Braces are an investment in your smile, one that requires commitment, patience, and proper care. Whether you’re a teen involved in sports or an adult pursuing orthodontic treatment, one thing is clear: protecting your braces is essential. A custom mouthguard for braces is one of the most effective and simple ways to safeguard your smile during physical activities and day-to-day life.
Why You Need a Mouthguard for Braces
Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into the correct position, and while they’re effective, they can also be delicate. The metal brackets, wires, and elastics are all prone to damage from impact. If you play sports, participate in recreational activities, or even experience an accidental fall, the pressure on your braces could lead to broken brackets, loose wires, or painful mouth injuries.
A mouthguard serves as a protective barrier between your braces, your teeth, and any potential injury. It’s an easy, affordable way to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is not interrupted by the accidental bump or hit during sports or other physical activities. Wearing a mouthguard reduces the likelihood of damage to your braces and keeps your mouth—and smile—safe.
Common Risks to Braces Without Protection
Without a mouthguard for braces, you put yourself at risk for a variety of complications, including:
1. Broken Brackets and Wires
A hit to the mouth could easily damage or dislodge your braces. Brackets can become loose or fall off entirely, while wires might bend or break. If this happens, it can set back your treatment, leading to additional visits to the orthodontist, added discomfort, and a longer treatment timeline.
2. Oral Injuries
Without a mouthguard, a hard hit could cause more than just damage to your braces. Braces can also cause cuts and bruises on the inside of your mouth, lips, and gums. The brackets and wires can scrape the soft tissues, causing painful sores that can interfere with your ability to eat and speak.
3. Delayed Treatment Progress
Any damage to your braces, whether it’s a broken wire or dislodged bracket, could delay your orthodontic progress. If your braces aren’t functioning as they should, your treatment may take longer, meaning you’ll be wearing your braces for a longer period of time.
4. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Braces are designed to gradually reposition your teeth, but without proper protection, your teeth are vulnerable to damage. A direct blow to the mouth could cause cracks, chips, or fractures in your teeth. A mouthguard helps absorb impact and reduces the risk of serious dental damage.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard for Braces
The benefits of wearing a mouthguard for braces go beyond simply protecting your hardware. Here’s how wearing a mouthguard can help you maintain your smile:
1. Prevents Braces Damage
A mouthguard acts as a cushion, preventing impacts from directly affecting your braces. It absorbs much of the force, which can prevent brackets from breaking or wires from bending. This means fewer visits to the orthodontist for repairs and a smoother treatment journey overall.
2. Reduces the Risk of Oral Injuries
When you wear a mouthguard, it provides a physical barrier between the inside of your mouth and the metal components of your braces. This significantly reduces the risk of cutting your lips, gums, or cheeks on the brackets or wires, preventing painful mouth sores.
3. Protects Your Teeth
Braces are designed to align your teeth over time, but during this process, your teeth can be more vulnerable to injury. A mouthguard helps protect your teeth from chips, cracks, or other damage that could result from impact.
4. Ensures Treatment Progress
Since a mouthguard for braces helps keep your braces intact, it ensures that your orthodontic treatment stays on track. You’ll avoid unnecessary delays, interruptions, and extra appointments, helping you achieve your desired results faster.
5. Increases Comfort
Braces can already be a little uncomfortable, and if you suffer from mouth cuts or sores caused by braces rubbing against your gums, it can add to that discomfort. A mouthguard provides extra comfort by creating a smooth surface that reduces irritation to the soft tissues in your mouth.
When Should You Wear a Mouthguard for Braces?
While a mouthguard for braces is crucial for protecting your orthodontic treatment, it should be worn in situations where there’s a risk of injury to the mouth. Here are some scenarios where wearing a mouthguard is particularly important:
1. Sports and Physical Activities
If you play sports, particularly contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball, a mouthguard is a must. These sports pose a higher risk of mouth injuries due to physical contact, accidental falls, or collisions. Non-contact sports like soccer, baseball, or even rollerblading can also lead to injuries, making a mouthguard an essential part of your gear.
2. Physical Education or Gym Class
Even in non-competitive environments like gym class, a hit to the mouth can result in braces damage or oral injury. Encourage children and teens to wear a mouthguard during any physical activity where there’s a risk of injury, including school gym classes and recreational activities.
3. Recreational Activities
Many everyday activities—such as skateboarding, cycling, or even riding amusement park rides—carry the risk of accidents. If you or your child participate in these types of activities, a mouthguard can protect your braces from unexpected injuries.
4. Any Situation with Risk of Impact
Whether you’re at work, at the gym, or participating in any physical activity, always be mindful of situations where you might be at risk of a blow to the face or mouth. A mouthguard provides peace of mind that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your braces and oral health.
Types of Mouthguards for Braces
When it comes to protecting your braces, not all mouthguards are created equal. It’s essential to choose one that offers the best protection and comfort for your orthodontic needs. Here are the three main types of mouthguards:
1. Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the most affordable option but are often bulky and uncomfortable, and they may not fit well over your braces. They provide basic protection but may not offer the best comfort or fit for individuals with braces.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These mouthguards are molded to your teeth by heating them in hot water and then biting down to shape the guard. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more comfortable and offer a better fit than stock options, but they still may not provide the level of protection that custom-made guards can deliver.
3. Custom Mouthguards
The best choice for anyone with braces is a custom mouthguard. Made specifically for your mouth and your braces, custom mouthguards provide the highest level of comfort and protection. An orthodontist can take a mold of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits perfectly over your braces, providing superior protection from impact and injury. While custom mouthguards tend to be more expensive than other options, they offer the most reliable and long-lasting protection for your smile.
Caring for Your Mouthguard for Braces
To ensure your mouthguard remains effective, it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained. Here are some tips for caring for your mouthguard:
- Clean it after every use: Rinse your mouthguard with cool water and use a soft toothbrush to clean it gently.
- Store it properly: Keep your mouthguard in a clean, ventilated case to prevent it from getting damaged or collecting bacteria.
- Inspect it regularly: Check for wear and tear. If the mouthguard becomes damaged, cracked, or loses its shape, replace it immediately to maintain optimal protection.
- Avoid hot water: Never clean your mouthguard with hot water, as it can warp the material and affect the fit.
Protect Your Smile with Bigman Orthodontics
Wearing a mouthguard for braces is a simple but vital step in protecting your braces and ensuring that your orthodontic treatment continues smoothly. By preventing damage to your braces, reducing the risk of oral injury, and helping to avoid unnecessary delays in your treatment, a mouthguard is an easy way to keep your smile safe.
If you or your child are undergoing orthodontic treatment, make sure to ask your orthodontist about custom mouthguards designed specifically for braces. At Bigman Orthodontics, we are here to help you find the perfect mouthguard to protect your braces and ensure your treatment goes smoothly.
Don’t wait—contact Bigman Orthodontics today to learn more about how a mouthguard for braces can safeguard your smile. Schedule a consultation with our team, and let us help you keep your braces—and your smile—safe and protected throughout your orthodontic journey!
Posted by Bigman Orthodontics
