Introduction – lacrosse is a fast-paced, contact sport that can lead to mouth injuries for players with braces if unprotected
Playing lacrosse with braces can be risky business. The fast-paced, full-contact nature of the sport means there’s always a chance for sticks, balls, and other equipment to make contact with your mouth and cause injury to your braces. Getting hit in the mouth when you have braces can lead to a number of problems, from damaged wires and brackets that need repair to actual harm to your teeth and gums. This is why wearing a specialized mouthguard is so important for lacrosse players with braces.
A proper mouthguard acts as a shield, protecting your braces and mouth from impact. It cushions blows that could otherwise bend the wires or break the brackets on your braces. A mouthguard also minimizes the risk of the braces themselves damaging your lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Wearing a mouthguard is an absolute must for safe play on the lacrosse field.
But not just any mouthguard will do if you have braces. You need one specially designed to accommodate orthodontic hardware. The best lacrosse mouthguards for braces have a few key features that set them apart from standard guards.
Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard
One of the top mouthguards for lacrosse players with braces is the Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard. This innovative guard has a special triple-layer design to provide unmatched protection.
The inner soft gel layer ensures the mouthguard comfortably fits around braces for a custom feel. Unlike harder, single-layer guards, this gel layer cushions orthodontic hardware to enhance comfort and prevent rubbing.
The middle layer of firm, resilient material gives the guard its protective structure. This premium polymer absorbs shock upon impact, shielding your mouth from harm.
Finally, the BPA-free outer shell is integrated for durability and fit. It won’t tear from biting down like some softer guards can.
Together, these three layers provide a braces mouthguard with unbeatable shock absorption. The advanced shock-flow technology makes this guard ideal for contact sports where impacts to the mouth are likely, like lacrosse.
The Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard comes in junior and adult sizes so players of all ages can benefit from its superior protection. It’s available in three colors: blue, green, and pink.
SISU Aero Braces Mouthguard
The SISU Aero Braces Mouthguard provides a more streamlined and lightweight option. With its thin yet strong design, it allows for easy breathing, drinking, and communication during play.
This innovative mouthguard is custom-fit to your braces thanks to the adaptive aero-diffuser technology. When you bite down and mold the guard, the perforated diffuser layer shapes perfectly around your orthodontic hardware for a comfortable, tailored fit.
Despite its slim profile, the SISU Aero still offers reliable protection. The Next-Defend polymer absorbs shock from impacts while remaining dentist-thin. This gives players the ideal balance of tough but lightweight protection.
Since it’s so thin and flexible, the SISU Aero allows you to breathe naturally, take drinks, and talk clearly – all without having to remove your mouthguard. This is a big help during those high-intensity lacrosse games.
The SISU Aero comes in both child and adult sizes. It’s available in black, green, orange, pink, and blue color options.
Shock Doctor Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard
For lacrosse players who want a mouthguard that stays securely in place, the Shock Doctor Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard is a great choice. As the name suggests, this innovative guard doesn’t require straps to keep it anchored.
The exclusive strapless double-cushion system is designed to lock the mouthguard onto your braces without straps or wires. The top cushion wedges securely on the lingual side of your braces, while the bottom cushion locks in place around the labial side.
This creates a custom fit that accounts for your unique orthodontic hardware. The result is a mouthguard that stays firmly in place for confident protection during competition.
A flexible bite plate allows you to breathe, drink, and communicate clearly without removing the mouthguard. An external frame reinforces the edges to prevent tearing.
With its innovative strapless design and shock-absorbing construction, the Shock Doctor Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard keeps your braces protected without hassle.
Important Features of Lacrosse Mouthguards for Braces
When shopping for the right lacrosse mouthguard to wear with braces, there are certain features to look for. The best mouthguards for braces will have:
- Soft gel layer cushioning – Cushions braces and prevents irritation
- Intermediate shock absorbing layer – Absorbs impact from hits and balls
- Tough external layer – Provides durable protection
- Custom moldability – Can adapt around braces for better fit
- Open design – Allows breathing, drinking, and talking
- Strapless technology – Keeps guard securely in place
- Full coverage – Protects entire mouth area
- Junior and adult sizing options – Ensures proper fit
With braces in your mouth, it’s essential to protect them properly so you can play your best. Don’t take chances by opting for a standard mouthguard instead of one designed specifically for braces. The small investment is well worth it to keep your orthodontic hardware safe on the lacrosse field.
