Retainers, Night Guards & Sports Guards Upper Westside Manhattan

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Retainers

After the active orthodontic treatment period is complete and your braces have been removed, you will be given a retainer. This marks the beginning of the retention phase, during which a retainer is used to hold teeth in their new positions while the jawbone, gums and muscles adapt. You must wear the retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may revert to their former positions, and the benefits of having had braces will be lost.

When to Wear Your Retainer

Wear your retainer at all times, even while you are sleeping, with the following exceptions: The retainer may be removed for eating, swimming, and vigorous sporting activities.

Pain and Soreness

The retainer may make your teeth sore and you may even find that your speech is slightly altered for a few days. This is normal with a new retainer or after an adjustment and will resolve on its own. If you develop a sore spot on your gums, call our office so that we can adjust the retainer for better comfort.

Cleaning Your Retainer

Brush your retainer daily with a separate, EXTRA-SOFT toothbrush & liquid hand soap.  DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE, as this is abrasive and can wear down the retainer material. If needed, denture cleaner can be used for a more thorough cleaning weekly.  Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it. If you feel that it needs sterilization, bring it to the office so that we can properly disinfect it for you.
If you have a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, make sure to clean it as well when brushing your teeth.  During your check-ups, we will review how to clean this bonded retainer to avoid buildup and gum bleeding. 

How to Keep Your Retainer Safe

Because the retainer is removable, it can be taken out for convenience during meals and for cleaning. However, careful care should be taken not to lose your retainer. When eating meals, be sure to keep it in its case for safety. Never wrap the retainer in a napkin or store it in your pocket. Keep it away from dogs and cats, as they love to chew on these appliances. Please note: an additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken retainers.

Treatment Time

Retainer treatment time varies by patient. Some may even require permanent retention to keep teeth aligned properly. We will discuss this as part of your overall treatment plan.

Remember, your retainer can only work when you are wearing it! Please give us a call if you have any questions about retainer use or replacement.

NIGHT GUARDS

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night guard can help protect your smile and prevent long-term damage. At our Upper West Side dental office, we provide comfortable, custom-fit night guards for patients of all ages.

Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is very common and often happens during sleep. Over time, it can lead to worn or chipped teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even problems with the jaw joint (TMJ).

How do night guards help?

A night guard is worn while you sleep and acts as a gentle cushion between your teeth. It helps to:

• Protect teeth from grinding and clenching
• Reduce jaw tension and discomfort
• Prevent headaches related to nighttime grinding
• Protect dental work like fillings, crowns, or orthodontic appliances

Custom night guards on the Upper West Side

We design custom night guards to fit your bite perfectly, making them:

• More comfortable than store-bought options
• Store-bought options can actually wear down your teeth and change your bite – causing chewing problems and pain
• Easy to wear throughout the night

Our process is simple and family-friendly—we take precise measurements and create a guard that’s tailored just for you.

Are night guards right for you?

If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or notice signs of wear on your teeth, a night guard may be a great solution. We’re happy to evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best option for your smile.

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SPORTS GUARDS

Protect your smile during sports with a custom sports mouth guard. At our Upper West Side dental office, we provide high-quality mouth guards for children, teens, and adults to help prevent dental injuries during athletic activities.

Whether you play contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey—or non-contact sports like skateboarding—a properly fitted sports guard is one of the best ways to keep your teeth safe.

Why are sports mouth guards important?

A sports mouth guard helps:

• Protect teeth from chips, fractures, and knockouts
• Reduce the risk of lip, cheek, and tongue injuries
• Absorb impact during falls or collisions
• Help protect braces and other dental appliances

Custom sports guards vs. store-bought

While over-the-counter mouth guards are available, a custom sports mouth guard from your dentist offers:

• A precise, comfortable fit
• Better protection and shock absorption
• Easier breathing and speaking during play
• Less bulk compared to boil-and-bite options

Sports guards for kids and teens

Children and teens are especially at risk for dental injuries during sports. A custom-fit guard ensures growing smiles stay protected—whether they have baby teeth, permanent teeth, or braces.

Get a sports mouth guard in the Upper West Side

Our team makes the process simple and comfortable. We take a quick impression or digital scan and create a durable, custom-fit guard designed for your sport and level of activity.