Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
Straightening your smile is an investment, and you wouldn't want anything to jeopardize that. So, how can you prevent injuries and damage during activities? Here, our Ontario orthodontists talk about how mouth guards can protect your teeth during sports while you are using braces or clear aligners.
Why Orthodontic Mouth Guards in Sports Matter
For anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment, participating in sports adds an extra layer of concern for protecting not just your teeth, but also your investment in braces or clear aligners. Whether you're a child playing Little League, a teenager on their school sports team, or an adult in a recreational league, wearing the right mouth guard is essential for preventing injuries that could set back your orthodontic progress.
When Sports Mouth Guards Are Essential
A mouth guard should be worn for all contact and collision sports, including basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, and more.
Even non-contact sports can present risks of falls or accidental impacts, making mouth guard use a good practice for virtually all athletic activities.
Sports Risks for Orthodontic Patients
Orthodontic treatment creates a unique situation in your mouth. With braces, you have metal brackets and wires that can cause significant soft tissue damage during an impact. For those wearing clear aligners like Invisalign, impact sports present risks of cracked aligners or dental trauma.
When someone with braces takes a hit to the face without proper protection, the consequences can be severe.
- Emergency visits: Broken brackets or wires often require immediate attention.
- Treatment delays: Dental trauma can set treatment back by months.
- Financial impact: Repairing orthodontic appliances after impact injuries typically isn't covered by insurance.
- Lasting damage: Tooth loss or root damage may result in lifelong dental issues.
- Pain and discomfort: Oral injuries can affect eating, speaking, and overall quality of life.
Each of these complications can increase treatment time. The specialized design of mouth guards for sports addresses these specific concerns, making them an ideal choice for anyone with braces or aligners.
How Orthodontic Mouth Guards Differ from Regular Ones
Standard mouth guards for sports are designed for people with natural, unaltered smiles. They typically fit snugly against the teeth and gums, which doesn't work as well for orthodontic patients. Orthodontic mouth guards are different from regular mouth guards in the following ways:
- Orthodontic mouth guards are specially designed with additional space to accommodate brackets and wires.
- They're made from materials that won't damage orthodontic appliances but still provide adequate protection.
- They're designed not to interfere with the tooth movement your orthodontist is working to achieve.
Clear Aligner Considerations
For patients using clear aligner systems like Invisalign, the approach is slightly different. Since aligners aren't designed to absorb impact, the recommended practice is to remove them during sports and use a proper orthodontic mouth guard instead. This prevents the possibility of the aligners shattering on impact, which could cause additional injury.
Choosing the Right Sports Mouth Guard
Consider these factors when selecting protection:
- Consultation first: Always speak with your orthodontist before purchasing any mouth guard. They can provide specific recommendations based on your treatment plan.
- Sport-specific needs: Higher-impact sports may require more substantial protection, making custom orthodontic mouth guards particularly important.
- Comfort: Custom-fitted orthodontic mouth guards provide additional comfort, which encourages consistent use.
- Growth considerations: For younger patients, custom mouth guards can be designed with room for growth and development.
Caring for Your Orthodontic Mouth Guard
Proper maintenance extends the life of your mouth guard and keeps it hygienic. Here are some tips to help you care for your mouth guard:
- Rinse well with water before and after each use.
- Clean with mild soap and a soft toothbrush.
- Store in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Keep away from high temperatures that could warp the material.
- Replace when showing signs of wear or when teeth have significantly shifted.
The Clear Choice for Orthodontic Patients
Custom orthodontic mouth guards can be the optimal choice for patients with braces or clear aligners. The protection, comfort, and compatibility with treatment make them appealing from both safety and financial perspectives.
Patients can avoid months of extra treatment and additional costs simply by consistently wearing the right orthodontic mouth guard during sports. It's one of the easiest and most effective preventative measures an orthodontic patient can take.
Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's dental safety during youth sports or an adult protecting your investment in a straighter smile, consulting with your orthodontist about a custom mouth guard is the most responsible approach. Your future smile and your treatment timeline will benefit from this proactive protection.