A night guard and a retainer are both dental appliances that are worn in the mouth, usually at night, but they serve different purposes. A night guard is a removable device that fits over the teeth to protect them from damage caused by grinding or clenching. It helps prevent tooth wear by absorbing some of the forces placed on the teeth and jaws. A retainer on the other hand is used after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new positions as they settle. It helps teeth that have been moved by braces remain in alignment and avoid shifting back towards their original positions.
Difference Between Night Guard And Retainer – this phrase refers to the fact that these two dental devices, while similar in appearance, have quite distinct functions. A night guard shields the teeth from grinding, while a retainer maintains the teeth’s positions after braces. They cannot be used interchangeably.
There are clear differences between a night guard and a retainer in terms of their design and purpose. Night guards are thicker and cover all the teeth in both arches to cushion grinding forces. Retainers are thinner, custom-made to fit the teeth, and hold them in precise positions. While a night guard prevents tooth damage, a retainer preserves the results of orthodontics. Both are removable devices worn at night, but they play unique roles in protecting long-term dental health.
What are the key differences between a night guard denture and a retainer denture?
The main differences between a night guard denture and a retainer denture are their purpose and design. A night guard denture is worn at night to protect teeth from grinding or clenching. It is made from hard acrylic and fits over the teeth to act as a barrier. A retainer denture on the other hand is used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment. It is made from flexible plastic and wires to grip teeth.
What is the purpose of a night guard denture?
The purpose of a night guard denture is to protect teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. It creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth so they cannot make contact. This prevents wear of tooth surfaces and damage to dental work. Night guard dentures are often prescribed for people with bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorders. They help prevent fractures of teeth and discomfort in the jaw joints.
How does a night guard denture protect teeth?
A night guard denture protects teeth by absorbing some of the forces created during grinding and clenching. The hard acrylic material covers all tooth surfaces and prevents direct contact between upper and lower teeth. This distributes grinding forces over all teeth rather than concentrating them on a few teeth. The night guard also protects dental restorations like crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers from being damaged or dislodged while sleeping.
What materials are used to make night guard dentures?
Night guard dentures are most commonly made from acrylic resin which is a hard, durable plastic. Custom night guards are made by taking an impression of the teeth and then fabricating the appliance in a dental laboratory. Some night guards have a soft inner lining for additional comfort. Hard acrylic resin is best for absorbing strong biting forces from severe teeth grinding.
Can night guard dentures realign teeth like retainers?
No, night guard dentures are not able to realign teeth or serve the same purpose as retainers. Unlike removable retainers that use wires and pressure to move teeth, a night guard simply acts as a protective barrier over the teeth. It does not apply any orthodontic forces to straighten or realign the teeth. Only orthodontic retainers placed by a dentist can serve that purpose after braces treatment.
How do retainer dentures differ from night guards?
Retainer dentures and night guards serve different purposes. Retainer dentures are used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment. They are typically made of clear plastic and wire, and are either removable or permanently fixed.
Night guards protect teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. They cover all or some teeth and are made from soft, hard plastic, Is A Night Guard The Same As A Retainer or a hybrid material depending on grinding severity.
Why are retainers prescribed after braces?
Retainers are prescribed after braces to hold teeth in their new aligned positions while surrounding bone and gums adjust. Without retainers, teeth can shift back towards their original positions. Most people need to wear retainers lifelong, at least at night, to maintain straight teeth after orthodontics.
Do retainers move teeth more than night guards?
No, retainers do not move teeth more than night guards. Retainers hold teeth in position after repositioning done by braces or aligners. Night guards just protect the teeth from grinding and do not move teeth. In fact, night guards should not be used in place of retainers because they lack the strength to hold newly aligned teeth in position.
What risks do removable retainer dentures have?
Risks of removable retainer dentures include: teeth shifting if not worn as directed, gum irritation, excess saliva or speech impairment when initially wearing, accidental swallowing if not removed before eating or sleeping, and breakage if exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is also critical with removable devices.
Are retainers only used at night?
No, retainers are not necessarily only used at night. Initially after braces, retainers may be worn full-time for a period before transitioning to primarily nighttime wear. Some types are designed for full-time wear. But nightly wear is important lifelong to maintain teeth positioning for most people after orthodontic treatment.
Should I get a night guard denture or retainer denture?
If you wear dentures and grind your teeth at night, a night guard denture would provide more protection than a retainer denture. Night guards are made from durable materials that can withstand the pressure from bruxism, while retainers are thinner and meant mainly to hold teeth in position.
For moderate to heavy teeth grinding, a custom night guard with a soft lining may offer an optimal combination of strength and comfort on your gums2. Overall, a night guard denture is better suited to protect your oral health if you have issues with nocturnal teeth grinding.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Signs that you grind your teeth at night include waking up with a sore or tired jaw, headaches, tooth sensitivity or pain, or excessive tooth wear. Your dentist may also notice cracked teeth, loose teeth, or flattening of tooth surfaces indicating bruxism. If your partner hears you grinding your teeth loudly at night, that is another clear sign. Getting evaluated and fitted for a night guard is the best way to both confirm teeth grinding and protect your oral health.
Will my dentist recommend a night guard or retainer?
