If you or your child plays sports and wears braces, protecting their smile should be an absolute priority. Between weekly practices, games, and everyday accidents, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to prevent an orthodontic emergency or any other type of injury to the teeth or braces. But how exactly do mouthguards work when you have brackets and wires in the mix? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Athletes with Braces
As durable as braces are, they aren’t indestructible. A stray elbow, a foul ball or thrown pass, or an accidental fall can damage brackets, bend wires, or injure the soft tissue inside the mouth. But without a mouthguard, that same impact can also cause more serious harm, like chipped teeth, cut lips, or a knocked-out tooth. For patients currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, a mouthguard acts as a cushion between the braces and the inside of the mouth, absorbing shock and reducing the risk of injuries or setbacks.
What Type of Mouthguard Works Best with Braces?
Not all mouthguards are created equally, and for those with braces, extra considerations need to be taken. Here are the three most common types of mouthguards and how they may benefit orthodontic patients:
- Stock mouthguards – These are inexpensive and available at most sporting goods stores, but they often don’t fit well and can be uncomfortable for patients with braces.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards – These are softened in hot water and molded to the teeth at home. They often offer a better fit than stock guards, but they still need to accommodate the shifting position of teeth during treatment, meaning over time they won’t work nearly as well.
- Custom orthodontic mouthguards – Designed by dentists specifically for patients with braces, these guards are typically made from a more flexible material that can adjust as teeth move throughout treatment.
Tips for Effective Mouthguard Usage
Wearing your mouthguard while on the field or practicing is key, but a few extra precautions can ensure that your device continues to fit comfortably and protect your smile well:
- Rinse the mouthguard before and after each use to keep it clean.
- Avoid mouthguards that fuse the top and bottom teeth together, since this can interfere with normal jaw movement and make it harder to breathe.
- Check the mouthguard’s fit regularly, since teeth may shift position throughout treatment.
Remember, even with a mouthguard, accidents can still happen, so remember to contact your orthodontic office as soon as possible rather than trying to fix the issue at home. Prompt care can help prevent further damage and keep your treatment plan on schedule!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics is proud to serve the needs of patients and families all across New England. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including tried-and-true metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and beyond. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for your child, feel free to reach out online or call today for more information or to find out which of our offices is closest to you!
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