July 24, 2026
You’re not alone if you want a straighter smile but prefer to avoid the hassle and frustration of traditional braces. Thankfully, many dentists offer a clear orthodontic alternative with SureSmile. Instead of metal brackets and wires, this option uses transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your arches to gently shift your teeth to their ideal places.
But if you know that you tend to grind your teeth, you might worry that you’ll damage your aligners or wonder whether you can complete this service successfully. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can set your concerns aside!
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, occurs when you clench your upper and lower arches together while sleeping at night or subconsciously during the day, especially during periods of heightened stress. This can wear down your enamel prematurely, increasing the risk of cavities, injuries, and other oral issues. You might also develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) that can cause a stiff, sore, or locked jaw.
Sources estimate that up to 31%, or about 20 million to 80 million, of U.S. American adults suffer from this condition, which can often be chronic. Many dentists treat this condition with custom-fitted nightguards that cushion your teeth to prevent damage from the constant pressure of clenching them together.
How Does SureSmile Work?
SureSmile continues to gain popularity as a more comfortable and discreet alternative to standard orthodontics. It utilizes a series of removable, transparent trays that are intended to fit like a glove to help shift your teeth to their proper positions over a designated period.
However, for treatment to be successful, patients must wear their clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to avoid potential relapse. Then, after a week or two, they are instructed to switch to the next pair in their series to account for the ongoing movement of their smile.
Can I Get SureSmile if I Grind My Teeth?
If you have bruxism, it’s only natural to question whether your teeth grinding habit might be so damaging to the plastic trays that you can’t successfully complete treatment with SureSmile.
Although it’s possible that your condition could crack or wear down your aligners, the truth is that this doesn’t always impede your treatment progress. It’s not unheard of for patients to misplace or break their trays, so some plans even include extras to compensate for any that are lost. Not only that, but you’re only meant to wear each pair for a short period, and your bruxism might not be harmful enough to damage them within this timeframe. In fact, your clear aligners might even protect your teeth from harm caused by frequent grinding.
But only your dentist can help determine whether SureSmile is right for you based on your unique circumstances. If you still have questions, you can schedule a consultation to learn more!
Meet the Author
Dr. Darrell Osterhoudt, or “Dr. O”, has decades of experience helping families in West Jordan build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Temple University in Philadelphia, and today he actively participates in professional organizations, including the International Association of Orthodontics, to stay current with the latest treatments and technology. He offers a comprehensive menu of services, including SureSmile clear aligners, to meet the unique needs of patients of all ages. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (801) 568-0172.