Choosing the Right Size
Getting a lacrosse mouthguard with the proper sizing is important for maximum protection and comfort. Ill-fitting guards can rub, irritate your gums, and even fall out of your mouth during play.
Most orthodontic mouthguard brands offer junior sizes for younger players and adult sizes for older players. They may also have different sizes within those age ranges. For example, Shock Doctor has junior small and junior large sizes to better fit younger children.
Always refer to the sizing chart for any braces mouthguard brand you consider. Most will provide instructions for taking size measurements to determine the ideal fit. Common measuring points are the teeth and distance between back molars.
Trying mouthguards on before buying also helps ensure you select the right size. Opt for a snug fit that’s not too tight. You don’t want the guard squeezing your braces and causing irritation.
Take time to mold the boil-and-bite mouthguard properly at home too. Carefully follow the molding directions so the guard takes on the shape of your braces for a more flawless fit.
Care and Maintenance
With regular wear and tear from practices and games, lacrosse mouthguards require some care and maintenance. Taking proper care of your mouthguard helps keep it in optimal shape for protecting your braces.
Rinse your mouthguard with cool water or mouthwash after each use. Use a soft toothbrush or fingernail brush to gently scrub away any food debris or buildup.
Allow the guard to air dry completely before storing it in the protective case that comes with most mouthguards. Storing a damp guard promotes bacteria growth.
About once a week, do a deep cleaning by soaking your mouthguard for 20-30 minutes in denture cleaner or a mild bleach mixture. This helps sanitize the guard and prevent staining.
Avoid boiling your mouthguard regularly as this can distort the fit over time. Save reboiling only for when your braces change and you need to remold the shape of your guard.
With proper care and occasional remolding as needed, a high-quality lacrosse mouthguard for braces should last you at least one season of play if not longer.
Put Safety First
Lacrosse is a thrill to play but also poses risks if proper safety precautions aren’t taken. Players wearing orthodontic braces are especially vulnerable to mouth and dental injuries from accidental contact during games.
Don’t let the chances of broken wires or damaged brackets keep you off the field. Wearing a specialized lacrosse mouthguard for braces allows you to play hard and aggressive without worrying about harm to your orthodontics.
Protect your smile and your braces by always wearing a well-fitting mouthguard designed for orthodontic hardware. With the right guard in place, you can check, pass, catch, and shoot your way to victory all season long!
Why Proper Mouthguards Are Essential for Braces Wearers – helps prevent broken wires, brackets, and teeth
For those wearing braces, a mouthguard is not just an optional piece of sports safety gear. It’s an absolute necessity. The brackets, wires, and rubber bands of braces pose unique risks during recreational activities and competitive sports. A proper mouthguard is the best way to protect your orthodontic investment and prevent harm.
Many parents and players underestimate the importance of wearing a mouthguard with braces. They think it’s an inconvenience they can do without. But one stray ball or accidental hit to the mouth can lead to injuries and expensive orthodontic repairs. A specialized mouthguard is well worth the small bother.
Prevent Broken Braces
Braces feature delicate brackets cemented to each tooth and interconnected by arch wires. These components straighten teeth by applying steady pressure over time. However, brackets and wires break easily if struck by force.
Playing sports with braces makes your orthodontics vulnerable to all sorts of impacts. An elbow, ball, or teammate’s head can collide with your mouth. Without a mouthguard, these hits place force directly on your braces.
The brackets will chip or pop off entirely. Wires bend out of place or snap. New rubber bands linking parts of the braces stretch and disconnect. In just seconds, thousands of dollars invested in your braces can be damaged.
