Association between bruxism and the use of aligners in orthodontics.

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between bruxism and the use of Invisalign® transparent aligners, and to determine if they increase or decrease the action of bruxing with its signs and symptoms.

Material and methods: A sample of 100 adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with transparent Invisalign® aligners was studied, analyzing signs and symptoms of bruxism by personal survey together with a clinical examination on 3 occasions: Pre-treatment, at 3 months of treatment and at 6 months of treatment.

Results: There is a statistically significant difference between the amount of bruxism and the use of Invisalign® type aligners, for all the variables analyzed except in the analysis of the increase in headaches.

Conclusions: The frequency of bruxism does not depend on sex, but is related to age groups, the most affected being 28-36 years old patients. Statistically significant differences have been observed (P<.05) with notable reductions in: 1) Clenching and/or grinding sensation, 2) Sensation of contracted masticatory muscles, 3) Muscular pain of the masticatory muscles and 3) Pain of the temporomandibular joint. Additionally, 4) facial aesthetics and lip position experienced statistically significant differences (P<.05) without an increase or reduction being predominant. There is no relationship between the increase in headaches and the use of Invisalign® transparent aligners, as no statistically significant differences were found (P<.05). Key words:Bruxism, survey, aligners, Invisalign, Masticatory muscles, Temporomandibular joint.