Can I Wear a Night Guard If I Have a Permanent Retainer?

Quick Answer: Yes — you can safely wear a night guard with a permanent retainer. Night guards protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, while permanent retainers keep your teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment. With the right fit and care, these two devices work together to protect both your teeth and your orthodontic results.

👉 This article is part of our [Complete Guide to Custom Night Guards], where we cover everything from types of guards to how long they last and which one to choose.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom-made dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from bruxism (grinding and clenching) while you sleep.

✅ Acts as a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth
✅ Reduces enamel wear, chips, and fractures
✅ Relieves jaw tension, headaches, and TMJ discomfort

At Sentinel, we craft night guards from FDA-approved materials in our U.S. dental lab — the same quality you’d get from your dentist, but at a fraction of the price.

👉 Related: [Night Guard Types & Which to Choose]

What Is a Permanent Retainer?

A permanent (or fixed) retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, usually placed after braces or Invisalign®. Its job is to hold your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment and prevent relapse.

✔ Always in place — no compliance worries
✔ Invisible from the front
✔ Keeps alignment stable for years

The downside? Permanent retainers can be harder to clean around, so extra care is needed to prevent plaque buildup.

👉 Related: [Complete Guide to Dental Retainers]

Can You Wear a Night Guard With a Permanent Retainer?

Yes. Night guards are designed to fit over your teeth, while permanent retainers sit behind them. In most cases, they don’t interfere with each other. The key is making sure:

• Your retainer is securely bonded (not loose).

• Your impression or scan captures the retainer accurately.

• The lab knows you have a permanent retainer when designing your guard.

💡 At Sentinel, we’ve made thousands of guards for customers with permanent retainers — our technicians ensure the fit is snug, protective, and comfortable.

Taking Impressions With a Permanent Retainer

Worried about whether you can take an impression with a bonded wire? The good news is: yes, you can.

• If the wire is intact and secure → impressions or scans pick it up easily.

• If the wire is loose or broken → fix it at your orthodontist before ordering a night guard.

👉 Related: [How to Take a Dental Impression: Step-by-Step Guide]

Benefits of Wearing Both Devices

When used together, a permanent retainer and night guard provide double protection:

• Night guard → shields teeth from grinding, prevents chips, fractures, and TMJ pain.

• Permanent retainer → keeps your smile aligned, preventing orthodontic relapse.

The result? You protect your orthodontic results and your dental health at the same time.

📖 According to the American Dental Association (ADA), poorly fitting or damaged appliances can increase risks of tooth wear and misalignment. That’s why choosing a custom guard made to work with your retainer is so important.

Tips for Comfortable Wear

✔ Communicate with your lab/dentist → Let them know you have a permanent retainer so your guard is designed correctly.
✔ Check the fit → A proper night guard should feel snug but not press on the bonded wire.
✔ Maintain cleaning routines → Clean both the guard and around the retainer daily to prevent plaque.
✔ Avoid hard or sticky foods with your night guard in place to prevent damage.
✔ Schedule check-ins → If you feel pressure, discomfort, or changes in fit, consult your orthodontist or dentist.

👉 Related: [How to Sterilize Your Night Guard or Retainer]

Conclusion: Protecting Your Smile

So, can you wear a night guard with a permanent retainer? Absolutely. These two appliances work together: your retainer maintains alignment, while your night guard prevents grinding damage.

The key is a proper fit and consistent care. At Sentinel, we specialize in creating custom night guards that fit comfortably — even if you have a bonded retainer.

💚 Don’t let grinding undo your hard-earned orthodontic results.
👉 [Order your custom Sentinel night guard today] and protect your smile for the long run.