Having braces puts you at increased risk for cuts and lacerations from the braces while playing contact sports. Even a minor bump can result in cuts to the inner lining of the mouth. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital website reports that according to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety “an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard. Often times these injuries will result in permanent damage to oral structures which require medical intervention.” Interestingly enough the braces themselves also need protection in contact sports in order to minimize the need for emergency orthodontic appointments to fix broken appliances that have been damaged during a practice or game.
In spite of the risks associated with participating in contact sports, many athletes with braces are often tempted to not wear a mouthguard due to the fact that braces can often make wearing a mouthguard uncomfortable.
This raises some interesting questions/issues:
• Do these athletes need to wear mouthguards when participating in contact sports?
• What type of mouthguard are people with braces supposed to use?
• Are athletes with braces supposed to use the same types of mouthguards that are used by people who don’t have braces?
• Are athletes with braces supposed to use a special type of mouth guards designed especially for people with braces?
Do Athletes with Braces Need to Wear Mouthguards?
A mouthguard for braces serves several purposes for athletes. First, it protects the teeth from impact. It also shields the mouth from lacerations caused by the braces. Mouthguards also help to protect the jaw and brain from sudden impact. In addition, mouthguards are required for many contact sports because wearing a mouthguard just makes sense.
Why Not use Regular Mouthguards for Braces?
Boil and Bite
Using the Boil and Bite mouthguards requires the user to form the mouthguard to their teeth in order to get a proper fit. The problem with this is that when the person’s teeth shift due to the fact that they have braces, the mouthguard will no longer fit properly.
Custom Fit
Similar to the Boil and Bite mouthguards Custom Fit mouthguards depend upon being form fitted to the person’s teeth. Since a person with braces will experience shifting of their teeth a Custom Fit mouthguard will experience the same difficutlites as a Boil and Bite version.
Use Mouthguards That are Specifically Designed for Braces Instead
Mouthguards that are not designed for braces need to be replaced or refitted after braces get adjusted. Mouthguards for braces do not require boiling or fitting and never require refitting after the braces are adjusted.
Mouthguards for braces are constructed of soft malable material, usually medical-grade silicone. These mouthguards fit around brace brackets, which allow them to adjust to changes in tooth position after braces are adjusted.
Single Braces Mouthguard
Single Braces Mouthguards are designed to protect the upper teeth only. It can come in two types: with quick-release strap, or without strap.
Double Braces Mouthguard
Double Braces Mouthguards are designed to protect both upper and lower teeth. It meets NFHS wrestling requirements. It can also come in two types: with quick-release strap, or without strap.
Hopefully, this has helped you understand the importance of mouthguards for athletes with braces along with some of the different options available.
However, when in doubt, ask your orthodontist, or dentist which type of mouthguard for braces would be best for you.