Everything You Need To Know About Wearing A Mouthguard With Braces

Orthodontic treatments like braces are ideal for improving teeth alignment, thus, improving your smile. Getting accustomed to braces can take some time. Also, you have to take extra care in cleaning and caring for the braces. Furthermore, you’ll have to get used to the occasional discomfort of adjustments. As a sports person, braces should not hinder your activities. Hence the use of a mouthguard.

This article discusses everything you need to know about using a mouthguard with braces. Kindly read along.

What Is A Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is an appliance from a flexible material that cushions and fits snugly over the teeth, preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth. Like a crash helmet, a mouthguard protects the teeth and jaws by preventing the jaws from coming together entirely to reduce the risk of developing concussion and jaw joint injuries.

When getting a mouthguard near you, it should fit well and be reform able; this means that as the braces guide your teeth into a new position, the mouthguard can be reshaped to fit your teeth. It is important to note that mouthguards from gel fillings are not ideal for use with braces.

Can You Wear A Mouthguard Over Braces?

Yes. Mouthguards in Houston, TX, are custom made to fit your braces’ molds and brackets, giving you maximum comfort and protection.

Why Should You Use Mouthguard When Wearing Braces?

Common injuries that can occur during sports include injuries to the teeth, jaws, and mouth. Although braces can prevent loss or displacement of teeth if a significant facial injury occurs, the brace’s impact may cause mouth lacerations on the lips, tongues, and cheeks. Therefore, mouthguards are necessary for protecting you from such impact if you’re hit by a bat, ball, or another player.

Furthermore, mouthguards in Houston, TX, provide a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, preventing damage to the brace’s brackets when you suffer a blow to the face.

When Do You Need A Mouthguard For Braces?

Mouthguards are protective equipment protecting your teeth and jaws when you’re on the field. It would be best if you had a mouthguard when;

• Playing contact sports like volleyball, football, basketball, soccer, and hockey
• Wrestling and martial arts require a double mouthguard for your top and bottom teeth
• Engaging in non-contact or recreational activities like horse riding, mountain biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Mouthguard?

When you suffer a decisive blow to your face, a mouthguard can cushion effects that may otherwise result in severe injury. For instance, falling off a skateboard or a misdirected elbow to your face during a basketball game may cause tooth loss, broken teeth, or nerve damage to your teeth. Mouthguards near you are like shock absorbers that protect the teeth and lower jaw from breaking, and they also prevent the accidental biting of the lips, cheeks, or tongue.

How Can You Use A Mouthguard With Braces?

Before getting a mouthguard, you have to discuss it with your orthodontist in Houston. Afterward, the orthodontist will fit the mouthguard into your braces. Usually, the mouthguard is remold able, and you can get them refitted on your orthodontic appointments. Also, if your teeth move because of the braces, you’ll still be comfortable with the mouthguard.

Anytime you’re doing any physical activity, insert the mouthguard in your mouth. Also, when removing the mouthguard, you have to be careful because of your braces to prevent complications.

Conclusion

You can sustain injuries to your face during basketball, football, and volleyball games. If you’re using braces, these injuries can include mouth lacerations to your lips, tongue, or cheeks. You can protect your mouth by using a mouthguard. Mouthguards are customized to fit your braces, and they are adjustable.

If you’re looking to get a mouthguard for your braces, you can visit Greater Houston Dental Arts. The orthodontists in Houston are specialists, and they have experience in using the latest technologies.

Book an appointment today.