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Night guard or retainers?
Went to a dentist for night guards because I clench in sleep and wake up with headaches and jaw pain. But these look like retainers and my clenching has worsened after wearing these. What are these? Retainers or night guards? Wearing in upper and lower teeth, are exactly the shape of my teeth.
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These are night guards. Follow your dentist's instructions and practice stress relieving techniques beginning with exercise, medication and a healthy balanced diet.
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Good evening.
These are night guards and your dentist has initiated the correct treatment course. However, these guards are not the end solution for providing relief and will only help in preventing the heavy forces, that you subconsciously apply on your teeth, when you grind them together. These forces are enough to wear out causing sensitivity or even fracture your teeth.
Next Steps
If you are having severe clenching/night grinding also called bruxism, it could be stress and anxiety related. Hence try a bit of stress-management therapy (meditation or talk about it to someone- whatever works for you). That would help in the long run in breaking this habit.
Health Tips
For now, a muscle relaxant would help ease the morning soreness and pain. Although it is recommended best that you get it prescribed by your dentist.
Hoping that helps with your query.
Best wishes
Dr Arpita Dutta
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Hi mam
Retainers and night gaurds look same, but it differs in thickness. The one shown in pic, looks like night gaurd. These guards only protect your teeth from wearing out or attrited but it will not break your habits. Night grinding habits should be treated psychologically side by side .
Next Steps
Please consult your dentist and get counseling too mam . Please get some muscle relaxant for your Jaw pain.
Health Tips
Please practice some stress breaking habits. Once your stress level goes down, problem will be solved.
Hope this helps you
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.