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Are constant headaches and jaw pains disturbing your sleep schedule? TMJ can impact your lifestyle, and you must address it instantly. Due to the presence of varied dental gadgets, you must be wondering which dental device can be the best pick for you. Here is a complete guide on retainers vs. night guards for you to understand both devices in depth. By the end of the guide, you will be able to know which dental gadget is better for any of the TMJ disorders.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint is situated on both sides of the jaw, connecting the jawbone to the skull. As a result, chewing, talking, and yawning are possible. Temporomandibular joint disorders occur when the joint is under stress due to teeth grinding and clenching or due to some tooth misalignments. With the advancements in the field of dentistry, individuals facing any TMJ disorders can overcome the situation by simply wearing a dental appliance.
What are Retainers?
Retainers are the orthodontic devices primarily used to retain the alignment of teeth. After getting your teeth straightened with braces or aligners, your dentist will recommend wearing retainers as post-treatment care. Even after the successful completion of your straightening journey, there is still a chance of an orthodontic relapse. Retainers help to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position.
Types of Retainers
There are different types of retainers that you can opt for depending on the severity of your case along with personal preference.
Removable Retainers
This type of retainer includes Hawley retainers and clear retainers. Hawley retainers consist of a metal wire attached to a plastic or acrylic base. On the other hand, clear retainers are composed of transparent plastic. Removable retainers are widely preferred among individuals due to the features they withhold: removable and easy to maintain.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are bonded on the back side of the lower teeth. They include metallic brackets and wires that make them more effective. Compared to removable retainers, fixed ones are hard to maintain, and individuals often have a hard time keeping up with their oral hygiene or even impact speech sometimes.
Retainers for TMJ
Retainers are an essential element for post-orthodontic care. They are designed for teeth retention post-straightening. However, they may help alleviate some of the symptoms of TMJ. Here’s how they might help you overcome TMJ disorders.
Stabilize Teeth
By keeping teeth in perfect alignment, retainers can help reduce the tension and stress on jaw muscles and joints. On the other hand, misaligned teeth can lead to additional stress and tension on the jaw muscles while chewing or biting.
What are Night Guards?
Night Guards are dental devices that are used to protect teeth from the effects of bruxism. Bruxism includes clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep. Dental guards are worn on both arches of the teeth to prevent them from grinding together. Consistent grinding and clenching of teeth can lead to enamel damage, wear and tear, or cause stress to the TMJ. Usually, night guards are recommended to individuals facing TMJ disorders, particularly due to bruxism.
Night Guards for TMJ
Night Guards can be helpful for TMJ disorders in the following ways:
Prevent Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding and clenching are common concerns. A night guard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower arch, ultimately protecting them from grinding and clenching their teeth.
Muscle Relaxation
By preventing teeth from grinding, jaw muscles will be relaxed, relieving tension and protecting you from TMJ disorders.
Retainers vs. Night Guards: Better Pick for TMJ Treatment
| Features | Night Guard | Retainers |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect teeth from grinding and clenching | Teeth retention after teeth straightening |
| Effectivity for TMJ | Highly effective for Bruxism | Can treat mild TMJ disorder symptoms related to teeth alignment |
| Types | Soft, hard, and hybrid | Fixed and Removable |
| Custom-made | Yes | Yes |
ALIGNERCO Night Guards
ALGNERCO offers premium dental care at the most affordable prices. Bruxism can have varied side effects, impacting your sleep schedule or damaging your tooth enamel. Wearing a dental night guard is important to get your teeth grinding and clenching addressed. ALIGNERCO Night Guards offer the best custom-fit protectors for you to have a peaceful and grind-free sleep.
Types of Night Guards
ALIGNERCO offers custom-fit Night Guards in varied thickness options as follows:
Soft Night Guard
Our soft night guard is made with 3mm EVA plastic, ideal for mild to moderate teeth grinding.
Hard Night Guard
Crafted with 2mm PTEG material, the hard night guard is perfect for those with severe teeth-grinding issues.
Hybrid Night Guard
A dual-layered hybrid night guard has a soft interior and hard exterior with two thickness options, including the 1mm option for mild clenching and the 2mm variant for severe teeth grinding.
Why Choose ALIGNERCO Night Guards?
Here is why you should opt for ALIGNERCO Night Guards without having a second thought.
Tailored Customization
ALIGNERCO offers custom-made dental night guards that offer a comfortable fit.
Quality Materials
ALIGNERCO Night Guards are composed of BPA-free materials, safe to use for everyone.
Affordable
Secure your teeth without breaking the bank with ALIGNERCO budget-friendly night guard options.
Free Shipping
Our customers can get their dental gadgets at their homes with free shipping.
How to Order ALIGNERCO Night Guard?
Here are the three simple steps on how it works at ALIGNERCO to get your custom-made night guard.
1. Place Your Order
Start by ordering our Night Guard kit and receive the impressions kit at home.
2. Create Your Impressions
Create your impressions by following the guidelines mentioned in the kit and send them back to us.
3. Receive Your Device
Get your custom-made night guard at home crafted according to your dental structure.
Recap
Retainers and Night Guards are both dental gadgets used for different purposes. Retainers are used for post-treatment care for any of the teeth straightening treatments, braces, or aligners. On the other hand, night guards are used to help individuals suffering from bruxism. When it comes to TMJ disorders, dental night guards are preferred over retainers. ALIGNERCO offers custom-made night guards that help prevent teeth grinding and clenching to overcome TMJ disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of a night guard?
A night guard is a dental device that acts as a barrier between both the upper and lower arch of the teeth. It is helpful for individuals with teeth grinding and clenching issues.
2. What are the types of night guards?
A night guard comes in three different types: soft, hard, and hybrid. You can find a perfect fit depending on your requirements and after consulting your dentist.
3. Is a night guard helpful for TMJ disorders?
Yes, night guards help with teeth grinding and clenching, which eventually helps to relax jaw muscles, preventing them from developing TMJ disorders.
4. Retainers vs. Night Guards: What should I use for TMJ?
Retainers are used to retain the alignment of your teeth, whereas a night guard is preferred for TMJ as it helps alleviate the grinding and clenching of teeth.
5. Is ALIGNERCO Night Guard safe to use?
Yes, ALIGNERCO provides custom-made night guards that are safe for usage. They are composed of BPA-free materials to overcome bruxism.
