If you’ve got a kid who lives on the football field, the basketball court, or the wrestling mat, or if you’re an adult athlete in the middle of orthodontic treatment yourself, you probably already know that side-lining yourself isn’t an option. But the good news is, with the right protection in place, you can stay fully active throughout your entire treatment without putting your smile at risk. Here’s a closer look at why it’s in your best interest to protect your braces during sports, and some tips to help prevent unexpected treatment setbacks or injuries.
Why Braces Need Extra Protection During Sports
Braces create a pretty unique situation in your mouth as they move your teeth. The brackets and wires are quite literally fixed to your pearly whites, which means a hit to the face doesn’t just risk a chipped tooth—it can also break brackets, bend wires, and set your treatment back by weeks or even months. Plus, the hardware might also cut the soft tissues inside your mouth, opening up the door for potential infections.
Keep in mind that these sorts of injuries aren’t just limited to contact sports, either—even a stray foul ball or a nasty slip and fall could spell bad news for your braces.
Tips for Protecting Your Braces While on the Field
Taking a proactive approach when it comes to your braces will prevent most sports-related setbacks or injuries. You should follow these tips:
- Wear a mouthguard – This is the single most effective piece of equipment for any athlete who wears braces. While store-bought, boil-and-bite mouthguards aren’t ideal for braces, a custom one from your provider will provide adequate protection and leave proper space for your braces.
- Stay hydrated – This is good advice for any athlete, but drinking plenty of water will help to keep you cool and also prevent dry mouth, which can make your braces feel tougher against the soft tissues inside your mouth.
- Use orthodontic wax – Keeping this inexpensive material in your gear bag is wise, since it can cover up spots on your brackets or wires that might irritate the inside of your cheeks mid-game.
If a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks, be sure to call your orthodontist quickly to schedule an appointment for repairs. Your orthodontic journey is an investment of time, effort, and resources. A little preparation before the season starts goes a long way in protecting that investment!
About the Practice
With Dr. Nina Khedkar leading the way, our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served patients and families in Randolph and the surrounding areas for several years. We offer a vast range of orthodontic treatments for all ages, from tried-and-true metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for a loved one, you can call or visit us online for more information. Telephone: (781) 767-7200.
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