Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can cause worn enamel, jaw soreness, headaches, and cracked teeth over time. If you’re interested in straightening your smile with SureSmile aligners, you may be wondering whether grinding your teeth will disqualify you from treatment or if your aligners might become damaged in the process.
Fortunately, many people who grind their teeth are still candidates for clear aligners, and in some cases, wearing them can even provide benefits for your teeth and jaw.
Can People Who Grind Their Teeth Still Use SureSmile Aligners?
In most cases, mild to moderate teeth grinding does not prevent someone from being able to start SureSmile treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will first examine your teeth, gums, and bite to determine whether grinding has caused enamel wear, fractures, gum recession, or bite imbalances that may need attention before or during treatment.
They may also evaluate your jaw joints and muscles to check for tension or signs of clenching during the day or while you sleep. As long as your mouth is healthy enough to safely move your teeth, SureSmile aligners can often still be used to gradually improve tooth alignment and bite function.
In situations where grinding is severe or has already caused significant damage, your dentist may recommend addressing those concerns first to protect your long-term oral health before proceeding with aligners.
Will Grinding Damage My SureSmile Aligners?
SureSmile aligners are made from strong, medical-grade plastic designed to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. However, persistent or intense grinding can place extra pressure on the material, which may cause premature wear, cracks, or warping in some cases.
Your dentist may recommend:
• more frequent aligner replacements
• monitoring for uneven wear patterns
• bite adjustments during treatment
• nighttime grinding protection strategies
If aligners show repeated signs of damage, your provider may recommend using a nighttime guard once treatment is complete to help protect your long-term results and prevent tooth wear.
Can Aligners Help Reduce Teeth Grinding?
Interestingly, some patients report fewer grinding symptoms while wearing aligners. Because the trays create a thin barrier between the upper and lower teeth, they may help cushion contact and reduce enamel-on-enamel friction.
Aligners can also help:
• distribute biting pressure more evenly
• reduce strain on jaw joints
• protect the teeth from direct wear
• prevent small chips and cracks
However, aligners are not the same as a dedicated nightguard, and they are not intended to treat bruxism on their own. If grinding is related to stress, sleep issues, or bite misalignment, your dentist may recommend additional therapies or long-term protection after treatment.
Is SureSmile a Good Choice If You Grind Your Teeth?
For many patients, the answer is yes. SureSmile can improve the way your teeth fit together, which may reduce strain on the jaw and help minimize some grinding-related symptoms over time. Every case is unique, which is why a thorough consultation and bite evaluation are essential before beginning treatment.
With the right planning and guidance, aligners can safely straighten your teeth while also helping protect your smile throughout the process.
About the Practice
Mind Your Mouth protects smiles in South Portland with personalized orthodontic and restorative care in a supportive, patient-centered environment. Our experienced doctors provide SureSmile aligner treatment and comprehensive bite evaluations to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective tooth movement for every patient. Through thoughtful treatment planning and ongoing monitoring, the team helps patients achieve healthier, better-aligned smiles with long-term comfort and function in mind.
Call us at (207) 200-4106 or request an appointment online.