Table of Contents
- Introduction to Sports Mouthguards
- What is a Mouthguard?
- Why Athletes with Braces Need Mouthguards
- Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Braces
- How to Care for Your Mouthguard
- High-Risk Sports and the Importance of Extra Protection
- Consulting with Your Orthodontist
- Conclusion: Balancing Orthodontic Care and Sports Safety
Introduction to Sports Mouthguards
Patients with braces need to consider their safety during all sports/athletic activities. While orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and promotes oral health, the additional hardware in the mouth can present dangers during physical exercise. Sports are simply high-energy and unpredictable, which increases the risk of injury, especially to the face and mouth. Mouthguards are very important in allowing athletes with braces to participate in their favorite sports while protecting their teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliances.
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Common Sports-Related Risks for Kids and Adults with Braces
- High-impact collisions can damage braces or injure the mouth.
- Brackets and wires can cut the inside of the lips and cheeks.
- Missing or damaged brackets and wires can delay orthodontic progress.
- Impact-related dental injuries can increase treatment costs.
What is a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are protective devices worn over the teeth to reduce the chance of injury during physical activity. They absorb the shock of accidents or falls, minimizing the strain on teeth, gums, and braces.
Types of Mouthguards: Stock, Boil-and-Bite, and Custom-Fitted
- Stock Mouthguards: These pre-formed options are ideal during orthodontic treatment and are widely available at most sporting goods stores. If you are going through treatment at dobie revolution orthodontics, don’t forget that we provide these free of charge!
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are designed to soften in hot water and conform to the teeth, however these are NOT recommended during braces treatment because they will often pull the braces off the teeth. They will also stop fitting very quickly because the teeth are moving into new positions.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These can offer the highest level of protection, but also require a custom 3D scan of the mouth to be created, and there is a cost associated with these. Most patients don’t opt for this during braces treatment because they often don’t fit for very long due to tooth movement.
Benefits of Using a Mouthguard with Braces
- Protects braces from impact damage, which reduces the need for emergency repairs.
- Protects sensitive tissues against cuts and abrasions caused by brackets and cables.
- Prevents costly dental injuries that may lengthen orthodontic treatment time.
Why Athletes with Braces Need Mouthguards
Preventing Oral Injuries and Broken Braces
Braces put athletes at a higher risk of oral injuries, such as lacerated cheeks and broken brackets. Mouthguards operate as a buffer, absorbing the impact of a hit and protecting teeth and orthodontic appliances.
How Mouthguards Reduce the Risk of Soft Tissue Injuries
Brackets and wires, without proper protection, can easily inflict painful cuts to the inside cheeks and lips during unexpected collisions. A mouthguard provides a smooth surface that protects against these injuries, allowing athletes to concentrate on their game without discomfort.
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Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Braces
Important Features for Comfort and Safety
- Flexibility: Soft rubber-like materials provide a pleasant fit over brackets.
- Adaptability: Stock mouthguards allow for teeth to move freely inside them. A custom mouthguard will likely need to be replaced with a new one once the teeth have moved significantly.
- Breathability: A decent mouthguard will not restrict breathing or communication during exercise.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
- Daily Cleaning: After each usage, rinse with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Storage: Store the mouthguard in a vented case to prevent bacterial growth.
- Regular inspection: Look for signs of wear or damage and replace as necessary.
- Deep cleaning: You should be soaking the mouthguard in an approved cleaning solution (denture cleaning tablets are ideal) on a regular basis.
High-Risk Sports and the Importance of Extra Protection
Statistics on Sports-Related Injuries in Braces Wearers
- Sports account for an estimated 39% of all tooth injuries.
- Athletes using braces are twice as likely to sustain soft tissue injuries as those without a mouthguard.
Don’t forget to “Love Your Smile” as well as “Protect Your Smile”
dobie revolution orthodontics is committed to protecting their patient’s smiles for years to come. If you ever need a new mouth guard during orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to ask!
Research Citations:
Journal of the American Dental Association, December 2006, p. 1715
Consulting with Your Orthodontist
Your Orthodontist is the absolute best source for determining the best mouthguard for your needs. They can verify that your choice gives the most protection without interfering with your braces. Regular follow-ups also allow for changes as your treatment develops. If you are a patient at dobie revolution orthodontics, don’t forget to ask us for a free sports mouthguard!
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Conclusion: Balancing Orthodontic Care and Sports Safety
Don't let braces get in the way of your athletic passions! Participating in sports while receiving orthodontic treatment doesn't have to increase the dangers of athletics. Mouthguards are the best way to protect both braces, and your dental health. Ask us anytime if you need a free sports mouthguard, because here at dobie revolution orthodontics, we believe in the importance of PROTECTING YOUR SMILE!