Wearing a mouth guard is essential for protecting your teeth while participating in sports and other physical activities. For individuals with braces, this protective measure becomes even more critical.
Braces can potentially cause added injury to the mouth during physical impact, making it paramount to choose the right mouth guard that accommodates orthodontic appliances. The right mouth guard not only safeguards your teeth but also ensures that your braces remain intact, allowing your orthodontic treatment to stay on track.
Here is everything you need to know about wearing a mouth guard with braces!
Why Do You Need To Wear a Mouth Guard With Braces?
Braces are delicate and can be easily damaged, especially during high-impact activities. Without proper protection, wires or brackets can break, leading to discomfort and prolonging the overall treatment time.
Moreover, mouth guards provide an extra cushion between your teeth and cheeks, preventing soft tissue injuries caused by braces rubbing against the inner cheeks.
Advantages of Wearing a Mouth Guard With Braces
Besides protecting your teeth and braces, wearing a mouth guard has several other benefits:
- Minimizes damage to the braces: A mouth guard reduces the force of impact on your braces, minimizing the risk of brackets breaking or wires bending. This prevents frequent visits to the orthodontist for repairs, saving you time and money.
- Prevents potential tooth loss: In case of an accident or hard blow to the face, a mouth guard acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from crashing into each other. This can prevent severe dental injuries such as cracked or knocked-out teeth.
- Reduces the risk of jaw injuries: A mouth guard also helps in cushioning any impact to the jaw, reducing the chances of a dislocated or fractured jaw.
With so many benefits, it’s clear that wearing a mouth guard with braces is crucial for protecting both your oral health and orthodontic treatment.
But what type of mouth guard should you choose?
Types of Mouth Guards Suitable for Braces
When it comes to choosing a mouth guard for braces, there are a few types to consider: custom-fitted, boil-and-bite, and stock mouth guards.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards are tailored to fit your mouth precisely. Orthodontic mouth guards like the ones we do here at My Smile Orthodontics are designed to fit over braces seamlessly, providing maximum protection and comfort.
Our team takes impressions of your teeth and creates a unique mouth guard that fits snugly over your braces. For the best and fastest treatment, it is essential to use a custom-fitted mouth guard made by an orthodontist.
Which is why we always recommend this to our patients first and foremost.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
Boil-and-Bite mouth guards are the most commonly used types of mouth guards. These can be found in your local drugstore and are relatively affordable.
To use boil-and-bite mouth guard, you need to boil it in hot water to soften the material, then bite into it while still warm to shape it according to your teeth.
While these mouth guards offer some level of protection, they may not fit as well over braces compared to custom-fitted ones.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards are pre-made and come in a few standard sizes. They are ready to use right out of the package, making them convenient and affordable.
However, these mouth guards do not provide a proper fit for individuals with braces, leaving gaps that can potentially cause damage to the orthodontic appliances.
Tips For Maintaining Your Mouth Guard With Braces
To ensure maximum protection and longevity of your mouth guard and braces, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Rinse your mouth guard with cold water before and after use.
- Avoid chewing on your mouth guard.
- Brush your teeth before putting on the mouth guard to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Store it in a clean container when not in use.
- Regularly check for any wear and tear, especially around the area that covers the braces.
- Replace your mouth guard if it becomes damaged or ill-fitting.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your mouth guard remains in good condition and continues to provide adequate protection for your teeth and braces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing a mouth guard is a mandatory practice for anyone engaged in physical activities, and it becomes even more essential for individuals with braces. A well-fitted mouth guard not only protects your teeth from potential injury but also ensures that your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly without unnecessary interruptions.
Whether you opt for a custom-fitted, boil-and-bite, or stock mouth guard, the key is to choose one that offers maximum protection and comfort.
Investing in a custom-fitted mouth guard is highly recommended for those with braces, as it guarantees the best fit and protection. However, if a custom-fitted option is not feasible, a boil-and-bite mouth guard can serve as a suitable alternative with proper care and fitting.
At My Smile Orthodontics, we are committed to ensuring your orthodontic journey is as smooth and safe as possible. Don’t compromise on safety—get your custom-fitted mouth guard and schedule an appointment with us today.
