Why a Mouthguard is Crucial for Braces
Having braces can make playing sports risky. The brackets and wires used in braces treatment can easily be damaged if you take an elbow or ball to the face. Additionally, your actual teeth are still vulnerable to injury. That’s why wearing a mouthguard designed for braces is so important.
A mouthguard acts as a protective barrier between your braces and your lips. It shields your orthodontic hardware from contact that could bend the wires or dislodge the delicate brackets that allow your teeth to move. It also safeguards your pearly whites from the blows, collisions, and falls that frequently happen during athletic activities. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs shock that could otherwise crack or chip your teeth.
Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent trauma to the soft tissues of your mouth as well. It can stop you from biting your cheek, tongue or lips during competition. It shields your gums from abrasions. And it reduces the risk of concussions by cushioning blows that might otherwise rattle your brain.
In short, a custom mouthguard provides a much-needed buffer between your mouth – braces included – and all sorts of potential sports injuries. Protecting your orthodontic investment and your beautiful smile is reason enough to wear one during any recreational activity with a risk of facial collisions. Trust me, you don’t want to have to explain to your orthodontist how you broke your braces! Prevention is key, so put on that mouthguard and play on!
Types of Mouthguards for Braces Wearers
When you’re wearing braces, you need a mouthguard that fits snugly around the brackets and wires. There are a few options to consider when choosing the right type of mouthguard to protect your orthodontic work.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a budget-friendly choice for braces wearers. You submerge them in hot water to soften the plastic, then bite down to create an impression of your teeth and braces. The benefit is that you can mold them yourself at home. The downside is that they won’t form perfectly around braces, leaving gaps where food particles and bacteria can be caught. This makes them somewhat more irritating to wear.
Custom-made mouthguards are a smarter choice if you want the best fit with braces. You’ll get an impression done at your orthodontist’s office, then the mouthguard will be crafted from that model using advanced digital scanning and 3D printing technology. The result is an exceptionally comfortable mouthguard that seamlessly envelops all of your orthodontic hardware for protection. No gaps means less plaque buildup. These personalized mouthguards also allow you to talk and breathe freely when they’re in.
There are also instant-fit mouthguards made just for braces available today. They use innovative molding processes that let you customize the fit yourself at home, but they form much more precisely around braces than boil-and-bite options. This gives you an accurately adapted mouthguard in minutes without dental visits or expensive impressions. Instant-fit mouthguards are durable, washable, and often feature special vent holes for enhanced comfort.
When deciding what type of mouthguard you need for your braces, think about cost, convenience, and how well it will protect your orthodontic investment. Boil-and-bite can work in a pinch, but for the best fit, comfort, and safety, go custom or instant-fit. Your orthodontist can help recommend the right mouthguard based on your sports, braces configuration, and needs.
Getting the Right Fit with Instant Fit Mouthguards
When you wear braces, getting a mouthguard that truly fits the contours of your mouth is crucial. Loose-fitting boil-and-bite guards just won’t cut it. The best option is a custom mouthguard made from dental impressions. But those can be expensive and time-consuming to get.
This is where instant fit mouthguards can really shine for braces wearers who want protection fast. As the name implies, they mold to your braces immediately so you can start wearing them right away. Here’s how it works:
First, you submerge the instant fit mouthguard in hot water to make the thermoplastic moldable. Some models also have you bite down on a special activation tablet that helps soften the plastic. Once it’s ready, you slide the mouthguard over your teeth and braces and bite down firmly. The impression material flows around the brackets, wires, and shape of your teeth for a customized fit.
Instant fit mouthguards use special high-tech thermoplastics that hold their shape once molded. So you get an accurately formed mouthguard in just minutes without needing to visit the orthodontist. The mouthguard material also remains soft and flexible when in contact with hot foods or drinks in your mouth, then returns to its original shape. This gives you a secure, resilient fit.
Beyond the customized fit, instant mouthguards have other features that make them so effective for braces. They have rounded edges that comfortably fit around brackets. They have antibacterial properties to reduce bacteria growth. Multiple sizes ensure you find the right fit. With instant fit technology, you can get a mouthguard tailored to your braces fast.
