It is important to wear a mouthguard if you have braces while playing sports. Mouthguards can protect the lips, gums and cheeks from getting cut or injured by the braces, wires & brackets.
Wearing braces increases the risk of getting injured during sports due to brackets & wires which can cause trauma to the inside of the mouth. If hit by a flying object or an opponent mouthguards help to cushion the blow & minimize the impact of the collision.
In addition to protecting the mouth, wearing a mouthguard can also prevent damage to the braces themselves. A hit or blow to the mouth can damage or dislocate the brackets or wires, this will increase the time & cost of the orthodontic treatment.
Mouthguards are available in various types & sizes. Patients with braces may need a specialized mouthguard. These guards fit over the orthodontic appliances. A dentist or an orthodontist can provide a customized mouthguard to fit over braces & provide full protection. If buying a mouthguard from the store, the directions will indicate to boil & mold to the teeth. DO NOT BOIL & MOLD THE MOUTHGUARD IF WEARING BRACES!! If one boils & bites into the mouthguard, it will stick to the braces & will pull wires and brackets off.
If you have Invisalign, the trays can be worn while playing sports. The Invisalign trays work as a mouthguard to protect the teeth if hit in the mouth. If one is playing a sport and needs an actual mouthguard, while in treatment with Invisalign, this CAN be boiled & molded to the teeth. Although, keep in mind during treatment the teeth are constantly changing and the guard may not fit after a bit.
Overall, wearing a mouthguard when necessary can help to prevent potential trauma to your dentition and your orthodontic appliances. If you need a mouthguard, just ask one of our assistants & they will gladly provide one!
