Mouthguards and retainers are commonly prescribed in dental practices for specific patients, depending on their needs.Some patients may be old, while others are children or teenagers. Since both are oral appliances, patients may wonder whether a mouthguard is the same as a retainer. Read this blog to find the difference between mouthguards and retainers.
Mouthguard vs. Retainer: What’s the Difference?
Here is a comparison between mouthguards and retainers:
Things to Know About Mouthguards
A mouthguard is worn over the teeth to protect against trauma, impact, or wear from grinding. Commonly prescribed for athletes or those who grind or clench at night (bruxism), these shields absorb force and prevent enamel or jaw issues.
Because mouthguards are designed for protection, they are usually made from stronger and more impact-resistant materials than retainers.
What You Need to Know About Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, a retainer helps stabilize teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and gums adapt. As the bone and gums stabilize, retainers prevent teeth from shifting after braces or aligners. Unlike a mouthguard, a retainer is designed to maintain your smile’s alignment.
How Does the Oral Appliance Work?
Retainers
- Designed to precisely fit your teeth and keep them in place.
- Wearing the retainer as directed allows the bone and gums to stabilize around the repositioned teeth.
- Preserves orthodontic investment and prevents relapse.
Mouthguard
- Mouthguards (sports guards) or night guards fit over the upper or lower teeth, creating a cushioning barrier to absorb impact or grinding forces.
- By absorbing force, night guards protect jaw joints and enamel.
What Are the Materials the Devices are Made of?
Retainer
- Retainers are typically either acrylic-and-wire (Hawley) or clear plastic (Essix) types, each designed for long-term stabilization.
- Lightweight and precisely sized to preserve alignment rather than provide heavy protection.
Mouthguard
- Mouthguards are usually made of thermoplastic materials like ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), designed to absorb and distribute impact forces.
- Built for strength, padding, and not just alignment.
What Are the Applications?
Mouthguards
- For safety during contact sports or high-impact events.
- For patients with bruxism, night guards prevent tooth wear, pain, or fracture.
- Support the jaw or TMJ for those who grind or clench.
Retainers
- Keep teeth’s position after orthodontic treatments using aligners or braces.
- Prevent teeth from returning to their original, misaligned positions.
- Maintain the advantages of pricey orthodontic treatments.
How Long to Wear?
Let’s clarify the recommended duration for wearing mouthguards and retainers based on their usage.
Mouthguards
- Usually worn during the activity or game, perhaps even during practice for sports guards.
- Wear every night until the underlying issue (such as grinding) is treated.
Retainers
- Most patients wear retainers full-time (around 20–22 hours daily) for the first few months after braces, then transition to nighttime wear as directed.
- Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers nightly long-term to maintain alignment.
When are Mouthguards and Retainers not Used?
Here are the circumstances where neither is necessary:
- Patients who have never undergone orthodontic treatment and have stable alignment may not need retainers.
- Individuals without bruxism or exposure to contact sports generally do not require a mouthguard.
- Anyone whose health or compliance issues keep them from using detachable appliances as instructed by their dentist.
The Final Message
Understanding differences in use, materials, and instructions for retainers and mouthguards helps you make informed dental choices.
Consult the dental experts at Nimmi Shine Dental for advice on the mouthguards and retainers. Call us today at (858) 999-8550 for an appointment.
