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Retainers for Grinders

Retainers for teeth grinders serve a dual purpose: 

  1. They help maintain the alignment of teeth after orthodontic treatment and
  2. Protect against the damaging effects of bruxism or teeth grinding. 


Retainers designed for teeth grinders are specially crafted to withstand the forces exerted during grinding and provide a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It is cheaper and less painful to replace worn out retainers than repair damaged teeth!

Harmful effects of Bruxism

  1. Tooth sensitivity
  2. Jaw joint pain
  3. Jaw muscle pain and spasms
  4. Limited mouth opening
  5. Cracked or fractured teeth
  6. Worn enamel and shorter teeth with time
  7. Shorter teeth result in loss of facial height and a shorter face.
Retainers for grinders harmful effects

Types of retainers for teeth grinders:

Hard Acrylic Retainers:

Hard Acrylic Retainers

These retainers are made of rigid acrylic material and cover the biting surfaces of the teeth. Hard acrylic retainers are durable and effective at preventing tooth wear caused by grinding. They are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth and are typically worn at night to protect against nocturnal bruxism.

Pros of Hard Night Guards:

  • Very thick and can last a long time


Cons of Hard Night Guards: 

  • Difficult to get used to due to the thickness, weight and mouth propped open
  • Bad for patients with sensitive gag reflex.
  • Harder to clean the night splint
  • May make loud ‘squeaky’ noises during grinding

Soft Night Guards:

Soft Night Guards

Soft night guards are made of flexible materials such as silicone or thermoplastic. They are comfortable to wear and provide cushioning between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the impact of grinding. Soft night guards are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate bruxism and can be custom-made or purchased over the counter.

Pros of Soft Night Guards:

  • Thicker than regular clear retainer
  • Easier to get used to than Hard Acrylic retainer


Cons of Soft Night Guards: 

  • Not suitable for patients who clench;
  • Bad if you have a sensitive gag reflex.
  • Severe grinders will still destroy the soft night guard quite quickly.

Vivera Retainers:

Thin and hard clear retainers made by the Invisalign Company.
Bite ramps maybe incorporated to the palatal (behind) the upper front teeth to reduce the grinding load on the back teeth at night. 
30% harder than other clear retainers.

Pros: 

  • The toughest, clear retainer material available
  • Thin and comfortable
  • Laser-cut to the gum line and often used as whitening trays
  • Comes in 3 sets to last a long time for grinders. 


Cons: 

  • It’s not as tough as Acrylic Hard Retainers but way more comfortable.

Conclusion

It’s crucial for individuals who grind their teeth to consult with our dentist or orthodontist to determine the most suitable type of retainer based on the severity of their bruxism, dental anatomy, and treatment goals. Properly fitted retainers can help alleviate symptoms of bruxism, preserve dental health, and prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding structures. Regular dental check-ups and adjustments may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness and comfort of the retainer over time.

Related topics

Types of Orthodontic Retainers

Types of Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic retainers are crucial components of post-treatment care, maintaining the results achieved through braces or aligners by preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions (relapse).

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