Undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially getting braces, marks a significant change in the life of a tween or teenager. Adjusting to the presence of foreign objects on your teeth, the need for extra cleaning and care, and occasional discomfort from adjustments can be challenging at first.
What is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguards for sleeping is a vital protective device made from flexible materials that fit securely over the teeth. It acts like a ‘crash helmet’ for your teeth and jaws, cushioning them against impact during sports activities. This not only helps prevent injuries to the teeth and mouth but also reduces the risk of jaw joint injuries and concussion by preventing full closure of the jaws.
Why Are Mouth Guards Important When Wearing Braces?
Injuries to the teeth, mouth, and jaws are common during sports activities. Braces themselves can help prevent tooth displacement or loss during significant facial injuries, but for everyday sports mishaps, a mouth guard is crucial. It shields the teeth from direct impact, protecting against fractures, and also prevents injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Mouth guards also serve to safeguard the brackets of your braces from damage during physical activities by acting as a barrier between the braces and the inside of your mouth.
When Do You Need a Special Mouth Guard for Braces?
Despite the risks, only a third of children aged 5-17 wear mouth guards during sports. It’s recommended to wear a mouth guard with braces for any activity that would typically require one, especially contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball. For sports involving direct facial contact like wrestling or martial arts, a double mouth guard covering both upper and lower teeth may be necessary. Additionally, non-contact sports like skateboarding or mountain biking also warrant the use of mouth guards to prevent dental injuries.
Advantages of Using a Mouth Guard
Using a mouth guard offers several advantages, particularly in protecting your teeth and mouth during physical activities:
- Protection from Impact: A mouth guard acts as a shock absorber, dispersing and absorbing the force of impact to prevent dental injuries such as fractures, chipped teeth, or even tooth loss.
- Prevention of Soft Tissue Injuries: It helps prevent injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks by providing a cushioning barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Reduction of Concussion Risk: By preventing the jaws from fully closing together, a mouth guard can reduce the risk of jaw joint injuries and lower the chances of concussion during impact sports.
- Comfort and Adaptability: Custom-made mouth guards are designed to fit your teeth and braces snugly, ensuring comfort and ease of use during physical activities.
- Protection for Braces: For individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, a mouth guard protects the braces from damage caused by external impact, maintaining the integrity of the orthodontic appliances.
Can You Wear a Mouth Guard Over Braces?
Yes, you can wear a mouthguard over braces. These guards are custom-made to fit the contours of your braces and brackets, ensuring both comfort and maximum protection. Made from medical-grade silicone, they adapt to changes in your mouth structure as your teeth shift during orthodontic treatment, making them a worthwhile investment in safeguarding your smile.
How to Use a Mouth Guard with Braces
Using a mouth guard with braces involves these steps:
- Consult your orthodontist to obtain a custom-made mouth guard.
- Ensure the guard is properly fitted to your braces by your orthodontist.
- The guard is remoldable, allowing adjustments as your teeth move during treatment.
- Insert the mouth guard carefully around your braces before any physical activity.
- Remove the mouth guard gently to avoid complications with your braces.
Other Orthodontic Treatment Options
Apart from traditional braces, there are alternative orthodontic treatments like removable plates or clear aligners that may better suit your child’s needs. If your child uses a removable retainer or appliance, they should remove it during contact sports but still wear a suitable mouth guard to protect their teeth.
Your orthodontist can provide guidance on selecting a suitable mouth guard for your specific orthodontic treatment. If necessary, a generic remoldable mouth guard for braces may need to be purchased externally, ensuring ongoing protection and care for your dental health.
Conclusion
By prioritizing the use of invisalign near me during orthodontic treatment, you can actively safeguard your dental health and maintain your smile’s integrity during physical activities. Whether engaging in high-contact sports or recreational pursuits, protecting your braces with a well-fitted mouth guard is essential for long-term dental well-being.
