Orthodontic info
I grind my teeth at night. Can I wear a night guard and my retainer at the same time?
No, not as a routine: the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says layering two separate devices "can alter your bite and is rarely recommended," and it advises asking your orthodontist before deciding which one to wear.
On this page
The answer has two halves: a custom night guard to protect the teeth, which the AAO says to ask your dentist about and the American Dental Association (ADA) says your dentist may recommend, and the retainer that holds them in place, which belongs to your orthodontist.
Why does grinding matter to an orthodontist?
Grinding is more than a tooth-wear problem: a 2023 Cochrane review on retention lists bruxism, or tooth grinding, among the factors that can cause teeth to move. The retention page of Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics says the right type of retainer depends on your treatment, habits and personal preferences, so grinding is worth raising with your orthodontist. For the other forces that move teeth after treatment, read what makes teeth shift after braces.
Can a night guard go on over a retainer?
Rarely, and not on your own: wearing a guard over a retainer is the layering the AAO says can alter your bite and is rarely recommended. The practice’s retention page asks patients with questions about a retainer not to wait to reach out, and a new night guard is one of those questions.
What is a dual-purpose retainer?
A dual-purpose retainer is what the AAO says many people who grind choose instead: "Many patients switch to a dual-purpose, custom hard-acrylic retainer that doubles as a protective night guard." The AAO also says clear retainers can act as a protective barrier for teeth grinding during sleep, but its FAQ answer on grinding names a specific custom design chosen with the orthodontist, not any retainer pressed into double duty. Whether a dual-purpose design suits your case is the orthodontist’s call; the retention page of Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics lists clear retainers and fixed (bonded) retainers. The two are compared on retainers and retention.
Who should I ask about a custom night guard?
Your dentist, according to both organizations: the AAO says someone who clenches or grinds at night should ask their dentist about a custom night guard, and the ADA says a custom guard is made from a special mold your dentist creates. Guards sold online and in stores, the ADA adds, "may not provide the same protection as a guard made just for you." If your dentist recommends a guard, ask your orthodontist which to wear before you start, as the AAO advises.
What does a night guard protect?
A night guard protects the teeth while you sleep, according to the ADA, and the AAO says cushioning the bite reduces enamel wear, gum recession and shifting caused by excess pressure. The ADA’s page on teeth grinding (opens in a new tab) also notes that dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to notice its signs, such as chipped or cracked teeth or worn, damaged spots along the edges of teeth.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What if a child who wears a retainer grinds at night?
Ask the family dentist about the grinding, as the ADA advises, and the orthodontist about the retainer. The ADA says children often grind their teeth, that because their teeth and jaws are growing quickly the habit does not always cause serious damage, and that many children outgrow it by adolescence.
Does grinding wear out a retainer faster?
We found no statement that it does in the AAO’s retainer guidance or the ADA’s page on grinding. The AAO does advise looking at a retainer regularly and contacting your orthodontist about cracks, distortion, damaged wires, sharp edges or a sudden change in fit.
Request a consultation
Tell us which office and who the visit is for, and we will call you back.