Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a common issue affecting millions of people who clench or grind their teeth, often without realizing it. Many people considering orthodontic treatment with braces wonder if correcting their smile will also resolve their grinding habit. The relationship between braces and bruxism is complex and depends heavily on the underlying cause of the grinding. For some, braces can eliminate a mechanical trigger for the habit, while for others, dedicated non-orthodontic treatments remain necessary. Understanding the distinct goals of each treatment is the first step in finding a comprehensive solution.
Understanding Teeth Grinding and Orthodontic Goals
Bruxism is defined as the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, occurring while a person is awake or asleep. This habit generates excessive force that can lead to worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. Causes are diverse, frequently stemming from factors like stress, anxiety, certain medications, or underlying sleep disorders.
Braces are specialized tools designed to correct malocclusion, or a poor bite. Their primary goal is to shift teeth into their correct positions, aligning the dental arches so the upper and lower teeth meet harmoniously. This process aims to create an optimal functional relationship, or occlusion. Orthodontic treatment focuses on physical alignment rather than addressing the behavioral or neurological origins of grinding.
How Correcting Alignment Affects Grinding
When bruxism is caused or exacerbated by a physical imbalance in the mouth, braces can offer a solution by treating the root cause. A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, creates uneven pressure points or “high spots” when the jaw closes. These uneven contacts prevent the jaw muscles from achieving a comfortable resting position, triggering the body to grind or clench in an attempt to wear down the interference.
By moving the teeth into proper alignment, braces eliminate these physical obstructions that disrupt the jaw’s natural path. Correcting issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites distributes the biting forces evenly across the dental arch. This harmonious bite reduces the strain on the jaw muscles and joints. For patients whose bruxism is primarily occlusal—related to how their teeth meet—orthodontic correction can reduce or eliminate the grinding habit entirely.
Temporary Changes During Orthodontic Treatment
While the long-term goal of braces is a harmonious bite, the initial phase of treatment can sometimes temporarily increase teeth grinding. As teeth move, the bite constantly shifts, introducing new, temporary interferences or uneven contacts. The jaw may react to this unstable environment by clenching or grinding while attempting to find a stable closure.
The physical presence of the brackets and wires can also be an irritant that prompts the patient to move their jaw. This temporary increase in bruxism is transient and resolves as the teeth settle closer to their final, aligned positions. Orthodontists may recommend protective measures to shield both the teeth and the appliances during this adjustment period.
Dedicated Treatments for Bruxism
Since many cases of bruxism are linked to stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders, braces are not a universal cure. When the grinding habit persists despite proper alignment, or when the underlying cause is behavioral, dedicated treatments are necessary. The most common dental intervention is a custom-fitted occlusal splint, often called a night guard. This hard acrylic appliance is worn over the teeth, creating a protective barrier that prevents tooth-to-tooth contact and absorbs the powerful forces generated by grinding.
Beyond protective devices, management often involves addressing the behavioral and physical triggers. Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), help patients manage the psychological factors contributing to clenching. For severe cases, a consultation with a sleep specialist may be necessary to rule out conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which is frequently associated with nocturnal bruxism. Botulinum toxin injections into the jaw muscles are also used to temporarily reduce the muscular force of clenching, offering relief from associated pain.