Will Aligners Help with My Grinding?

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Do You Grind Your Teeth? Clear Aligners Could Be the Solution You’ve Been Looking For

If you suffer from teeth grinding (also known as bruxism), you’re not alone. In fact, since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are grinding their teeth due to increased stress and anxiety. This habit can silently wear down your teeth over time—causing pain, fractures, gum recession, and even jaw disorders. Here’s the good news: clear aligners, like Invisalign, may offer you a two-in-one solution. Not only can they straighten your teeth, but they also act as a protective layer to help prevent grinding damage.

How Clear Aligners Help with Teeth Grinding

Clear aligners are custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth. While their primary purpose is to gently shift your teeth into proper alignment, they also provide a barrier between your upper and lower arches—reducing the wear caused by nighttime grinding.

Here’s how they help:

• Absorb grinding forces and protect enamel

• Prevent teeth from directly clashing together

• Save your natural teeth from wear, cracks, and dental repair costs

• Can even improve sleep for some patients

Think of them as an orthodontic treatment + mouth guard combo, especially useful if you’ve already been diagnosed with bruxism or have noticed signs of grinding (sensitive teeth, jaw pain, morning headaches).

Aligners: The Smart Alternative to Night Guards

Traditional night guards are bulky, unappealing, and often uncomfortable to wear. With clear aligners, you get orthodontic benefits and bruxism protection in one streamlined treatment—without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Plus, replacing a worn aligner is far cheaper and easier than:

• Repairing chipped teeth

• Rebuilding worn enamel

• Getting crowns or veneers

• Managing TMJ symptoms

Can Grinding Affect Aligner Treatment?

Interestingly, mild grinding can actually help enhance aligner performance during treatment. The grinding motion can promote better seating of the trays, helping aligners mold your teeth more closely to the desired shape. That said, if your grinding is severe, your dentist will monitor your progress closely and may recommend minor adjustments to ensure long-term comfort and protection.

What Happens After Treatment?

Once your clear aligner treatment is complete, you’ll transition to retainers—usually worn at night. These retainers continue to protect your teeth from grinding, while also preserving your new alignment. So, even after your active treatment ends, your teeth stay:

• Aligned

• Protected

• Stable

The Bottom Line: Aligners for Alignment and Protection

If you grind your teeth and want to improve your smile, clear aligners may be the perfect solution. They offer dual benefits: protecting your teeth from further damage and gently guiding them into proper position. You’ll sleep better knowing your smile is safe—and your results are secure.

🦷 Ready to See What Aligners Can Do for You?

Dr. Bak Nguyen has over 25 years of experience in orthodontics and smile design, helping thousands of patients achieve their goals using the latest clear aligner technology.

Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).

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