What is a Braces Mouthguard?
A braces mouthguard (also known as an orthodontic mouthguard) is a protective device that covers the teeth and gums to help prevent oral injuries. As you can imagine, investing in a mouthguard for braces comes in handy for athletes. Made from high-grade silicone, a braces mouthguard cushions the lips and prevents them from bumping into your teeth and braces. This can be extremely helpful in preventing oral injuries during high-contact sports like hockey and football. And, best of all, this device is as easy to take out as it is to put in before the game.Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Braces
When it comes to selecting a braces mouthguard, there are plenty of options. But, keep in mind, not all mouthguards are created equal. We highly recommend your child's device has the following:1. A Custom Fit
No two mouths are the same. So, rather than choosing a one-size-fits-all mouthguard for braces, Beth's Braces suggests getting a customized device that perfectly fits your child's teeth. Compared to a custom braces mouthguard, one-size-fits-all options are often loose fitting and provide little protection. In fact, the latter can actually damage brackets and cause them to snap off.
On the other hand, a customized braces mouthguard fits the exact shape of your child's teeth, gums and braces securely. It's designed to protect every corner and curve of the teeth which one-size-fits-all devices simply can't do. In some sports, athletes are only covered by team or league insurance if a dentist has made their mouthguard. This is important to consider before choosing a sports mouthguard for braces.
2. Comfort
The last thing athletes want is discomfort during the game. Many braces mouthguard devices are bulky, rubbery and irritating. Certain types can even make talking and breathing rather uncomfortable. For the best performance during the big game, the American Dental Association recommends selecting a braces mouthguard that allows athletes to easily talk, breathe and drink. The more comfortable the device, the more likely it is to remain in the mouth throughout the entire game.
3. Room for Growth as the Teeth Adjust
Keep in mind, braces are specifically designed to slowly move your child's teeth into a straight, healthy smile. It's crucial for teeth to have room to move to the desired position. If a braces mouthguard is too tight or presses up against the brackets, it can hinder the overall progress of the orthodontic treatment. Instead, athletes and non-athletes alike need a mouthguard for braces that gives their teeth the necessary room to adjust.
How Does a Braces Mouthguard Benefit Athletes?
If you think it's worth the risk to play sports without a mouthguard for braces, we advise you to think again. According to the American Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer damage to their teeth without a braces mouthguard during a game. Along with protecting the teeth, a mouthguard for braces helps athletes:
- Save money — Think of the overall cost of braces as a serious investment in oral health. If an athlete gets injured and isn't wearing a mouthguard for braces, he or she typically requires expensive procedures to mend the damages. A braces mouthguard can help you avoid worrying about those additional costs.
- Avoid setbacks in orthodontic treatment — The protection a sports mouthguard for braces provides helps athletes to stay on track with getting the perfect smile.
- Enjoy their favorite sports — Braces are an important part of orthodontic health, but athletics are great for physical health. A braces mouthguard allows athletes to stay in the game while still protecting their smiles.
Enjoy the Game & Protect Your Smile with a Mouthguard for Braces
At Beth's Braces, we think the only challenge athletes should face is the game itself. Let us protect your child's teeth so that all they have to do is focus on the game. Get the best of both worlds with a custom-made braces mouthguard for traditional braces or lingual braces today!
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