There’s a myth floating around that you can’t play sports while wearing braces, which makes getting braces especially nerve-wrecking for athletes. We’re here to debunk that myth. When you are properly protecting braces, you won’t have any problems playing sports during treatment!
The Solution? An Orthodontic Mouthguard
If you play sports, you should get a special orthodontic mouthguard to protect your teeth, braces, and lips from damage and injury. Talk to Dr. Andy about getting a custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard molded for your teeth. Also, many sporting goods stores carry mouthguards that are designed specifically to fit over your braces.
It’s critical to protect braces while playing contact sports such as soccer, football, hockey, wrestling, and basketball. However, not all sports require mouthguard protection. If you’re not sure if you need an orthodontic mouthguard, feel free to ask Dr. Andy! A general rule of thumb is to always wear a mouthguard when in doubt.
Will a Regular Mouthguard Work for Protecting Braces?
No! We definitely don’t recommend using a regular mouthguard over your braces. Many regular mouthguards are form-fitted to an individual’s set of chompers. When you’re wearing braces, your teeth are constantly shifting, so a fitted mouthguard won’t fit for long. Additionally, you don’t want a mouthguard that is too tight to your teeth. An elbow to the mouth could cause the mouth guard to shift and the brackets to pop off.
Additional Information
- Care for your mouthguard just as you would your retainer. Learn how to take care of your retainer.
- In the case of a sports emergency, be sure to inspect your braces for damage. If any parts of the braces are broken or loose, contact our office as soon as possible.
Contact Dr. Andy’s Office Today
If you’d like to learn more about protecting braces while playing sports, or if you’d like to set up a free consultation, contact Dr. Andy’s office today.
7444 State Rd
Parma, OH 44134
(440) 842-8015
