Our Schuylkill PA orthodontist understands the commitment that comes with wearing braces, and that is why our team at Spark Orthodontics wants to make sure you protect your progress! If you play contact sports or participate in activities where your mouth could be in jeopardy, our 5-star orthodontist highly recommends wearing a properly suited, custom-made mouthguard for braces.
Be sure to also consult with your team, league, or coach about which types of mouthguards are best suited for your sport. Many sports find that a mouthguard for the top teeth is sufficient, but other sports, like wrestling, require a double mouthguard for both top and bottom coverage. Knowing your needs before talking to your Schuylkill orthodontist will help accelerate the decision about which option is best for you.
The best mouthguards for braces are fit to match your unique mouth specifically. Ask your orthodontist in Schuylkill PA about having a custom-made mouthguard produced for you. Custom-made mouthguards can be more expensive than over-the-counter ones, but it will be much more expensive if you have to repair broken braces due to an ill-fitting mouthguard. A custom mouthguard from your Schuylkill orthodontist will provide the most reliable protection, since the material will not harm your braces, and the mouthguard will stay in place without falling in the middle of an activity.
Keep in mind that your braces-friendly mouthguard should be updated as your braces change, too. A mouthguard designed for your smile in the first few weeks of having braces will most likely not be a good fit toward the end of your experience. Making sure to update your mouthguard as needed is worth the time and money, as it will protect your investment in your braces and your smile.
Not only can it often cost dearly to have braces fixed from damage in sports, but collisions and accidents can be very painful. Without a mouthguard, the soft tissue of your mouth is vulnerable to abrasions from the brackets and wires. Many leagues require mouthguards, not only to protect your mouth, but also other players on the mat or field.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards, while often a good option without braces, are not highly recommended for metal ware. The thicker plastic used for boil-and-bites can be hard on the brackets and is easily snagged. The same can be said for generic mouthguards. Additionally, many people report that the difficulty of keeping a generic mouthguard in their mouth takes away from their concentration on the sport they’re playing.
If you are interested in what mouthguard option is best for you call your Schuylkill PA office to schedule a consultation!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Spark Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office location near Schuylkill PA, by clicking here or by calling 610.865.2777.
Get The Smile You've Always Dreamed Of!
Spark Orthodontics can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence. However, we want you to feel confident that your choice in orthodontist is the right one. Follow the steps below and get that smile you have always dreamed of.
