If you’re a football player, soccer player, baseball player, tennis player or any other sports player, it’s essential that you wear a mouthguard with or without braces.
According to a recent study by the American Dental Association, sports players who don’t use mouthguards have more than twice the increased risk of injury to the face and jaw bones!
Plus, wearing braces adds a whole new layer to the mix. A ball flying toward your face or another player’s elbow can leave your braces damaged, along with your teeth, cheeks or lips.
Here’s everything you need to know about wearing a mouthguard with braces so you can GO play your heart out!
Can you wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes you can and should! Wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during sports practices and games can prevent damage to your mouth, body part, or another player’s body upon impact.
An orthodontic mouthguard provides a necessary, protective layer between your smile and any potentially damaging objects or body parts.
Your mouthguard ensures that you keep your smile in its best shape throughout treatment, so you can experience life-long results. With all the hard work you’re dedicating to your smile, you’ll want to protect it!
When should you wear a mouthguard?
The best time to wear a mouthguard is any time you’re playing sports. Whether it’s a practice or a game, or you’re just throwing/kicking the ball around with some friends, wear your mouthguard just in case.
You won’t regret wearing your mouthguard, but you can certainly regret not wearing your mouthguard.
How do you fit a mouthguard?
There are different types of mouthguards, including stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-fitted mouthguards.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all mouthguards that are relatively easy to put in place and take out, but these are relatively bulkier and are the least protective type of mouthguard. To wear a stock mouthguard, you simply pop it in place. No molding necessary!
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Please be advised these are NOT for Orthodontic patients. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can stick to your brackets and pull them off, requiring an emergency visit to repair your braces. This type can also prevent your teeth from moving since they are molded to your teeth and will not allow your braces to do their job.
Orthodontic Mouthguards
Orthodontic mouthguards are the most comfortable mouthguards! These cover both upper and lower teeth, offering full-protection for your teeth and braces. This type of mouthguard is specially-designed for ortho smiles! So they will not adhere to your teeth or brackets, allowing your braces to continue to work and helping protect your budding smile from a traumatic dentofacial injury.
How to Wear a Mouthguard with Braces or Invisalign
Don’t let your mouthguard collect dust on your nightstand! Know how and when to wear it to protect your precious smile.
If you have braces, you’ll place your mouthguard in before you start playing.
- Rinse your mouthguard out after your game or practice.
- Clean it with an antibacterial soap or soak it in a cleaning solution.
- Clean your case too, then wait until your case and mouthguard air dry.
- Store your mouthguard in its case, back in your cabinet or drawer until your next practice.
If you have Invisalign®,
- Remove your clear aligners before your game or practice, rinse them out and place them in your Invisalign carrying case.
- Place your mouthguard in your mouth and score some touchdowns.
- When you’re done, rinse your mouthguard out, clean it, and place it back in your case.
- Clean your clear aligners, pop them back in your mouth and continue transforming your smile!
Still have questions about wearing a mouthguard?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’ll help you make the best decision for your smile and your sports season. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines during orthodontic treatment.
We’re happy to discuss our treatments, technologies and approaches with you. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, request your complimentary consultation with us in Oxford, Saltillo, Southaven or Corinth (Mississippi) or Collierville near Memphis (Tennessee).
