Nightguard vs Retainer for Teeth Grinding

Reviewed by  Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

Buy Nightguard

Your Custom Nightguard

Traditionally, nightguards have been bulky, uncomfortable, and hard to mold.
Fit your CustMbite nightguard in a few simple steps!
Find out what CustMbite Nightguard is right for you
1 out of 6
Designed by dentists with your
smile and comfort in mind
NIGHTGUARDS AND RETAINERS—ARE THEY INTERCHANGEABLE?

At first glance, it might seem like nightguards and retainers are virtually identical. Both are essentially pieces of plastic that go inside your mouth while you sleep. However, there are actually quite a few differences between these oral appliances, and you should be aware of these differences if you're trying to address serious issues like bruxism (also known simply as “teeth grinding”). The truth is that if you pick the wrong device for the job at hand, your issues could become significantly worse.

Fortunately, choosing the best oral appliances is easy when you select from the wide range of options provided by CustMbite. These products are the result of painstaking research by dentists with decades of experience, and all mouthguards sold by CustMbite are made right here in the United States. Better yet, certain CustMbite mouthguards are specifically designed to address certain issues, like bruxism and TMJ disorder.

Buy Now
Nightguard vs. Retainer: What are They Used For?

The most obvious difference between these two devices is their intended use. If you're simply trying to keep your teeth aligned, you need a retainer. For grinding teeth, you should instead choose a mouthguard. This is because you can purchase mouthguards that are specifically designed to protect teeth from grinding damage. On the other hand, a retainer just isn't intended to be used in that manner. In fact, the term “retainer for teeth grinding” is a bit of a misnomer, since a retainer offers virtually zero protection against the adverse effects of bruxism.

Nightguards may also be used for snoring. A prime example of this is the CustMbite Snore Relief Mouthpiece, which addresses the root cause of snoring by guiding your tongue away from your airway. With the airway clear, it becomes much easier to breathe clearly and avoid snoring. The CustMbite Snore Relief Mouthpiece can also protect your teeth against grinding damage as an added bonus.

 

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T USE A RETAINER FOR TEETH GRINDING

Retainers are generally made from hard plastic. In contrast, products like the CustMbite Nightguard uses Vistamaxx material to achieve a lightweight, flexible, and softer feel. This means that a nightguard that is specifically designed to address bruxism is typically much more comfortable. In fact, you can wear CustMbite Nightguards while eating, drinking, and talking. Many individuals forget that they're even wearing these low-profile oral appliances as they drift off to sleep. On the other hand, a retainer can be an annoying presence in your mouth that leads to sleep disturbances.

A Retainer for Grinding Teeth is Not Customizable

In addition, you should know that if you want to use a retainer for teeth grinding, you're going to miss out on a number of customization options. Because of how CustMbite products are designed, you can mold them to fit your oral cavity once you receive your device. Not only that, but you can continue to reshape your device multiple times, which is useful for children who are growing new teeth – or for those with TMJ disorder that are slowly re-aligning their jaws.

$49.95

Buy Now
WHAT KIND OF FEATURES DOES A CUSTMBITE MOUTHGUARD OFFER?

A mouthguard for bruxism offers additional features that protect your teeth from grinding damage. For example, the CustMbite Hard Surface Nightguard provides you with a dependable hard surface layer that prevents your teeth from grinding against each other. However, it does not lock your jaw into place, and you can still move your teeth around in a comfortable, natural manner. This means that a mouthguard can not only be more comfortable than a retainer, but it can also be much more effective in the fight against bruxism.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ALTERNATIVES TO A RETAINER FOR TEETH GRINDING?

By now, you should be aware that the solution for bruxism is not to purchase a retainer for teeth grinding. Instead, consider the various solutions offered by CustMbite:

  • The CustMbite Nightguard: The CustMbite Nightguard is an obvious choice for anyone struggling with bruxism or TMJ disorder. With a dependable yet flexible Vistamaxx frame and extensive customization options, you can strive for the best possible results and protect your teeth from grinding damage.
  • The CustMbite Hard Surface Nightguard: If you want to go one step further, reach for the CustMbite Hard Surface Nightguard. This upgraded option provides a hard surface layer for additional protection from bruxism, making this an ideal choice for anyone who urgently needs to address this problem before it gets out of hand.
  • The CustMbite Snore Relief Mouthpiece: Finally, you might want to consider the CustMbite Snore Relief Mouthpiece if you want to kill two birds with one stone. This oral appliance can help you address snoring while also protecting your teeth against grinding damage.
Buy Nightguard
WHERE CAN I GET AN ALTERNATIVE TO A RETAINER FOR GRINDING TEETH?

Don't mess around trying to find a retainer for grinding teeth. Instead, visit CustMbite and grab a real solution. With innovative materials and a focus on comfort, these products can address bruxism in a meaningful way, allowing you to get more sleep and protect your teeth from damage. Grab yours today.

Logo list

Your comfort is our highest priority.

 

Sleep comfortably with CustMbite. Bruxism and TMJ disorder, both often caused by teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, can cause many problems, including jaw discomfort, headaches, and sleep disruption.

 

With CustMbite, you can rest assured knowing that our nightguard was created specifically with your comfort in mind. Our patented Vistamaxx™ material will provide a snug and secure fit to your teeth, so not only will they be protected from grinding and clenching, you'll also sleep comfortable every night.

 

Buy Nightguard

Reviewed by:

Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

Monroe Elkin got a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy at Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York. He then earned a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the University of Rutgers School of Dentistry in Newark New Jersey. Dr. Elkin owned and operated his own dental practices for 29 years where he specialized in treating oral injuries for athletes, fabricated custom fitted mouth guards and performed both general and trauma dentistry for athletes at Wagner College as dentist for the athletic department. He also performed cosmetic dentistry including implants, crown and bridges, bonding and endodontics. Dr. Elkin has been a part of 3 publications and has held various positions volunteering for organizations that are about sports dentistry and oral care.