We often underestimate the significance of maintaining oral health, assuming that brushing and flossing alone are enough to keep our teeth in top shape and avoid any dental issues. But after undergoing orthodontic treatment, like braces or fixing misaligned teeth, we suddenly are pressured to know several concepts that we took for granted, with an example of that being the difference between a night guard and a retainer. Aren’t those the same thing? Well, no. We’re here to sort that out.
While both devices are designed to protect the teeth and preserve their alignment, recognizing their distinctions is paramount in ensuring proper dental care. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of comprehending the dissimilarities between retainers and night guards and how this knowledge can help preserve and enhance your dental well-being.
Understanding the key differences between these two devices is crucial for individuals seeking optimal oral health.
Dentists play a vital role in determining the most suitable choice based on individual needs and conditions.
As mentioned above, retainers are orthodontic devices used to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces are removed. They come in various types, each serving a specific purpose and varying in design.
Here is a list of the different types of retainers commonly used: Hawley retainers, permanent retainers, and Essix retainers.
In the pursuit of optimal dental health, many individuals turn to night guards or retainers as valuable tools to alleviate various oral medical conditions. Whether you’re struggling with teeth grinding, TMJ disorder, misalignment issues, or even snoring, these oral appliances offer a multitude of benefits.
We’ll delve into the different benefits that night guards and retainers offer, highlighting their significance in maintaining and improving dental health.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental appliance designed to protect the jaw and teeth from damage because of grinding or clenching during sleep, which are symptoms of bruxism, a painful condition affecting millions worldwide. It is a form of dental appliance that is specifically designed to be worn at night while sleeping. Night guards are made of hard or soft, material designed to cushion and protect the teeth that is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with sleep. They are custom-made to fit the individual’s teeth and provide a barrier between the lower and upper teeth, preventing them from rubbing against each other. This can help to alleviate the symptoms of grinding, such as tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. Night guards are different from retainers, which are dental appliances that are used to maintain dental alignment after orthodontic treatment. While retainers may also be worn at night, their primary function is not to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching. Night guards are specifically designed for this purpose and are a valuable tool in protecting the teeth from the damaging effects of grinding or clenching at night.What is a Retainer?
The primary purpose of a retainer is to prevent straight teeth from shifting back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Unlike night guards, retainers are specifically tailored to maintain the corrected alignment after treating broken, damaged, or crooked teeth. It is typically made of plastic or metal and can be removable or fixed. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions regarding the proper use and care of retainers to ensure their effectiveness. Regular visits to the dentist are also recommended to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments to the retainer.The Key Differences Between the Two
While night guards and retainers are both oral appliances used in dentistry and to protect your dental health, and they might look like the same thing to the casual observer, they serve distinct purposes. A night guard is typically recommended for individuals who grind or clench their teeth during sleep, providing protection against dental damage. While they might look like plastic retainers, their function and even design are very different. A retainer is primarily used to maintain the alignment of teeth and their proper position after orthodontic treatment that was done to fix loose, crooked, or broken teeth. Think of retainers more as a cast after a bone fracture is treated and to put it in place during the healing process, while night guards are meant to protect your mouth from clenching and grinding. One notable contrast between the two dental appliances lies in their designs.Night guards are made of hard or soft, material designed to cushion and protect the teeth and reduce the impact of grinding, whereas retainers are usually made of a harder plastic or metal wire that holds the teeth in their new positions.
While both appliances can be custom-made to fit an individual’s teeth, the key difference lies in their intended function: night guards protect teeth from grinding, while retainers maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.Types of Night Guards
All night guards have one basic function: protect the teeth from grinding and clenching at night, which means they must cushion in some form or another and also provide comfort for the wearer. Because some people are affected by severe teeth grinding or clenching, the prescribed night guards are likely to be made of more durable material or design. But they still need to be flexible in some way so as not to damage the teeth and provide comfort. These are the most common types of night guards orthodontists and dentists employ.Dental Night Guard
This is simply the term used for any night guard that is prescribed by a dentist after an official diagnosis of bruxism in a patient. Acrylic and laminate are commonly used materials in fabricating dental night guards, meant to provide protection and comfort. Like all night guards, they act as a cushion between the lower and upper teeth, absorbing the force caused by grinding and preventing damage. Dental night guards are available in various options, including custom-made and over-the-counter options. Custom-made night guards are created by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth, ensuring a precise fit and optimal comfort. On the other hand, over-the-counter night guards are pre-made and may not provide the same level of customization or effectiveness.Soft plastic
Soft plastic is a commonly used material for both soft night guards and retainers. Soft plastic is chosen for soft night guards because of its flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. The material can be easily molded to fit the contours of the teeth and gums, providing a comfortable and secure fit.Custom Night Guard
The custom-fit night guard is a dental appliance that is individually designed and fabricated to fit the unique anatomy of a patient’s teeth and gums, as well as their level of teeth grinding. These dental devices are specifically designed for a patient’s bite and jaw, meant to provide protection and alleviate symptoms associated with the clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep. Custom night guards are made from durable materials such as acrylic or laminate, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness in providing protection. The fabrication process involves taking impressions of the patient’s teeth and gums, which are then used to create a custom-fit appliance. Custom night guards offer a comfortable and secure fit, ensuring optimal protection against teeth grinding and clenching during sleep.Boil and Bite Night Guard
Boil and bite night guards are a type of dental appliance that can be molded at home using hot water to achieve a customized fit. These night guards are a popular option for individuals looking for a cost-effective and convenient solution to protect their teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. Like all night guards, these too cover the entire upper or lower arch, with the added benefit of them being easily molded at home, whereas retainers are custom-made by dental professionals.Dual Laminate Night Guard.