Having one that truly fits the shape of your braces is critical. Loose guards can’t properly protect your orthodontics and teeth. Instant fit gives you that close fit immediately so you can wear it for your next big game!
Shock Doctor: A Top Brand for Braces Mouthguards
When looking for a high-quality mouthguard to protect your braces, Shock Doctor is a top brand to consider. They offer a line of mouthguards designed specifically for orthodontic patients that excel at keeping braces safe.
Shock Doctor mouthguards are made from innovative materials that instantly mold to the shape of your braces. All you do is submerge it in hot water, then bite down to imprint your braces into the impression material. Customized fit in seconds!
The Multi-Fit mouthguard is a smart choice for braces. It has a wider design with more surface area that completely envelops brackets and wires. Deep injection molding allows it to form deeply around orthodontics. An Integrated Breathway improves airflow and makes talking easy.
Another good option from Shock Doctor is the Max Airflow Flavored Mouthguard. It has a dual-layer design that cushions blows while the soft inner layer conforms to braces. Large perforations enhance breathability for your comfort. The mouthguard comes in kid-friendly flavors too.
All Shock Doctor mouthguards for braces have Exoskeletal Shock Frames that provide exceptional protection. The advanced polymers absorb impact while retaining shape. By dispersing force, they greatly reduce injury risk.
Shock Doctor combines cutting-edge materials with innovative design for mouthguards that offer supreme protection. If you want a reliable mouthguard that will safeguard your braces during sports, Shock Doctor is a brand you can trust.
Nike Mouthguards: Breathable and Protective
Nike is synonymous with sports performance and their mouthguards deliver superb protection for athletes with braces. The innovative designs allow you to play hard while safeguarding your orthodontic investment.
The Nike Max Airflow mouthguard is a great choice for braces wearers. It has a flexible fit membrane that evenly distributes impact forces across the mouthguard’s surface. This Ultra-Light Polymer Technology provides durable protection without being bulky.
Vent holes lined along the top and bottom ensure constant airflow. This enhances breathability so you don’t feel like you’re gulping air when wearing it. The perforations also allow you to talk naturally during game play. An inner liner conforms comfortably around your braces.
Nike’s Boil & Bite Individually Ventilated mouthguard is another good option. It lets you custom mold it to the contours of your braces once boiled. The polyethylene construction disperses shock while remaining soft. The design includes a center breathing channel and several vent holes for superb airflow.
All of Nike’s mouthguards utilize advanced materials engineered for top-notch shock absorption and impact resistance. The cool designs and colors make you want to wear them too. For braces-friendly protection, Nike mouthguards are an excellent choice.
Youth Mouthguards Sized Right for Kids’ Braces
Getting young athletes to wear a mouthguard with their braces can be challenging. But having properly sized protection is critical to prevent injury. Fortunately, there are youth mouthguards available that make it easier.
The key is finding a mouthguard designed just for children’s mouths. The guard needs to accommodate smaller teeth, while still fully protecting braces hardware. Ill-fitting boil-and-bite mouthguards won’t cut it.
Custom mouthguards made from dental impressions are an excellent choice. Though more expensive, the custom fit ensures the mouthguard contours perfectly around a child’s braces for maximum protection. Going with a colorful design can help motivate kids to wear them too.
There are also instant-fit mouthguards made specifically for youth players with braces. The molds adapt precisely around smaller mouths once boiled and bitten into. This allows kids to have a mouthguard formed for their orthodontics in minutes. Multiple sizes ensure finding the ideal fit too.
It’s smart to have your child’s orthodontist recommend an appropriate mouthguard for their age and braces configuration. But be sure to get one sized for youth rather than an ill-fitting adult guard. The right fit means they’ll actually keep it in during competition when it matters most.
Maintaining Your Mouthguard for Braces
Once you get a properly fitted mouthguard for your braces, taking good care of it is essential. Proper maintenance keeps your mouthguard protecting your smile during every practice and competition.