Wearing a mouthguard provides a protective barrier around the braces. The guard absorbs shock that would otherwise break brackets and wires. Its thick material cushions orthodontics from forceful impact.
A mouthguard also keeps the lips, cheeks, and tongue from getting cut or irritated if the braces shift out of place when hit. Overall, it’s vital equipment for keeping braces intact.
Prevent Harm to Teeth
It’s not just the braces themselves at risk without a mouthguard. Your actual teeth become more vulnerable to injury as well.
Braces move teeth into proper alignment by applying steady, gentle pressure over time. This process loosens teeth and makes them more susceptible to getting knocked out if impacted.
The brackets cemented to each tooth can also inflict damage. If your braces get bumped forcefully, the edges of the metal or ceramic brackets can scrape against your lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue.
A sturdy mouthguard acts as a shield around both the braces and teeth. Its durable outer frame and thick cushioning layer protect your orthodontics as well as soft oral tissue. With a mouthguard, your smile stays safe.
Features of a Quality Braces Mouthguard
For the best protection of your braces and mouth, look for these key features in an orthodontic mouthguard:
- Soft inner lining to prevent brackets from rubbing or poking into oral tissue
- At least 2 protective layers to absorb impact and prevent compression injuries
- Custom moldability for an accurate fit around braces
- Enough thickness to act as a shock absorber
- Straps or strapless system to secure the guard in place
- Full coverage to protect entire mouth area
- Comfortable enough to keep in without chewing or gagging
Brands like Shock Doctor, Sisu, and Under Armour all make specialized mouthguards to accommodate braces. Invest in a quality guard designed specifically for orthodontic patients.
Molding Is Critical
To work effectively, your mouthguard must fit precisely around your unique braces. Take extra care when molding and shaping your guard at home for the first time.
Make sure to follow all the product instructions. You’ll typically need to submerge the mouthguard in hot water, then bite down firmly to imprint your braces into the pliable material before it sets.
Don’t just bite straight down. Slightly move the guard side-to-side and front-to-back as you bite to allow the guard to form around the braces’ edges. This fine-tunes the fit.
Double check for any areas where the guard doesn’t fully contact your braces. You can carefully reheat small sections to remold as needed. Proper molding ensures your mouthguard offers maximum protection.
Replace Every Orthodontic Adjustment
Getting your braces tightened or adjusted requires replacing or remolding your mouthguard. As your treatment progresses and your smile changes, the fit of your guard changes too.
Plan to get a new guard or rebend your current one after every orthodontist visit to maintain a precise, protective fit. Don’t wait until you notice it’s loose or ill-fitting. Staying on top of adjustments ensures you get full use from your guard.
With a combination of frequent molding and timely replacement, your mouthguard shields your braces through the entire treatment process.
Speak with Your Orthodontist
Consult your orthodontist when deciding on the right mouthguard to protect your braces. They can look at your unique orthodontic setup and advise on the coverage, thickness, and fit needed.
Your orthodontist may even provide custom mouthguards made from impressions of your teeth and braces. While more expensive, these offer an unmatched accurate fit. They may be warranted for very high-impact sports like football and hockey.
For most moderate contact sports like basketball, soccer, and lacrosse, a quality preformed guard molded properly at home suffices. Just be sure to inform your orthodontist of your activities so they guide you to the most suitable guard.
Protect Your Investment
With the cost of braces ranging anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, protecting your orthodontic investment is common sense. Damaged braces mean paying unexpected fees for repairs and delays to straightening your smile.
Minimize expenses and hassles by always sporting a proper mouthguard during recreational and competitive activities. A quality guard specially designed for braces provides cheap insurance for your pricey orthodontic work.
Whether you play sports, skateboard, or just want protection on the playground, make wearing a mouthguard as routine as brushing your teeth. A little prevention now saves you from big problems and bills later!
Finding the Right Fit – ill-fitting guards offer less protection; tips for finding one that fits braces well
Wearing an ill-fitting mouthguard with braces is almost as risky as wearing no mouthguard at all. An improperly sized or shaped guard moves around, falls out, and fails to fully protect your braces and teeth.