Dual laminate night guards are a type of dental appliance that combines soft inner material with a hard outer layer for enhanced durability and protection. The main difference between a dual laminate night guard and a regular night guard is the construction and materials used. While regular night guards are typically made from a single layer of hard acrylic, dual laminate night guards have an additional layer of soft inner material, usually made from a thermoplastic material. This soft inner layer provides added cushioning and comfort, making the dual laminate night guard more suitable for individuals with sleep disorders or those who require a higher level of protection for their teeth and jaw during sleep.Mandibular Advancement Device
The mandibular advancement device is a dental appliance that is designed to reposition the lower jaw forward, which can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. This device works by keeping the airway open during sleep, allowing for better airflow and reducing the frequency of breathing interruptions. The mandibular advancement device is specifically designed to treat sleep apnea and snoring, while a night guard or retainer is primarily used for bruxism. It’s also adjustable and can be customized to fit the individual’s mouth. These must be prescribed by a dentist or sleep specialist, while a night guard or retainer can be purchased over the counter. They may also require regular adjustments or replacements.NTI-tss TMD Device
The NTI-tss Plus, also known as the Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System, is a drug-free alternative for treating migraine pain caused by jaw and teeth grinding issues. The Migraine Research Foundation states that over 30 million people in the United States suffer from migraines, giving dental clinicians an opportunity to help their patients find relief. Despite being relatively new to the market, the device has already shown great promise and has received FDA clearance for preventing migraines and tension-type headaches. One study even proved that it could reduce clenching forces by approximately 70%, and 82% of migraine sufferers experienced a 77% decrease in migraine events when using the NTI-tss Plus.Types of Retainers
As mentioned above, retainers are orthodontic devices used to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces are removed. They come in various types, each serving a specific purpose and varying in design.
Here is a list of the different types of retainers commonly used: Hawley retainers, permanent retainers, and Essix retainers.
Essix Materials or Clear Retainers
For orthodontic treatment, Essix materials are commonly used to fabricate clear aligners or retainers. These materials have gained popularity due to their transparency, comfort, and ease of use. They are made from a thermoplastic material that is both durable and flexible, allowing for easy insertion and removal. Patients who desire a more discreet orthodontic treatment option often prefer these removable devices. Clear retainers are virtually invisible, allowing patients to confidently wear them without feeling self-conscious. These translucent plastic-like materials make retainers that are also easy to remove for eating and cleaning, making them a convenient choice for patients seeking long-term results in maintaining the position of their teeth.Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are orthodontic appliances affixed to the back of the teeth to maintain their position after orthodontic treatment. Unlike removable retainers, which can be taken out and cleaned, permanent retainers consist of a thin wire that is bonded to the teeth using a dental adhesive. This wire is usually made of stainless steel or a nickel-titanium alloy, which provides strength and durability. The difference between permanent retainers and other types of retainers lies in their fixed nature. While removable retainers require the patient to actively wear them, permanent retainers work passively, continuously exerting a gentle force on the teeth to prevent them from shifting. The wire is carefully positioned to apply pressure on the teeth and the surrounding bone, ensuring long-term stability.Hawley or Removable Retainers
Hawley or removable retainers are a type of orthodontic appliance that is custom-made from acrylic and wire. These retainers serve several key functions, with the most important one being to retain teeth in their original position as they prevent teeth from shifting back to their pre-treatment alignment, ensuring long-term stability. These retainers can also be adjusted over time to accommodate any minor changes in tooth position. They allow for easy removal for oral hygiene and have limited wear time. Hawley retainers are typically worn full-time for the first few months after orthodontic treatment and then only at night. They can also help address issues like teeth grinding or clenching by providing a protective barrier.What is the Difference Between a Mouth Guard and a Night Guard?
A mouth guard is a dental appliance that is designed to protect the teeth and mouth from injuries during physical activities or while participating in sports. It serves as a protective barrier that helps absorb and distribute the impact forces that may occur during contact sports or activities that pose a risk of dental trauma. Mouth guards are typically made of a thermoplastic material that can be customized to fit the individual’s mouth. The main difference between mouth guards and night guards is that the first are often recommended to amateur and professional athletes to prevent tooth fractures, soft tissue injuries, and jaw fractures. Night guards, meanwhile, are meant to be worn at night to prevent bruxism. While there are several types of mouth guard, their function is the same: protect from external impacts. While some people might use them as night guards or to treat bruxism, they are not ultimately made for that. Nonetheless, they can be a helpful remedy in the meantime.Oral Health Benefits and Uses for Night Guards and Retainers
In the pursuit of optimal dental health, many individuals turn to night guards or retainers as valuable tools to alleviate various oral medical conditions. Whether you’re struggling with teeth grinding, TMJ disorder, misalignment issues, or even snoring, these oral appliances offer a multitude of benefits.
We’ll delve into the different benefits that night guards and retainers offer, highlighting their significance in maintaining and improving dental health.