Be sure to clean your mouthguard after every use. Use a toothbrush and cold water with a mild antibacterial soap. This removes any bacteria, plaque, and food debris that can build up. For thorough cleaning, occasionally soak it in denture cleaner or mouthguard cleaner solution.
Always store your mouthguard in a protective case when not wearing it. Leaving it exposed risks distortion that can negatively impact the fit around braces. A sturdy case also prevents inadvertent damage from occuring.
Inspect your mouthguard regularly for any tears, holes, or excessive wear. Small tears can be temporarily repaired with orthodontic wax. But significant damage requires replacing it to ensure proper protection.
Don’t chew on your mouthguard as that can weaken the material over time. Avoid high heat when cleaning, as that could warp the shape away from your braces.
Proper mouthguard care extends its protective lifespan so you get the most out of your investment. By regularly cleaning and inspecting it, your braces will stay protected practice after practice.
Finding the Best Orthodontic Mouthpiece
Searching for the ideal mouthguard to protect your braces as you play sports? The key is finding an orthodontic mouthpiece designed specifically for braces.
Look for a mouthguard with a customizable fit that forms precisely around your brackets and wires. Boil-and-bite guards just don’t mold adequately. Custom-made and instant-fit mouthguards are better options.
Make sure the material is a flexible polymer that cushions impact while remaining resilient. Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is often used as it retains shape and has anti-bacterial properties.
The mouthguard should completely cover all top teeth with braces. It needs to have sufficient thickness and bite depth to shield orthodontics. An extra-wide design helps prevent dislodged brackets.
Ventilation holes improve breathability while talking and breathing hard during sports. Look for a center air channel as well. The mouthguard needs airflow so you don’t feel choked wearing it.
Flavor and bright colors make mouthguards more enticing for kids. A carrying case protects the mouthguard when not in use while providing storage.
Shop brands like Shock Doctor, Nike and Under Armour that engineer guards for superior protection and comfort. Read product reviews and talk to your orthodontist to find the perfect match!
Protecting Brackets and Wires with Braces Guards
One of the biggest concerns when playing sports with braces is damage to the delicate brackets and wires. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a protective braces guard to prevent injury.
The mouthguard needs to completely envelop the braces when worn. This shields the brackets and wires from any direct blows or collisions. Quality mouthguards mold securely around orthodontic hardware.
Wearing a mouthguard also keeps the lips from getting forcefully pushed into braces. This helps stop wires from bending and brackets from breaking off from the teeth. The mouthguard acts as a buffer between the lips and hardware.
During high impact sports like football, hockey and lacrosse, a faceshield worn with the mouthguard provides an additional layer of protection. The shield prevents sticks, balls and other objects from striking the face and disrupting braces.
Using a mouthguard in conjunction with a protective headgear is also smart. Headgear with a facemask deflects contact away from the mouth area while diffusing impact forces.
Don’t try playing sports with braces without wearing a mouthguard! It acts as an indispensable braces guard that shields your orthodontic investment from damage. Protect those pearly whites and your smile investment!
Avoiding Injury to Teeth with a Mouthguard
Wearing braces makes your teeth more susceptible to injury when playing sports. A properly fitted mouthguard provides critical protection against dental trauma.
The mouthguard covers the teeth, absorbing shock that could otherwise crack or chip teeth. Quality mouthguards constructed from polyurethane or other polymers cushion blows to the mouth region.
Wearing a mouthguard also prevents the forceful biting of soft oral tissue during athletic play. Grinding teeth against the cheeks or tongue can cause lacerations and abrasions without a guard.
The mouthguard must completely cover all upper teeth and seal tightly against the gums. This gives the teeth 360 protection. Custom-fitted designs are best as they mold securely to teeth.
Jaw injuries from collisions often occur in sports too. Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent fractures and dislocations of the temporomandibular joint. The guard cushions blows to the jaw area.
Don’t risk dental trauma – get a fitted mouthguard before mixing it up on the field or court! Protect those pearly whites and that beautiful braces-enhanced smile!
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard for Practices and Games
Whether it’s a friendly practice or championship game, wearing a mouthguard with braces is vital for prevention. Don’t wait until game time to protect your smile!
