Also known as bruxism, tooth grinding is a common dental issue that can be experienced by anyone at any time in their life. At Inner West Orthodontics, we often see patients who come in complaining of problems caused through habitual teeth grinding. Just as frequently, we come across patients who grind their teeth subconsciously and have no idea they’re doing so — until we actually see the physical damage it’s done to their teeth.

For those who are aware that they’re ‘grinders’, there can be some concern surrounding the impact this may have on their orthodontic treatment such as the application of Invisalign braces. "Will teeth grinding affect my braces?" is a common concern for our soon to be brace-wearers, but before we discuss that, let’s have a look at the causes of tooth grinding, why it’s harmful, and why braces might actually be the best plan of attack.

Why do you grind your teeth?

There's no definitive cause for tooth grinding, so without getting to the underlying cause of the behaviour, it can be difficult to treat. However, we do know that the problem can often be caused by conditions such as stress, sleep disorders, dental problems such as missing or broken teeth, or misalignment of your bite and other issues requiring orthodontic treatment. You may find yourself suffering from tooth grinding for one of the following reasons:

Stress

Some people unintentionally grind their teeth when they are anxious, or develop this bad habit as a coping mechanism for stress or other strong emotions such as anger, tension or if they are upset.

Medical conditions

Tooth grinding can be linked to the use of certain medications and other health conditions such as ear infection or temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD) ― which affect the jaw and surrounding facial muscles.

Sleep disorders

Teeth grinding usually occurs at night, when patients are unaware that they are unconsciously moving their jaws. Patients with sleep apnea (a condition in which the airways close off during sleep, momentarily cutting off oxygen) tend to experience tooth grinding more frequently than other sufferers.

Mechanical problems

Physical/mechanical abnormalities such misalignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion) or broken teeth can also encourage tooth grinding.

Why is teeth grinding a problem?

While not dangerous to your health, tooth grinding can have detrimental impacts on your quality of life and the longevity of your smile. Issues associated with tooth grinding include:

• surface tooth damage (as the tooth’s surface wears out and flattens, or becomes fractured or chipped);
• erosion of tooth enamel, leaving gums and roots exposed and increasing tooth sensitivity;
• disrupted sleep (primarily for your sleep partner, who may be woken by audible tooth grinding);
• jaw or face pain and muscle tightness, and headaches.
   

How can I make it stop?

Tooth grinding is extremely common, and may come and go due to various factors throughout your life. Fortunately, most people who grind their teeth do not experience significant impacts as a result. If you find that it’s becoming more serious or you are suffering from any of the side effects listed above, your orthodontist may decide to fit you with a special mouthguard to protect your teeth at night.

If your tooth grinding is the result of physical or mechanical problems (such as malocclusion), metal or Invisalign ^® braces may be the solution. Braces realign and straighten the teeth so that they fit together better within your jaw. For many patients, this will discourage or even eliminate the urge to grind teeth.

Will teeth grinding affect my braces?

If your tooth grinding is severe and you do decide to seek treatment with metal or Invisalign braces, it’s possible that the problem will get worse before it gets better. This is most often due to slight irritation or discomfort as your teeth begin to shift towards realignment. However, this is likely to improve in the long term — and in many cases can even be cured after treatment with braces or Invisalign.

If you feel like your bruxism is worsening with braces, or are worried that it will damage your braces and affect the outcome of your treatment, it’s best to speak to your orthodontist, who can address the issue early and take measures to avoid further damage.

Do you think your tooth grinding may be caused by an orthodontic issue, or that you might benefit from contemporary treatment options such as clear Invisalign braces? Contact us today at Inner West Orthodontics for a consultation, so we can find the right orthodontic solution for you.