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Dental Retainers, Night Guards and Mouthguards

Dental Retainers, Night Guards and Mouthguards

Your teeth are essential to your overall health and nutrition, so it’s important to protect them! Retainers and mouthguards are two great ways to safeguard your teeth from shifting and damage. Gone are those bulky, uncomfortable retainers of the past; with today’s modern retainers and mouthguards, you can have a comfortable fit that won’t interfere with your daily life. 

If you are looking for a mouthguard or dental retainer in Greeley, CO, we have you covered. Using the latest Dentsply technology, Dr. Baughman and his staff will make sure your experience is great from start to finish. If you are searching for a dentist near me, contact Clearwater Dentistry at (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form.

Removable Dental Retainers

A retainer’s main job is to keep your teeth in their desired position after your orthodontic treatment is complete. It prevents the teeth from shifting out of alignment and helps maintain your beautiful smile. They also help to prevent overbite or underbite problems that may occur after orthodontics without wearing a retainer. Come in and see how our discreet, custom-fit removable retainers can help keep your teeth in their desired position without having to wear a fixed bar retainer or traditional Hawley retainers from years ago. 

Why Wearing a Retainer Is Important

Orthodontics is a big investment. As such, it’s important to take care of your teeth and keep them in the right positions long-term. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, your teeth naturally want to shift back into their original positions. If you don’t wear an orthodontic retainer, you may not notice your teeth shifting for a few weeks or even months after you’ve stopped wearing your braces. Wearing a retainer ensures that your teeth will stay in their new and improved positions, helping maintain the smile you worked so hard to achieve. 

It is best to wear your retainer at least 22 hours per day for the first 6 months following orthodontic treatment and at night while sleeping thereafter. You should not wear your retainers while eating. It is best to floss and brush your teeth before putting retainers back in to avoid increasing your risk of developing cavities. 

Removable Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are used when baby or permanent teeth are lost prematurely. For baby teeth that are lost prematurely, a space maintainer will help preserve space for the permanent tooth to erupt and move in the proper position. For permanent teeth that are lost prematurely, a space maintainer will preserve adequate space for a permanent tooth replacement, such as an implant or bridge. A space maintainer is easy to wear and should not interfere with your everyday activities. Space maintainers are a great way to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and in the right position for future natural teeth to erupt or tooth replacement. 

In 2 easy steps, the space maintainer can be fitted and adjusted to ensure it fits comfortably and securely in your little one’s mouth.

  1. At the first appointment, our dental team will take an impression or scan of the teeth to fabricate a custom space maintainer.
  2. On the second visit, we will seat the space maintainer and ensure it fits comfortably. We’ll make any necessary adjustments to guarantee a perfect fit. 

It is best to wear your space maintainer at least 12 hours per day until the natural tooth erupts or tooth replacement is completed. You should not wear your retainers while eating. It is best to floss and brush your teeth before putting retainers back in to avoid increasing your risk of developing cavities. 

Occlusal Guards (Night Guards)

A night guard or occlusal guard is a custom-made plastic appliance that fits over the arch of teeth to protect them from grinding and/or clenching (bruxism). If you notice any pain in your jaw joints, headaches, pain or soreness on the side of the face, neck aches, or worn teeth, it is important to seek treatment immediately. These symptoms can lead to more serious issues such as severe headache pain, TMJ pain, tooth wear or fracture, failure or breakage of restorations, and periodontal disease. 

Bruxism can worsen a pre-existing condition of periodontal disease, making the gums and bone inflamed, increasing mobility of teeth, and accelerating further bone loss around teeth. The combined tension on the periodontium and abfraction from clenching and grinding your teeth at night can harm a tooth’s supporting tissue, deepen periodontal pockets beneath the gum line and loosen teeth. 

It is best to wear your occlusal guard primarily at night, but you may also wear the appliance throughout the day if you exhibit signs that you are clenching or grinding. 

Athletic Mouthguards

Do you play sports or participate in activities that could cause trauma to your mouth? Athletes of all ages should wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from damage. Broken teeth are costly, painful, and easy to prevent. A custom-fitted mouthguard is designed specifically for you, providing maximum protection and comfort. A mouthguard should be worn when performing high-impact activities such as basketball, football, baseball, hockey, weightlifting, and even skateboarding!

Don’t compromise your smile by not wearing a mouthguard; contact us today to find out how we can provide optimal protection for your teeth. We will show you the difference between our custom mouthguard and a pre-made mouthguard from the store. Your teeth will thank you!

The Retainer and Guard Process

At your appointment, Dr. Baughman will take a 3D impression of your teeth using the Dentsply Primescan intraoral scanner. The 3D scan allows us to create a precise model of your mouth and ensure the retainer or mouthguard fits perfectly. The SprintRay 3D printer will then be used to create the retainer or mouthguard, giving you a perfect fit and protecting your precious teeth. 

How To Care for Your Retainer or Mouthguard

A little extra care is needed to ensure your retainer or mouthguard lasts. After use, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap to brush the appliance and remove any debris. Once per week, it is best to soak your retainer or mouthguard in Retainer Brite or with a denture cleansing tablet for at least 15 minutes to help disinfect the appliance. 

Additionally, when not wearing your appliance, you should keep it in the case provided to prevent pets from chewing it up and prevent throwing it in the garbage. Do not use hot water to clean your guard, as this may cause the plastic to warp and not fit properly. Additionally, never store your guard in hot areas such as a car dashboard on a hot day, as this may also cause it to warp.

Protect Your Teeth!

We care about your dental health. Whether you need a retainer, space maintainer, or mouthguard, we have the latest technology to help you keep your teeth safe and secure. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

For the best dentist in Greeley, Johnstown, or Evans, CO, contact Clearwater Dentistry at (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form. We are here to help you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.

Summary

  • Retainers and mouthguards safeguard your teeth from shifting and damage.
  • A retainer’s main job is to keep your teeth in their desired position after your orthodontic treatment is complete.
  • If you don’t wear an orthodontic retainer, you may not notice your teeth shifting for a few weeks or even months after you’ve stopped wearing your braces.
  • Space maintainers are used when baby or permanent teeth are lost prematurely. 
  • For permanent teeth that are lost prematurely, a space maintainer will preserve adequate space for a permanent tooth replacement, such as an implant or bridge.
  • A night guard or occlusal guard is a custom-made plastic appliance that fits over the arch of teeth to protect them from grinding and/or clenching (bruxism).
  • Athletes of all ages should wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Retainers Covered by Dental Insurance?

Retainers are usually not covered under dental insurance; however, most plans offer an orthodontic benefit that can be used to cover the cost of a retainer. We can help you find out if your plan includes an orthodontic benefit. 

What Is the Difference Between a Retainer and a Mouthguard?

Retainers and mouthguards serve different purposes. A retainer helps maintain your teeth in their new, corrected positions after braces or other orthodontic treatment, while a mouthguard is specifically designed to protect your teeth from damage while playing sports or engaging in other activities.

Do I Need To Wear a Removable Retainer Forever?

As a general statement, yes. Not wearing retainers will allow your teeth to slowly move back to their original position over time. The longer you wear your retainers (5+ years) following completion of your orthodontic treatment, the more resistant they will be to returning to their original position. How often you need to wear it may vary depending on the severity of your case and the type of orthodontic treatment you received. We will provide you with specific instructions for wearing your retainer during your follow-up visits.

Can a Mouthguard Cause Gum Recession?

No, properly fitting and cared-for mouthguards should not cause gum recession. If you experience any changes in your gums, please contact us right away.

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