Most patients with crooked teeth would enjoy SureSmile, as it’s meant to fix misaligned smiles! That said, what if you happen to have a teeth-grinding habit? Would you still qualify for the aligner treatment, or would you need to give up and choose something else? Your local Atlanta dentist is here to address those very questions for you. So, read on to learn whether you can get SureSmile if you grind your teeth a lot.
Remind Me Again: What’s SureSmile?
If you don’t already know, SureSmile is an orthodontic treatment that can quickly correct crooked teeth. It serves as a smoother and easier alternative to traditional metal braces.
SureSmile uses a series of clear plastic trays (“aligners”) to straighten your grin. When worn over a misaligned grin, they exert slight pressure to move one’s teeth. Using them in the proper sequence, with switches every few weeks, can lead to a straighter smile in just a year or so.
Of course, SureSmile has other unique upsides besides its shorter treatment time. Since its clear trays are almost invisible, it doesn’t give you a “metal mouth” as braces do. The aligners are also removable, so they won’t hinder your meals or teeth cleaning.
Can I Get It If I Grind My Teeth?
Grinding your teeth isn’t good for you; the habit wears down enamel, causes tooth sensitivity, and so on. Still, it shouldn’t disqualify you from the SureSmile process.
A case of bruxism would simply wear down your trays faster. That means you’d have to switch to new aligners more quickly, or maybe you’d need to order replacements. A qualified dentist can take both outcomes into account during your treatment.
If anything, SureSmile could help break your grinding habit. It’s able to treat one of the most common causes of bruxism – a misaligned smile. Given that fact, you may end treatment with less grinding than usual.
How Could I Manage During Treatment?
While SureSmile can work despite teeth grinding, managing your bruxism is still a good idea. Try doing the following while wearing your trays:
- Active Relaxation – Try to relax your jaw as best you can; it’ll keep you from clenching as much. In particular, just rest your tongue between your teeth.
- Stress Relief Practices – If you grind your teeth in response to stressors, use light massage or yoga practices. They’ll ease your tension and reduce your urge to bite.
You can get SureSmile if you grind your teeth, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the latter. See your dental provider to correct your crooked grin and clenched teeth.
About the Practice
Vason Family Dentistry of Buckhead is based in Atlanta, GA. Led by Drs. Vason and Grisham, our practice seeks to give flourishing smiles to the whole Atlanta community. We embody that goal through our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, which are all tailored to your unique wants and needs. That means you’ll have thriving teeth and gums after every visit! For more details or to book a visit, please get in touch with us on our website or by phone at (404)-367-9799.