Thanks to our digital impressions (ITERO), and our 3D Printer (SPRINTRAY), we can make extremely accurate and strong custom Retainers, Night Guards and Sports Guards in our office.  These can be made on the same day as the impressions are taken if needed.  The digital impressions are more accurate than the traditional alginate material and a lot less messy.  After the impression is made, we send the digital file to our 3D printer to create your models.  3D models are also more accurate than the traditional stone models because they are not as prone to shrinking or expanding.  The retainer, night guard or sports guard is then made using these models.

What is the difference between a retainer and a night guard?

Retainers are used for several reasons, but the main reason is to maintain tooth positions.  Without retainers that hold teeth in their current position, teeth naturally want to shift and become crowded usually in the front teeth.  Even patients who have had braces or Invisalign still need retainers to keep teeth from drifting apart or going back to their crowded positions.  Our retainers are Invisalign style retainers meaning they are clear and are custom fitting retainers.  They cover the teeth completely down to the gumline.  After we finish Invisalign treatment for our patients we create these retainers so patients can wear them at night and keep their teeth straight.  Retainers can be especially helpful if a patient has acid reflux during the night as these retainers will help protect the teeth from acid exposure.  Another benefit of retainers is that they can help protect your teeth from light clenching and grinding.  However, they can wear down quickly if patients clench and grind their teeth at night to an extreme level.  This is when night guards are recommended.

Night Guards are thicker than retainers and are usually just worn on the top or the bottom teeth and not both.  Night Guards are generally used to protect teeth from the damaging effects of clenching and grinding.  It is important to note that they do not stop the clenching and grinding from happening. They simply eliminate direct contact of the teeth with each other, so they do not wear down or start to develop cracks.  Clenching and grinding can quickly destroy enamel which leads to shorter, sensitive teeth that are more prone to cavities.  When teeth are shorter and sensitive it makes doing fillings and crowns much harder.  Often times, headaches, and TMJ pain are associated with heavy clenching and grinding.  Night Guards can help alleviate this pain by relaxing the jaw muscles.  Patients with evidence of heavy clenching, grinding, and muscle or joint pain should get a night guard instead of retainers.

Sport Guards are used for protection from trauma to the teeth during impact sports and activities.  The material used for sports guards is usually less rigid and is rubbery to provide cushion against impact.

Give Chandler Dental a call today and reserve a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. We will walk you through the options and get you started on a retainer, night guard or sports guard!