Have you ever found yourself staring at a retainer or a night guard, wondering what exactly each one does and why they seem similar yet so different? You're not alone! Understanding the nuances of a night guard vs. a retainer is essential for anyone who wants to take the best care of their teeth and gums.
Knowing the difference between a night guard and a retainer can influence not only your oral health but also the quality of your sleep and general well-being. This article will shed light on what each device is designed for, how they're different and how to know which one you might need. Let's dig into the details to help you make an informed choice between retainers and night guards.
What Is a Retainer?
A retainer is a dental device that fits in your mouth to keep your teeth in place. Once an orthodontic treatment, like braces, has successfully aligned your teeth, a retainer helps to maintain that new position over time. Its main goal is to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original misaligned state.
What Does a Retainer Do?
After months or even years of orthodontic treatment, the last thing you'd want is for all that hard work to go to waste. That's where a retainer comes in. It serves as a kind of "security system" for your newly aligned teeth, making sure they stay exactly where you and your orthodontist want them to be.
What Does a Retainer Look Like?
Retainers generally fall into three categories: Hawley, Essix and fixed retainers. Hawley retainers are made with a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and is anchored in an acrylic arch. Essix retainers are less noticeable and made from a clear plastic that snugly fits over the teeth. Fixed retainers are wires that are bonded behind the teeth, making them a permanent option that people can't see.
How Is a Retainer Made?
Making a retainer is fairly straightforward but precise. It all starts with a physical or digital mold of your teeth. This mold serves as the blueprint for your retainer, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The materials used depend on the type of retainer you opt for, but generally, a combination of metal and plastic is used to create a durable, effective device.
What Is a Night Guard?
Night guards are usually made from various types of dental plastics or acrylics, chosen for their durability and comfort. Some are softer inside for comfort against the teeth and gums but harder outside to provide the actual protective layer.
What Does a Night Guard Do?
The primary role of a night guard is to protect your teeth from the wear caused by bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding. Bruxism often occurs during sleep, and without adequate protection, it can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain and headaches.
What Does a Night Guard Look Like?
The appearance of a night guard depends on the plastics it's made from. Some guards look very similar to clear Essix retainers.
Is a Night Guard the Same As a Sports Mouthguard?
You might wonder how night guards are different from sports mouthguards, given that they both offer some form of protection. While sports mouthguards are designed to protect against external shocks or blows to the mouth, night guards are created to withstand the force generated by teeth grinding. Sports mouthguards are typically thicker and may extend to offer additional protection to the jaw and skull, while night guards are more streamlined, focusing solely on the teeth.
What Is the Difference Between A Night Guard and a Retainer?
By now, you have a basic understanding of what retainers and night guards are, as well as their individual purposes. However, let's zero in on some critical differences between a night guard and a retainer so you can make an informed decision for your oral health.
First up is the purpose. As we've discussed, retainers are all about maintaining your teeth's alignment after orthodontic treatment. In contrast, night guards are your go-to option for combating the damaging effects of teeth grinding or bruxism. While one is focused on keeping teeth in their ideal position, the other aims to protect them from wear and tear.
The material used for each device also varies. Retainers often use a blend of metal and plastic, precisely molded to fit your teeth. Night guards, however, lean more toward softer materials that provide comfort and effective protection against the force exerted by grinding. These materials are carefully chosen to meet the device's primary objective, whether that's alignment or protection.
Customization is another area where these devices differ. Both are custom-made but in different ways. A retainer is molded based on the new alignment of your teeth, aiming to maintain that specific configuration. Night guards, on the other hand, are designed with cushioning to mitigate the impact of teeth grinding. They may also be adjusted to account for the severity of the grinding, your jaw alignment and other individual factors.
Lastly, the time of use for each is distinct. Retainers are often worn at night but may also be recommended for daytime use in some cases, especially immediately after braces are removed. Night guards are generally reserved for nighttime use when most teeth grinding occurs.
Understanding these critical differences between retainers and night guards can significantly impact your oral health and quality of life. With this knowledge, you can discuss your options more confidently with your orthodontist.
Night Guards vs. Retainers: Who Needs What?
So far, we've outlined what retainers and night guards are and pinpointed their fundamental differences. Now, you might wonder, "Which one do I need?" Well, the answer depends on your specific situation. Let's look at some scenarios suited for night guards vs. retainers.
In cases where you've just completed orthodontic treatment, a retainer is a must-have. Its role is to secure your teeth in their new positions and prevent any unfortunate shifts back to their former, misaligned state.
Night guards are your best bet if you've been experiencing symptoms of bruxism. These symptoms could range from waking up with jaw pain or headaches to noticing wear and tear on your teeth. If your dentist identifies signs of grinding during a check-up, they'll likely recommend a night guard to protect your teeth and alleviate discomfort.
But what if you're dealing with teeth alignment issues and teeth grinding at the same time? Can you use both a retainer and a night guard? The answer is yes but with some caveats. You might wear a retainer during the day to keep your teeth in place and switch to a night guard at bedtime for protection against grinding.
So, while retainers and night guards serve different purposes, there can be instances where both are needed. Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your orthodontist to determine your best course of action.
Night Guards vs. Retainers: Frequently Asked Questions
As a leading orthodontics provider in the Las Vegas area, Beth Brace's is uniquely situated to answer your questions about night guards vs. retainers. Read the following for the answers you need.
Do Retainers Prevent Grinding?
Wearing a retainer will not prevent grinding. Retainers are meant to keep your teeth in place after your braces are removed.
Is a Night Guard the Same As a Retainer?
Wearing a night guard is not the same thing as wearing a retainer. Night guards protect your teeth from grinding, while retainers protect them from moving.
Do Retainers Work As Night Guards?
Retainers do not work as night guards.
Will My Teeth Shift With a Night Guard?
Since night guards aren't designed to keep your teeth from moving, there is a chance your teeth could shift with one.
Do You Sleep Better With a Night Guard?
Because night guards can help prevent teeth grinding, you may sleep better with one.
Rely on Beth's Braces for Your Orthodontic Care
Now that we've answered your questions about night guards vs. retainers, you're ready for the next step. Beth's Braces is a leading orthodontist in Henderson, southern Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas. We've helped many people achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. Contact us today for a consultation to see what we can do for you.