Finding a mouthguard that truly fits well with braces requires a bit more care and effort. But taking the time to get the right fit gives you reliable protection and peace of mind during sports and recreational activities.
How a Poor Fit Jeopardizes Protection
A mouthguard that doesn’t fit correctly around your braces leaves gaps in protection. This allows your orthodontic hardware to take the full brunt of any impacts.
An undersized guard pinches and puts pressure on your braces, which can cause the wires and brackets to break more easily if hit. An oversized guard bounces around loosely in your mouth, absorbing less shock upon impact.
Ill-fitting guards also fall out more readily. You end up spending half the game or practice with your braces exposed because you couldn’t keep the mouthguard in place.
Trying to talk and breathe with a poorly fitted guard is also difficult. You either remove it frequently, once again leaving your braces unprotected, or endure discomfort trying to keep it in.
Getting the right moldable mouthguard and taking time to fit it properly ensures it works as intended. Don’t settle for a so-so fit that jeopardizes your protection.
Choosing the Right Style
For braces, select a mouthguard labeled as “orthodontic” or “braces suitable.” This indicates a design specifically contoured for orthodontic hardware.
Guards made for braces have a deeper shock-absorbing layer to cushion wires and brackets. They also have a soft lining next to your teeth to prevent irritation.
Opt for a dual-layer design a minimum, but triple-layer is best. This provides sufficient thickness to act as a true protective barrier around your braces.
Finding the right style mouthguard for your orthodontic needs is the first step toward achieving a great fit.
Taking Precise Size Measurements
Don’t guess at size when selecting your mouthguard. Use the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer and take precise measurements.
Carefully measure your teeth size using a ruler. Write down the distance between your back molars as directed. This ensures you order the size that will correctly span your full mouth.
Referencing the chart also keeps you from picking a size too small that pinches or too big that swims loosely in your mouth. Accurate sizing sets you up for a better fit.
Molding Tips for Braces
Properly molding your boil-and-bite mouthguard is key to making it fit flawlessly around your braces.
Make sure to heat it in hot (not boiling) water per the instructions until fully pliable. Test it regularly by seeing if you can press and hold an indentation.
Bite down firmly to imprint your braces, but also press the guard back toward your molars as you bite. This extends the imprint to your entire arch.
Slightly shift the position as you bite to mold all edges of your brackets and bands. Don’t just bite straight down or the fit will be incomplete.
Take your time with the process for best results. The better you mold initially, the less you’ll have to re-mold later as your braces shift.
Double Checking the Fit
After molding your mouthguard, carefully inspect how well it fits around your braces.
Keep the guard in place while closing your jaw normally. Watch to see if it stays firmly in position.
Open your mouth wide and check for gaps between the guard and braces. Also check how it fits around back bands.
Try talking and drinking water briefly to ensure you can function normally. If not, you may need to trim or remold sections.
Your orthodontist can also evaluate the fit at your next adjustment visit. They will point out any needed adjustments.
Refine and Remold as Needed
Molding a mouthguard once doesn’t guarantee a permanent great fit. As your teeth shift during orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to periodically remold it.
Every few weeks, check your guard for fit. Heat and remold any problem spots using the same careful technique as initially.
Also mold your guard again after each orthodontist visit when they tighten wires or replace brackets. Your braces alignment changes, so your guard fit needs to as well.
Refine and remold occasionally, and your guard should fit well for the duration of your treatment.
Request an Orthodontist-Made Guard
For young children’s mouths or very complex braces cases, a custom mouthguard may be warranted. The orthodontist takes detailed impressions of your teeth and makes a guard from scratch.
Custom guards offer unbeatable accuracy but come at a higher cost. Talk with your orthodontist to decide if one is right for your situation.
For most standard braces cases, a properly fitted boil-and-bite guard works great. Just invest time upfront to ensure the fit is flawless.
A Worthwhile Effort
Getting the perfect mouthguard fit for your braces takes some extra awareness and effort. But it’s well worth it for the protection and value you’ll gain.
