Night Guards & Retainers

Night guards are one of the most common types of oral appliances. Sleeping with a night guard or splint is usually recommended if you are someone who clenches and grinds your teeth (we call this condition “bruxism.”) They are meant to help protect your teeth, gums, tongue, TMJ and surrounding muscles from unnecessary tension.

A teeth retainer is a custom-made device you wear in your mouth over your teeth. It helps keep your teeth in their new, correct position after braces. Everyday habits like chewing and grinding apply forces to your teeth and can move them. Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in the correct place, so they don’t move. Think of it this way: Braces straighten your teeth, but your retainer keeps them that way. They help your teeth “retain” their position.

Related Procedures

Types of Night Guards Types of Retainers Types of Mouthguards Care Following Orthodontics – Retainers Does Your Child Grind His or Her Teeth at Night?

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