Night Guard vs Retainer for Teeth Grinding: Pros & Cons

Just imagine yourself waking up after a good night’s sleep, only to experience headaches and sore jaws. Do you face similar circumstances often? If yes, then you must consider a proper dental guard for teeth grinding or bruxism treatment options.

You may think that all dental guard appliances are the same. This is simply not true. There are many types of dental guard appliances, including a night guard, a retainer, and a mouth guard, and each of them is used for different reasons in teeth grinding solutions.

In this blog, we are going to discuss the main differences between a night guard vs a mouth guard for teeth grinding so you can easily make the right decision for you. Now, let's get into the world of dental guard appliances!

Do All Dental Appliances Work Similarly?

People tend to think that all dental appliances, such as night guards and retainers, have similar functions and can be used interchangeably. However, these unique appliances serve different functions and offer various bruxism treatment options.

Night Guard

A night guard for teeth grinding, also called an occlusal splint, is a dental device designed specifically for use during the night. The night guard acts as a protective barrier for the teeth to prevent damage caused by bruxism (the reflexive clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep).

Bruxism can lead to many oral health issues, including worn-down teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders with symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort to the face.

A night guard can be a very useful tool to relieve the immediate effects of teeth grinding for a patient and provide long-term benefits to their oral health.

How a Night Guard Works

A night guard is typically worn over your lower or upper teeth at night. It prevents you from teeth clenching (bruxism). Made from either soft, hard, or dual-layer plastic, these guards act as a cushion between your teeth. This buffer absorbs pressure from grinding and clenching, helping to protect your enamel and reduce symptoms such as headaches, facial tension, and jaw discomfort.

By preventing direct contact between your upper and lower arches, a night guard minimizes friction and wear, especially for individuals dealing with moderate to severe bruxism.

Types of Night Guards

You can obtain various types of night guards depending on your night grinding or clenching frequency and needs. Some of these include:

Soft Night Guard

Night guards are usually made of an elastic ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material that allows for a better fit. They give you mild protection against grinding and clenching during sleep. If you have mild bruxism, you will generally use soft night guards. They help provide cushioning for your teeth and minimize tension in the jaw muscles, so they are easier to wear throughout the night.

Hard Night Guard

Hard night guards are made of quality acrylic materials and are made to last. They offer better protection and tend to be recommended for patients with severe bruxism. The rigidity of the guard helps to absorb the forces experienced from grinding so that significant wear cannot occur on the teeth. In addition, they may help to prevent the incidence of jaw problems and maintain dental alignment.

Hybrid Night Guard

The hybrid design includes a proprietary dual-layer design: a hard exterior combined with a soft interior. Research shows that bilaminar splints, or night guards, are proven to be one of the most effective night guards, mainly because they are very durable and retain wear against the encroaching pressures of sleep bruxism.

Typically, bilaminar splints consist of two layers: a softer layer providing comfort on the inside and a harder layer providing durability on the outside. The combination of these two layers allows them to withstand the repeated tendon loading of grinding and should work well for your patient struggling with bruxism. The hybrid night guard protects the wearer while still being comfortable, making it popular among those looking for a solution to their bruxism.

Pros and Cons of Night Guards for Teeth Grinding

Night guards have their own set of pros and cons, given below

Pros

• A night guard protects teeth from wear, fractures, and erosion caused by grinding or clenching.
• Alleviates strain on jaw muscles and joints, reducing pain, headaches, and clicking sounds.
• Minimizing grinding or clenching can help promote more restful sleep.
• Prevents the need for costly dental repairs like crowns, fillings, or implants.

Cons

• It may feel bulky or uncomfortable at first; it takes time to get used to wearing.
• It must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, or odors.
• Only manages symptoms of bruxism; doesn’t treat root causes like stress, misalignment, or sleep disorders.
• Nightguards can wear down over time and will need replacement every few months to a year.

What is a Retainer?

Retainers are a specialized orthodontic guard that holds your teeth in their desired location after being straightened. Its purpose is to hold your new smile after your teeth have moved to their new location. These are made from durable (Acrylic) thermoplastic materials.

Depending on your dentist or orthodontist’s advice, you may need to wear your retainer during the day, at night, or both. To get the most out of your orthodontic treatment results, you will need to wear a retainer for the suggested time, which is usually somewhere between 6 - 12 months. This will protect your investment in orthodontic treatment and help maintain your results for the long run.

Regular retainer use is key to ensuring long-term stability and preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment.

Types of Retainers

There are two categories of retainers that you can obtain for your orthodontic teeth therapy. These include:

Non-Removable (Permanent) Retainers

These are made of sturdy metal or nickel and are securely attached to the back of your teeth and can not be removed to eat, drink, brush, or floss. You might need to visit your dentist for any issues like breakage, repair, or loosening.

Removable Retainers

As the name itself suggests, these retainers can be removed and are further divided into two categories, including:

Hawley Retainer

These consist of metal wire that goes along your teeth arch with an acrylic plastic base. These retainers can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. However, they require adjustments by your dentist to provide superior results.

Clear Plastic Retainers

They are made from flexible BPA-free materials. You get to have your beautiful new smile with a retainer that won't interfere with your day-to-day life! These retainers are removable and are a necessary part in making sure your newly aligned teeth stay aligned. You can work toward getting one from a trusted brand like Aligner32.

Pros and Cons of Retainers for Teeth Grinding

Here are some pros and cons of retainers

Pros

• Retainers help preserve the alignment of teeth post-orthodontic treatment.
• Custom-fit retainers are generally comfortable to wear.

Cons

• Constant grinding may crack or wear down retainers quickly.
• Unlike night guards, they don’t absorb grinding force effectively.
• Using retainers instead of night guards for bruxism can worsen symptoms.

Primary Differences Between Retainer and Night Guard

Some of the primary key differences between dental guard appliances that set them apart include: