While experiencing orthodontic treatments, you no longer have to spend your time sitting on the bench and missing out on all the playtime of your sport. No matter what sport you are playing, whether it be baseball, football, basketball or any other sport, you can still play right along with your teammates. Wearing braces will not stop you from playing. Kids and adults playing sports need to protect their teeth and their investment in treatments for getting a beautiful smile.
In many sports, the players have close contact with other players. While having contact with another player, accidents can happen. Many times, the accidents are painful and can be extremely damaging to the treatment you are having to straighten your teeth.
Having your lips shoved up against your metal braces really hurts and can do a lot of damage. It can damage your lips, gums and affect your orthodontic treatment. Your braces are helping to move your teeth back into proper position all the time. Braces use constant pressure on your teeth to make your teeth come back into a perfect, straight position.
An outside force that is hard enough on your teeth will also affect how your teeth will move. An accident can cause your treatments to be set back, increase the length of time you need for treatments, or even completely ruin what your treatments have already done to improve your teeth.
Proper precautions should be taken to protect your braces and teeth while you are playing sports. At Ferris Orthodontics, highly encourage and recommend that an orthodontic mouthguard be used by all players of any kind of sports. This will keep your mouth protected when having close contact with other players.
Orthodontic Mouthguard Vs. Regular Mouthguard
An Orthodontic Mouthguard is specifically designed to protect the mouth of those that are undergoing orthodontic treatments. Orthodontic mouthguards are made much larger. This is so they can fit over your teeth and your braces. These mouthguards are made with silicone materials that are softer and they will absorb the hard impact that a player receives. The softer silicone material is more comfortable in the mouth and better for your teeth.
Regular mouthguards will help to protect the teeth while playing sports, but they do not always fit well, and they usually do not give enough protection for someone that is wearing braces. Sports mouthguards that are typically used are usually made of very hard plastic. This hard plastic makes an impact on the mouth more serious. It will push against the teeth and the braces causing discomfort and possibly more damage to the teeth.
A hard mouthguard is just another piece to take the shock, but it puts more pressure on your teeth. When it is hit hard enough, it could be damaging to your mouth and your orthodontic treatment. The softer mouthguard will protect your mouth by absorbing the shock.
Another advantage of using an Orthodontic mouthguard is that the soft material will move right along with the adjustments that your braces are doing to your teeth. This adjustment will continue throughout your treatments. A hard mouthguard, like the traditional sports mouthguards that are formed over your teeth when first made, will not move as your teeth take on their new positions. Your brackets; however, are constantly moving your teeth to straighten them to give you a nicer smile. The traditional, hard mouthguard could potentially work against your braces during extensive wear. It stops the teeth from getting the movement needed while being used.
Book an Orthodontic Consultation
You can enjoy playing all your sports, safely during orthodontic treatment by calling Ferris Orthodontics and asking our recommendations for an orthodontic mouthguard. For an initial consultation, please fill out the form below to see an orthodontist in San Antonio, Boerne, or Bulverde, Texas.
