If you’ve ever found yourself confused between night guards, retainers, and sports mouthguards—you’re not alone. While each type of dental protection serves a purpose, only one is designed to help with nighttime teeth grinding.
In this article, we break down the key differences between clear night guards and other dental protection options, so you can decide what’s right for your needs (and your smile).
At first glance, boil-and-bite guards may seem like an easy fix. They’re affordable, available at most drugstores, and mold to your mouth in just minutes.
But here's the reality:
| Feature | Boil-and-Bite Guard | Clear Custom Night Guard (e.g., NewSmile) |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Loose or bulky | Precision fit made from your dental impression |
| Comfort | Often uncomfortable | Snug and low-profile for all-night wear |
| Lifespan | Wears down quickly | Long-lasting with proper care |
| Protection Level | Basic | Dentist-level protection |
Verdict: If you only grind occasionally, boil-and-bite may be okay. But if you're a consistent grinder, a custom clear guard—like those offered by NewSmile—offers superior comfort and protection worth investing in.
Retainers are often used after orthodontic treatment to keep teeth aligned. They are not designed to absorb the pressure caused by grinding or clenching.
Key Differences:
Material: Retainers are thinner and more rigid than night guards.
Purpose: Retainers maintain tooth alignment, while night guards cushion teeth and prevent damage.
Durability: Night guards are made to withstand consistent pressure; retainers can crack or deform under grinding.
Bottom line: Wearing a retainer instead of a night guard for grinding may damage your retainer—and your teeth.
A sports mouthguard is a completely different tool. It’s thicker and bulkier, built to protect your teeth from sudden impact—not repetitive stress.
When to use a sports mouthguard:
During contact sports (like hockey, football, or boxing)
To prevent injury from accidental hits or falls
When not to use a sports mouthguard:
While sleeping
To treat teeth grinding or TMJ issues
Night guards are built for long wear during sleep, with comfort in mind—especially clear night guards that are custom-made to fit seamlessly against your teeth.
Most dentists recommend custom night guards for patients who grind their teeth at night (bruxism) or experience jaw tension from clenching.
Why? Because they:
Are crafted to your bite for optimal protection
Prevent long-term damage to enamel, fillings, and dental work
Reduce jaw strain, headaches, and TMJ-related symptoms
The downside? Traditional dentist-made night guards can cost $400–$800+. That’s why more people are turning to trusted at-home providers like NewSmile, which delivers dentist-quality clear night guards at a fraction of the cost—and without the need for in-office visits.
Choosing the right dental protection depends on why you need it.
🛏️ Grinding or clenching? → Go with a custom clear night guard
😬 Just had braces removed? → Stick with a retainer
🥊 Play contact sports? → Use a sports mouthguard
If you're waking up with jaw pain or tooth sensitivity, it’s time to look into a night guard. A custom-fit, clear option—like NewSmile’s night guard—can help you sleep peacefully and protect your teeth long-term.
Explore more at NewSmile — and take the first step toward protecting your smile, night after night.