Practices allow you to get comfortable wearing your mouthguard for optimal protection later on. You can adjust to talking and breathing while wearing it. Your teammates can get used to your voice commands as well.
Wearing the mouthguard consistently also maximizes formation to your braces. The impression around the brackets and underwires improves over time through consistent use.
At practices, freak collisions and stray balls, bats, and sticks can occur. Don’t think you only need protection during actual competition. Injuries happen anytime athletes take the field.
The last thing you want is damaged braces or dental trauma right before the big game! Getting used to your mouthguard during practices ensures you remember to wear it when it matters most.
Make wearing your mouthguard for both practices and games a habitual routine. Protecting your orthodontic investment should be a priority all season long!
When to Replace Your Mouthguard for Braces
A mouthguard is vital for protecting your braces, but they do wear out over time. Knowing when to replace your mouthguard ensures continued protection.
Inspect your mouthguard regularly, especially looking for tears, holes, or thinning material. Small cracks can be temporarily patched with orthodontic wax. But if the damage compromises fit and coverage, replace it.
Ill-fitting mouthguards that become loose or easily fall out need replacement. You want one that maintains a snug, envelope-like fit around braces.
Discoloration, odor and buildup are signs that bacteria is proliferating. Thorough cleaning can help, but may indicate a new mouthguard is needed.
Kids who play sports year-round often need new mouthguards each season as their teeth and braces shift. The old one likely won’t fit right.
Consult your orthodontist and follow manufacturer guidelines for when to swap out mouthguards. Don’t prolong replacement and risk diminished protection.
With custom and instant-fit mouthguards, the time between replacements is longer. But be vigilant about wear to ensure the best protection.
Ask Your Orthodontist About Mouthguard Recommendations
What type of mouthguard should you get for your braces? Consult your orthodontist for expert input and recommendations.
Describe the sports you play and position. More high-impact collision sports may warrant extra protection. Your orthodontist can suggest a mouthguard design to suit your needs.
Inspect the braces configuration in your mouth. The orthodontist can determine areas that most need shielding from impacts based on your unique braces.
Ask if they recommend custom-fit, boil-and-bite, or the new instant-fit mouthguards for your braces. Custom-made is ideal, but more expensive. Instant-fit works well for most.
Inquire about thickness, bite depth, and coverage the mouthguard should have to properly protect your orthodontics.
Kids and teens should get a recommendation for a youth-sized mouthguard that accommodates their smaller mouths and braces.
Leverage your orthodontist’s expertise so you get the right mouthguard for your braces. Protect your investment and your beautiful smile!
Teeth Protection for Safe, Fun Sports with Braces!
Playing competitive sports while wearing braces may seem risky. But with the right mouthguard, you can take the field or court protected and confident.
A properly fitted mouthguard is essential to absorb impacts that could otherwise damage your braces and teeth. Work with your orthodontist to get one tailored to your sport.
Custom mouthguards mold perfectly around your orthodontics, but cost more. Instant-fit guards are affordable and form to braces in minutes.
Take care of your mouthguard and inspect it regularly for needed replacements. Make wearing it habit both at practices and games.
Encourage teammates to protect their smiles too. Share how your mouthguard provides peace of mind. Who said braces and sports don’t mix?
Get out there and have fun! With your mouth protected, you can play hard and compression-free. Just remember to wear that mouthguard!
Teeth Protection for Safe, Fun Sports with Braces!
Playing competitive sports while wearing braces may seem risky. But with the right mouthguard, you can take the field or court protected and confident.
A properly fitted mouthguard is essential to absorb impacts that could otherwise damage your braces and teeth. Work with your orthodontist to get one tailored to your sport.
Custom mouthguards mold perfectly around your orthodontics, but cost more. Instant-fit guards are affordable and form to braces in minutes.
Take care of your mouthguard and inspect it regularly for needed replacements. Make wearing it habit both at practices and games.
Encourage teammates to protect their smiles too. Share how your mouthguard provides peace of mind. Who said braces and sports don’t mix?
Get out there and have fun! With your mouth protected, you can play hard and compression-free. Just remember to wear that mouthguard!