Can I wear A Mouth Guard With Braces?

You must be worried about whether you can wear a mouthguard over braces. Worry not, says Port Lavaca Dentist TX. While you have braces, you should also wear a mouth guard for any sport that calls for one.

Common in contact sports are dental and jaw injuries. Although your braces might offer additional protection to your teeth, they increase your chance of damaging your lips and the inside of your cheeks. Any sport where you run the danger of an impact on your mouth should have you wearing a properly fitting mouth guard.

Overview of a Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is made of flexible material. It is a cushioning device placed tightly over the teeth to prevent tooth and mouth damage. Like a “crash helmet” for teeth and jaws, a good mouth guard keeps the jaws from fully closing, lowering the chance of jaw joint damage and trauma.

Since the braces guide your teeth into a new position, an orthodontic mouth guard must fit properly and be reformable so it may be reshaped to fit your teeth. Gel-filled mouth guards are not appropriate for use during orthodontic work.

The mouth guards, custom constructed to fit your braces and brackets, will maximize comfort and protection. Made of medical-grade silicone, they will change shape with your mouth as your teeth do, making them a good investment in your smile while you wear braces.

Why are Mouth Guards Crucial While Wearing Braces?

Teeth, mouth, and jaw injuries are among the most common injuries on a sports field. Therefore, Port Lavaca Dentist TX suggests braces could prevent the displacement or loss of teeth during significant facial/mouth damage.

For “common” sports injuries, a guard while wearing braces will protect your teeth. You can also avoid cuts on your lips, cheeks, and tongue from balls, bats, and other players.

Tips for Using Mouth Guards

You can use these tips Port Lavaca Dentist TX suggested while wearing mouthguards to get more comfort.

• Use the Correct Size of Mouth Guard
  Medium or large-sized mouthguards are required for athletes over seven. They can not use small-sized mouthguards with braces.
• Consider Bottom Teeth Mouth Guard
  You can wear mouthguards on top or bottom teeth. If you wear braces, acquire a guard for your bottom teeth to protect your lips from bracket cuts. Wrestlers require mouthguards for both top and bottom bracing.
• Use a Barrier Between Brackets
  Conceal brace brackets with dental wax or aluminum foil. Wear a mouthguard tailored to your dental structure. The mouth protection cannot be removed because it vacuum seals brackets without a barrier.
• As per Port Lavaca Dentist TX, you can wear the guard over braces after fitting. Block the region above the bracket with dental wax to prevent the guard from curling up and over it, where it will harden and be challenging to remove.
• Work with a Dental Professional
  Your Port Lavaca Dentist in TX may suggest an alternative during essential adjustments to avoid delaying treatment. When getting adjustments, work with your dentist to fit and refit your mouth guards.
• Adjust the Guard as Your Teeth Move
  With orthodontic treatment, your mouth guard should change shape as your teeth shift. You can reuse the guard 20 times as your teeth move. Bring it with you for adjustments and refit it with hot water and the barrier.

Tips for Removing Mouth Guards from Braces

To safely remove the guard, take these steps:

• To protect your mouth from hot water burns, take a cup of hot water, cotton gauze, balls, gauze, tweezers, and a washcloth.
• The cotton gauze can absorb hot water when the saturated material is applied to the guard.
• Use tweezers to apply hot water-saturated cotton swabs or gauze to soften the protection around the brackets.
• Remove the guard from the brackets using tweezers as it softens gently.

Mouth Guards Over Braces: Ultimate Solution for a Safe Play

It is essential to maintain and care for one’s teeth while they are in position. A detachable retainer will be worn at night if a permanent retainer is unavailable. Wear your retainer as prescribed by your Port Lavaca dentist, TX, to keep your smile beautiful for life.

Wear a mouth guard when exercising or playing sports. Get a customized guard for your mouth to protect your teeth now that they’re in the right place for life. Keep it safe and clean it often to last a year. Avoid chewing while wearing guards since they can destroy them.

Since mouthguards wear down over time, replacing them annually provides the optimum protection. Ask your orthodontist any questions on the ideal kind of mouth guard to use while wearing braces.