Dental Mouth Guards for Braces

Dental Mouth Guards for Braces

If you play sports while having braces, it’s important to protect your teeth with a mouth guard. Sports-related impacts can break your braces, damage your teeth, and cause injury to your gums or lips, which is why our The Woodlands office near you offers custom mouthguards for braces.

A mouth guard shields your teeth from impact-related damage while also shielding the softer areas of your mouth from accidentally getting bitten or scratched. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends wearing a sports mouth guard even if your sport doesn’t typically involve contact, such as with soccer and baseball.

Types of Mouth Guards

There are three main types of mouthguards that you might see:

  • Pre-made mouthguard:

    These mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and even grocery stores. While wearing one of these is better than nothing, these mouthguards typically don’t fit very well and can even cause mouth damage on their own due to slipping around.

  • Boil and bite mouthguard:

    This type of mouthguard is slightly more customizable than pre-made mouthguards, although they’re not as durable or as comfortable as having a custom mouthguard made by your orthodontist.

  • Custom-made mouthguard:

    This is your best option if you want a sports mouthguard that will last a long time. Your orthodontist in The Woodlands, TX, can craft a mouthguard that fits perfectly in your mouth, reducing the risk that it will move around or fall out. The secure fit provides more protection for your teeth and braces.

Caring for Your Mouth Guard

It’s important to keep your mouthguard in good shape so it can provide the most protection for your teeth. Make sure you clean it well after each use and pay attention to any wear or tear it might have. If your mouthguard breaks, it can’t shield your teeth from damage. You should replace your mouthguard if you grow out of it or if you notice that it no longer fits snugly in your mouth.

If you’d like to get a sports mouth guard for yourself or your child, give Dr. Pratt Manning’s office in The Woodlands, TX, near you in Magnolia, TX, a call at 281-367-0050 (Woodlands) or 936-596-1200 (Montgomery) today!

Dental Mouthguards for Braces FAQs

When you get braces, your orthodontist may recommend a mouthguard as well. By getting a mouthguard for braces, you can protect your teeth during normal day-to-day activities. If you love playing sports, mouthguards are a great way to protect your orthodontic devices while you protect your teeth.

What is a dental mouthguard for braces?

Dental mouthguards are commonly used for people who play sports. If your teeth get jarred by a hard tackle, or you get elbowed in the cheek playing basketball, the mouthguard will provide an extra layer of cushioning and protection. This will prevent the impact and jostling from harming your teeth, your cheeks, and your braces.

What happens if you use a mouthguard with braces?

When you use the right mouth guard for braces, it helps to protect your teeth from impact. While a pre-made mouthguard or boil-and-bite mouthguard is better than nothing, your teeth will get the best protection from a custom-made mouthguard. A custom-made mouthguard is less likely to move around or fall out, which makes it more useful and effective.

Why are mouthguards important when wearing braces?

You are investing time, money, and energy into fixing your teeth. If your mouth is hit or nudged when you’re playing sports, it can cause damage to your teeth or braces. In addition, your soft tissues can get cut and injured when they are shoved into your orthodontic brackets and wires.

When do you need a special mouthguard for braces?

If you plan on playing sports, especially contact sports, it is a good idea to invest in custom dental mouthguards.

How do you use a mouthguard with braces?

Once your custom dental mouthguard is made, you just wear it whenever you play sports. You should wear a dental mouthguard for braces during any activity you would normally wear a mouthguard for. Mouthguards should be worn for martial arts, hockey, volleyball, basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, mountain biking, horseback riding, rollerblading, lacrosse, and skateboarding.

To use a mouthguard with braces, you first have to get a mouthguard custom-fitt by your orthodontist. Then, you just wear it anytime you do physical activity. Afterward, you should remove it from your mouth and clean it well with warm, soapy water.

How do you clean a mouthguard for braces?

The best way to clean a mouthguard is with a toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Use the toothbrush to brush antibacterial soap into all of the crevices.

Finally, rinse the mouthguard with water. It should be allowed to dry completely before it is used again.

NEVER BOIL YOUR MOUTHGUARD TO CLEAN IT.

How long do dental mouthguards last?

While regular mouthguards can last for up to five years, they will generally last at least one year since your teeth will change positions during your orthodontic treatment. Once your braces are complete, a new mouthguard should be made by your orthodontist or dentist.

What type of mouth guard is best for braces?

Getting a custom mouthguard for braces is generally the best choice because they can be fitted to your unique mouth shape.

Can I wear a mouthguard with a palatal expander?

You can wear dental mouthguards around palatal expanders. In order to fit properly, the mouthguard must be trimmed.

Can I wear a mouthguard with Invisalign?

Absolutely! Invisalign are too thin to protect from contact sports. Since the aligners must be worn a minimum of 21 hours per day, removing them for several hours for practices is not an option.

If you are hit with a ball or a stray elbow while playing a sport, it can end up causing lacerations on your cheeks, gums, and lips. Dental mouthguards can protect your soft tissues by creating a barrier between your braces and your tissues. With a mouthguard for braces, you can enjoy a healthier smile. Interested in learning more? Call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pratt Manning today.

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