Being active is very important to many teenagers and adults, and getting braces doesn’t have to get in the way of that. If you play a sport and have braces, an orthodontic mouthguard can be used to ensure your teeth stay safe and protected.
What Is an Orthodontic Mouthguard?
An orthodontic mouthguard is a large retainer-like guard made of silicone that fits around your teeth and brackets to make sure they are covered. The soft and sturdy silicone protects your teeth from being directly impacted during intense sports.
These mouthguards are bigger than usual sports guards because they fit around your brackets and wires in order to protect your braces. While regular mouthguards are made from a harder substance and are usually firmer, orthodontic mouthguards are made from silicone. The use of silicon helps keep your brackets from bumping or scraping against any hard surface or putting pressure on your teeth while playing sports.
Over-the-counter mouthguards are available, but you want to be sure that they are made for use with braces.
Be sure to keep your mouthguard clean and cared for just like you would your teeth with braces. You don’t want any bacteria or germs growing on your guard when you aren’t using it. Clean your mouthguard right before and after you use it. Brushing it thoroughly with a toothbrush and toothpaste or rinsing it with a mouthwash solution will kill and remove germs.
You should always tell your coach that you have or are getting braces. It’s also important for them to know that you need to wear your mouthguard to stay safe.
What to Do If You Get Injured
You should wear your mouthguard any time you play sports, even if it isn’t a high impact sport. Falling or being hit with a ball can greatly damage your teeth and braces.
If you don’t wear a mouthguard, an injury could result in broken brackets and wires, bleeding gums, or even broken teeth.
If you do suffer an injury, you should call your orthodontist immediately. You’ll want to get the injury taken care of as soon as possible. If it is a serious injury, you should go to the emergency room. Any kind of injury could negatively impact your orthodontic treatment and your overall health.
Don’t let braces keep you from staying active and following your sports passions. Get the right mouthguard to make sure your braces and teeth stay safe.
Choose Invisalign if You Play Sports
If you don’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires while you play sports, Invisalign can be a great option. Invisalign aligner trays give you more freedom than any other orthodontic treatment.
You can wear Invisalign while you play your sports, and you can even wear a mouthguard too. If you decide to take your aligners out during your sports practice and games, make sure you don’t keep them out for too long because it could delay the treatment process.
Want to learn more about mouthguards or how to play sports when you’re receiving orthodontic treatment? Call Charleston Orthodontic Specialists today at (843) 4-BRACES.