Teeth grinding at night has become common, and we use night guards for its treatment. Orthodontic treatment is another dental problem, and we use retainers for its treatment. If you are confused about the difference between night guards and retainers, then do not worry; we are here to help you. They are both used for dental treatments but for different purposes. A nightguard is used to protect your teeth from a disease called bruxism, while a retainer is used to take your teeth to a new and straight position.
This article is very beneficial for you if you are wondering about the detailed difference between night guards and retainers. In this article, we provide you with detailed information about it, so get ready to learn more about it in depth.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is specially made for the treatment of your dental issues. It is a medical appliance that helps you protect your teeth against common dental problems like teeth grinding and clenching, which are usually called bruxism.
Types of Night Guards
There are several types of night guards, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Stock Night Guards: These are the common night guards; they are pre-made and have fixed structures, they might be less expensive but also not fit well and cause discomfort.
- Boil-and-Bite Night Guards: These are slightly different from stock night guards and are a bit more comfortable. However, they may not provide the same level of protection as custom-made guards.
- Custom-Made Night Guards: They are specially designed to fit well and protect your teeth from many dental issues.
What is a Retainer?
Teeth retainers are removable orthodontic devices that fit over a person's upper or lower teeth and are used after removing braces. Their main role is to keep the teeth in the right position after treatment.
Types of Retainers
There are two main types of retainers:
- Removable Retainers: They are removable and taken in or out of your mouth when needed. They are made up of plastic or metal wire and wear for a specific time.
- Fixed Retainers: These are special retainers that are fixed and you cannot remove them. They can provide perfect management but are hard to clean.
Night Guard vs. Retainer: Key Differences
|
Feature |
Night Guard |
Retainer |
|
Primary Purpose |
To protect teeth from grinding and clenching |
To maintain teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment |
|
Material |
Typically made of durable plastic or acrylic |
Usually made of metal wire or clear plastic |
|
Fit |
Custom-fitted to the individual's teeth |
Custom-fitted to the individual's teeth, especially for fixed retainers |
|
Comfort |
Generally comfortable, especially with custom-fitted options |
Can be comfortable, but fixed retainers may take some time to adjust to |
|
Removable/Fixed |
Always removable |
Can be removable or fixed, depending on the type |
|
Daily Wear |
Worn at night during sleep |
Worn as directed by the orthodontist, usually for a specific period each day |
|
Professional Consultation |
Recommended to consult a dentist for a proper fitting |
Recommended to consult an orthodontist for a proper fitting and monitoring |
Choosing the Right Oral Appliance
Both are the best tools for maintaining your oral health. But picking up from one of them, the Nightguard or retainer, depends on your specific needs. Here are the points on how you can make a decision:
Do you grind your teeth at night?
- Yes. In case of jaw pain or teeth grinding, if you want to protect your teeth and get relief from the jaw pain, then nightguards are the best option. They can’t just improve your oral health but also increase the quality of sleep. Some of the best custom-made night guards are offered by ShopKiry for comfort and protection.
Do you need to maintain the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment?
- Yes. Regarding the need for retainers, they are used to maintain the teeth in the right position after orthodontic treatment and especially after removing braces. Ask your orthodontist, and he will suggest the best retainers for you.
Not sure what you need?
If you are not sure that you are grinding your teeth or need a retainer, then visit your dentist to get expert advice. They can check your oral health and recommend the best course of action.
ShopKiry Offers Two Options
ShopKiry offers two solutions that might be of interest:
- Custom Night Guards: Such types of night guards are the best option for those who are experiencing teeth grinding and want to protect their teeth. Custom nightguards are made of high-quality material and are custom-fitted for your unique bite. They are durable and provide relaxation.
- Kiry Retainers Night Guards 2 in 1: It is the best option for patients with teeth grinding and who need some tooth alignment maintenance. This 2 in 1 device functions as both a night guard and a retainer that offers tooth alignment support while protecting your teeth from grinding.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Night Guard
- Comfort: Choose a night guard made up of comfortable material that allows natural jaw movement. Try a custom-made night guard offered by ShopKiry that is designed for maximum performance.
- Durability: Choose a night guard made from high-quality materials that will last.
- Cleaning: Ensure the night guard is easy to clean and maintain.
Remember
- Night guards are not the replacement for dental care. Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health.
- If you experience any discomfort or have questions about your night guard, consult your dentist.
FAQs
Is a night guard better than a retainer?
Nightguards and retainers offer service for different purposes. Night guards provide protection against the damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching. A retainer is used to maintain the position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Do retainers stop teeth grinding?
They are specially designed to manage tooth alignment and are not specially designed to prevent teeth grinding. However, in some cases, a retainer indirectly helps to reduce teeth grinding by providing a barrier between the teeth.
Will my teeth shift with a night guard?
As retainers are not designed to protect teeth from grinding, same night guards are not used for maintaining the teeth in the right position after orthodontic treatment. Get advice from your dentist for both retainers and night guards before using.