If you have issues with teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), your dentist will likely recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth. Retainers are too thin and not durable enough for bruxism. If needed after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in position, your dentist may recommend wearing a retainer during the day and a night guard at night. The recommendation will depend on your specific dental needs.
Is one better than the other for protecting teeth?
Yes, night guards are better than retainers for protecting teeth from grinding, clenching, and associated damage. Night guards act as a barrier and cushion between upper and lower teeth, while retainers are meant mainly to passively hold teeth in position after orthodontics. For bruxism and its symptoms, a custom night guard is the most effective protective solution.
Can I wear both a night guard and retainer?
Your dentist may recommend alternating between wearing a night guard and retainer, but you should not combine wearing them at the same time. The night guard protects against bruxism while the retainer holds teeth position. Coordinate with your dentist to find the optimal schedule for wearing both a retainer and night guard if needed for your dental health.
What are the costs of night guard vs retainer dentures?
A night guard from a dentist typically costs between $300-$1000 depending on insurance coverage, while a custom-made retainer costs around $500 initially plus additional fees for adjustments over time. Over-the-counter night guards are cheaper at around $20 but may not fit properly.
Are custom night guards more expensive?
Yes, custom-made night guards that are molded specifically for your teeth are more expensive, with costs ranging from $175 from an online retailer to $1000 from your dentist. However they fit better and last longer than non-custom guards.
Do retainers cost more long-term with adjustments?
Retainers often require periodic adjustments and replacement over time to properly realign teeth, making them more expensive in the long run. One-time custom night guards don’t require as many adjustments so have lower long-term costs.
Does insurance cover any of the costs?
Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the costs for night guards and retainers, typically around 50%. But coverage varies widely by plan, with yearly or lifetime limits. Many plans provide little or no coverage for these devices.
Which is more affordable over time?
Custom-made night guards tend to be the more affordable option long-term compared to retainers. While retainers initially cost less, their ongoing adjustment fees make them more expensive over time than a one-time custom night guard.
How should night guards and retainers be cleaned and stored?
Night guards and retainers should be rinsed under warm water after each use to remove debris and plaque. Then brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. At least once a month, soak them in a denture cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to deep clean.
Always allow them to air dry completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Store night guards and retainers in their protective cases away from direct sunlight when not being worn. Keep them away from pets as well to prevent damage from chewing.
How often should you clean night guard dentures?
Night guard dentures should be rinsed under warm water every time they are removed to help clear away food debris and plaque. Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush is also recommended after each wear. For a deeper clean, denture cleaning tablets can be used or the dentures can be soaked in a solution of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide at least once a month.
Allowing the night guard dentures to air dry completely before storing is important to prevent bacterial growth. Daily cleaning and monthly deep cleaning will help keep night guard dentures fresh and prevent deterioration.
What is the best way to clean retainer dentures?
The best way to clean retainer dentures is to rinse under warm water after each wear. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently brush away any plaque or debris. At least monthly, deep clean by soaking in denture cleaning tablets, vinegar water, or a hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes. Always allow retainer dentures to air dry fully before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Proper daily and monthly cleaning will help retainer dentures last longer and prevent deterioration or permanent staining.
Where should you store the dentures when not in use?
When dentures are not being worn, they should be properly stored in their protective storage cases away from direct sunlight. Keeping them in a case prevents loss and protects them from damage. Denture cases also help prevent bacterial growth when they are not being worn.
Store denture cases in a clean, dry location like a bedroom or bathroom. Keep cases containing dentures out of reach from pets to avoid chewing damage. Proper storage in a case is essential for keeping dentures in good condition.
How long do these dentures typically last?
With proper daily and monthly cleaning and storage, custom-made dentures typically last 5-7 years on average before needing to be remade. However, taking excellent care by thoroughly cleaning after each wear, soaking in cleaning solutions monthly, allowing to fully air dry, and storing properly in a protective case can help dentures last upwards of 10 years or longer before needing replacement. Lack of consistent, thorough cleaning and improper storage can lead to faster breakdown and the need for remaking dentures much sooner.Â
Frequently Asked Question
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a removable dental appliance worn at night to protect teeth from grinding or clenching.
How is a night guard different from a retainer?
A night guard protects teeth from damage while a retainer holds teeth in position after braces.
Can you wear a night guard and retainer together?
No, you should not wear a night guard and retainer at the same time since they serve different functions.
Do night guards move teeth like retainers?
No, night guards shield teeth from grinding but do not shift or realign teeth like clear plastic retainers.
Are custom-made night guards more comfortable?
Yes, custom night guards made from dental impressions fit your teeth better for improved comfort over off-the-shelf versions.
Conclusion
While night guards and retainers may appear similar, they serve very different dental purposes. Night guards are worn at night to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. They are made from durable plastic and cover all teeth in the upper or lower arch. Retainers are used after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in position. They may be worn full-time or just at night.
The main differences come down to their structure and function. Night guards protect teeth from damage while retainers keep teeth aligned. Night guards should always be worn at night, but retainers can be worn during the day as well. While they may look alike, understanding the unique roles of each dental appliance will ensure you are using the right one to meet your oral health needs. Consult your dentist to determine if a night guard or retainer is best for your situation.
