nighttime teeth grinding is causing damage to your Invisalign trays, your orthodontist may recommend wearing a nightguard alongside your aligners. The hard acrylic guard shields your aligners and teeth from excessive force during clenching or grinding. Wearing your aligners only during daytime hours is another option.

Talk to your orthodontist before making any changes to your Invisalign schedule. Stopping treatment early could compromise your results. Be sure to bring up any concerns about teeth clenching at your next appointment.

The Bottom Line

Teeth clenching and grinding are common side effects of Invisalign for some wearers. If you notice symptoms like jaw pain, cracked teeth, or damaged aligners, see your dentist or orthodontist right away. With professional treatment and lifestyle changes, you can successfully complete Invisalign treatment even if you are predisposed to bruxism.

Relaxation techniques, dental appliances, physical therapy, and other solutions can help you stop teeth grinding in its tracks. Pay close attention to your body for clues, communicate with your providers, and take preventative action to protect your smile.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.