Difference Between a Custom Dental Retainer and Night Guard

“Take care of your teeth & they will take care of you.”

Maintaining good oral health is essential not only for a radiant smile but also for overall well-being. Dental issues such as Bruxism (teeth grinding) and malocclusion (bad bite) can significantly impact oral health, leading to jaw strain, TMJ disorders, uneven tooth wear, and gum diseases.

Fortunately, to address these problems, modern dentistry offers solutions like custom dental retainers and night guards. Both devices serve different purposes, even though they look similar. They are designed to protect your teeth and improve oral health.

So, which dental device is ideal for you? To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the difference between custom retainers for teeth and dental night guards

What is a Custom Retainer?

One common dental issue affecting about 56% of people in the world is Malocclusion. However, not all malocclusion cases require dental treatment, such as Invisalign or metal braces. Those who undergo orthodontic treatment may need to wear retainers after the treatment. 

A custom retainer for teeth is typically used after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign. It helps prevent teeth from shifting back to their original misalignment and ensures that your bite remains stable. 

Depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation, Retainers can be worn during the night or throughout the day. Clear plastic or acrylic is often used to make these, and they are molded to fit the unique shape of your mouth.

Types of Retainers

• Hawley Retainers: These are removable and adjustable—made of acrylic and metal, 

• Clear Plastic Retainers: These are virtually invisible and fit snugly over the teeth.

• Fixed or Bonded Retainers: These are permanently attached to the back of the teeth using a thin wire.

What is a Night Guard?

Did you know that 15% of adolescents, 8% of middle-aged adults, and 3% of older adults experience sleep bruxism? And those who grind their teeth can exert up to 250 pounds of force. People who grind their teeth at night may unknowingly cause significant wear on their enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity, pain, or even tooth fractures. 

A custom dental night guard is specifically designed to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep. It limits the contact between your top and bottom teeth, limiting the damage. 

Night guards are made of durable materials such as rubber or acrylic and are custom-fitted to your mouth to provide protection and comfort.

Types of Night Guards

• Custom-Fitted Night Guards: Made by a dentist, these offer the best fit and protection.

• Boil-and-Bite Night Guards: These are semi-custom and can be molded at home.

• Over-the-Counter Night Guards: Pre-made and less expensive, but often less effective.

Quick Comparison Table Custom Retainer V/S Night Guard

Check out a detailed comparison table to understand the difference between dental retainers and night guards:

Do You Need a Retainer or Mouth Guard?

Whether you are struggling with bruxism or malocclusion, consult your dentist when choosing between a retainer and a night guard because each dental need is different and specific. A dentist will thoroughly examine your condition & suggest the best treatment for you.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know how dental retainers and mouthguards differ, what are you waiting for? Choose your ideal treatment and take a step towards better oral health today!

If you are wondering where to get dental retainer or mouth guard, you can rely on Cheeky. We provide dental devices at reasonable prices. For more information, get in touch with us today!