With an accurately sized and molded mouthguard, you can play sports with confidence knowing your braces are safe. A little extra care at the start means you can stop worrying and just have fun.
Finding the right fit might take some trial and error, but you’ll know when you put in that custom-molded guard and it clicks securely around your braces. Go for the gold standard of fit and enjoy safely active play with braces!
Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard – specially designed for orthodontic needs
Among the most popular and trusted brands for orthodontic mouthguards is Shock Doctor. Their innovative line of braces mouthguards offer specialized protection tailored to the unique needs of players with braces.
Shock Doctor mouthguards provide unbeatable shock absorption and cushioning around orthodontic hardware. Their braces-friendly designs keep teeth, wires, brackets, and bands protected during rigorous sports like lacrosse.
Maximum Protection and Comfort
Two key things set Shock Doctor braces guards apart – exceptional protection and comfort.
Shock Doctor uses advanced multi-layer technologies and comfortable gel materials. This gives braces players the confidence to perform without worrying about injury.
Their Max Airflow guards feature a triple-layer design. A soft gel lining cradles braces comfortably while the two outer layers absorb and deflect shock.
Full side-to-side protection shields brackets and wires from all angles. Large breathing holes allow for natural airflow and make talking easy.
For players needing a streamlined, strapless design, the Nano 3.0 works great. Its dual-cushion system wedges securely around orthodontic hardware without irritating straps.
Whatever your preferences, Shock Doctor has a braces guard to keep your mouth protected without sacrificing comfort.
Specialized Orthodontic Design Elements
Several key features make Shock Doctor mouthguards ideal for players with braces:
- Thick layered construction for enhanced shock absorption
- Inner gel lining to cushion orthodontic hardware
- Custom moldability around braces for accuracy
- Large breathing vents for airflow and communication
- Strapless stabilizer to prevent shifting
- Full lip and cheek coverage
- Junior and adult size options
Years of research and innovation allow Shock Doctor to engineer guards that excel at protecting braces. Everything about their design caters to orthodontic patients.
Easy to Mold Around Braces
Achieving a perfect fit is easy with Shock Doctor braces guards thanks to their moldable construction.
Simply submerge the guard in hot water until fully pliable before biting down firmly to imprint your braces into the material.
Unlike cheaper single-layer guards, Shock Doctor’s gel lining molds around orthodontic bands and brackets with ease. No sections are too rigid to shape.
Just follow the detailed molding instructions for best results. Shock Doctor guarantees a custom braces fit if you take time to mold properly.
Lasting Protection and Value
While Shock Doctor braces guards cost slightly more upfront, their durability delivers value over time.
Advanced technologies like Exoskeletal Shock Frames and Tru-Fit gel lining maintain their integrity season after season. Expect at least a full year of play from your guard.
Cheaper options tear or compress easily, requiring frequent replacement. Shock Doctor guards withstand wear and tear on the field, saving you money long-term.
Given their superior technologies and construction, Shock Doctor mouthguards give players more bang for their buck.
Trust the Experts
With over 25 years of experience making innovative protective sports gear, Shock Doctor knows a thing or two about keeping athletes safe.
Their mouthguards are worn by more than 5 million athletes worldwide across all levels of competition and sports leagues.
Shock Doctor also works directly with dentists and orthodontists when designing their braces-friendly guards. This expertise ensures their guards protect smiles of all kinds.
For parents and players wanting reliable protection they can trust, Shock Doctor braces mouthguards deliver proven, specialized performance.
Give Yourself Peace of Mind
Stepping on the field wearing braces for the first time can be frightening. All it takes is one wrong hit to damage your orthodontic investment.
Slip in a Shock Doctor braces mouthguard and fear turns to confidence. Their innovative technologies and comfortable gel-fit ensure your hardware stays protected.
Trust Shock Doctor to keep your mouth safe so you can play with aggression and focus. Don’t let your braces make you tentative – shock them instead with a Shock Doctor mouthguard!