There’s a lot to know about teeth grinding and braces. First, can you even get braces if you grind your teeth? If you can, then do braces help, or can teeth grinding affect braces negatively? And what causes teeth grinding in the first place?
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common issue. And it can cause plenty of problems — whether you’re aware you’re doing it or not!
While there’s no single cause for teeth grinding, many things can contribute. These include:
Braces can fix teeth that are crooked, too crowded, or with unsightly spaces between them. They can also correct jaw misalignments.
When misaligned teeth go untreated, other serious health issues can occur, including:
In some situations, getting braces can actually help you keep your teeth longer.
Bacteria can congregate in small, tight areas, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Left untreated, these can lead to very expensive dental repairs or even the need to replace the teeth.
Unaligned bites can put too much pressure on some areas of the teeth, causing the teeth to wear down and become more prone to decay and even tooth breakage or cracking.
Since teeth grinding can often be unconscious, you may not know how to tell if you’re doing it. To help you, the Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms:
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, call us for a consultation. We can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding.
Grinding your teeth can cause many issues, such as surface tooth damage, tooth enamel erosion, disrupted sleep (primarily for your sleep partner), jaw or face pain and muscle tightness, and headaches.
Plus, if you grind your teeth over a long period and don’t get any correction, this may cause teeth to break, become loose, or shift their alignment. Chronic teeth grinding can also result in needing root canals, crowns, or even tooth extraction.
That’s why it’s so important to get help. And often, if misalignment causes the grinding, braces can help.
Braces — whether metal or Invisalign — will realign and straighten your teeth so they fit together better. When this happens, many people no longer feel the urge to grind their teeth.
However, if your teeth grinding is severe, braces may make things worse before they get better. That’s because you may have some extra irritation or discomfort as your teeth begin shifting and realigning. However, this should improve as the teeth move into their correct position.
Once your teeth are correctly aligned, you’ll need to use retainers so they don’t return to their former position. If you don’t use retainers to keep your teeth straight, the problem of grinding teeth can return as the teeth shift back to their uneven state.
The best way to know if braces can help with teeth grinding is to get an orthodontic consultation. That way, we can determine if misalignment is causing your grinding issue and show you exactly how braces or Invisalign can help.
Sometimes, teeth grinding is caused by other issues (such as those mentioned above), and you may need a different solution. These may include managing your stress and anxiety with help from a licensed professional or addressing sleep apnea with a qualified medical doctor.
And if you’re still grinding your teeth — even with braces — you may need to wear a nightguard to prevent tooth damage. We can customize these to fit perfectly over your braces, and we can provide new ones as your teeth shift and your smile improves.
Come for a consultation to determine whether a misalignment is causing your teeth to grind. Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile will take the time and care to see if braces or Invisalign could solve this often painful issue.
The first appointment is always free and includes an exam, including x-rays. Our state-of-the-art facility is up to date on all the latest technology, so you can feel confident that you are getting the very best care. Our staff is professional and fun, and we strive to make your experience smooth and enjoyable!
Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!
Dr. Taylor is a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 15 years of experience and the only Gold Plus Provider of Invisalign in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Dr. Taylor is recognized by his colleagues and patients as a consummate professional. He is also widely recognized in our RGV community for providing excellent orthodontic treatment for children and adults.
If you have been on the fence about whether to explore braces as an adult, call us! Dr. Taylor offers a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone considering braces.
Our family-friendly environment is welcoming to patients of all ages, and our staff is eager to help you with your orthodontic needs!
Your consultation includes a complete, painless exam, which will include x-rays. Dr. Taylor will go over exactly what to expect and what options work best based on your individual needs and budget.
We believe financial considerations should not be an obstacle to getting a healthy, beautiful smile. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different financial situations and can provide you with several payment plan options.
“Dr. T & the whole staff are amazing, warm & caring environment. I get to see my baby smile now. Shes has gained so much confidence since starting treatment. Love you all & thank you so much.” -Cassandra W.
“10/10 overall experience, staff is very gentle & friendly. My teeth look great! 😁” – Kimberley N.
“I always had a great experience during my appointments, was always treated nicely and all the staff were very respectful and kind to me. They did a great job on my smile, and I’m so happy with the outcome!” – Paulina M.
These are just some reasons we’re the best orthodontist in the Rio Grande Valley.
But don’t just take our word for it. Read our reviews, then come in and find out how easy it can be to get a perfect smile!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic health. Simply call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below and we'll get back to you.
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Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic health.
Simply call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form and we’ll get back to you.
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