Mouthguards for Braces (How to Choose and Mould Your Mouthguard)

The question on people’s minds is, should I wear a mouthguard when wearing my braces? The simple answer to this question is yes, especially when engaging in a contact sport that would require you to wear a mouthguard.

Jaw and teeth injuries are common in contact sports. No doubt, the braces will provide some sort of extra protection to the teeth. However, braces in contact sports come with risks, such as hurting the inner cheeks and the lips. So to avoid the risks, you need to wear a perfectly fitted guard for every contact sport where the risk of being hit on the face or mouth is high.

How to Choose your Mouthguard

There are two types of mouthguards: the custom-fitted mouthguard and the boil and bite mouthguard.

An orthodontist or a dentist makes the custom-fitted mouthguard. These professionals create a mould of teeth for the mouth guard.

The patient uses the boil and bite mouthguard, who moulds the plastic by putting it in his mouth after heating.

Using a Boil and Bite Mouthguard with Braces

This mouthguard is an excellent option for people using braces. You can get it at any chemist or sports store. Heat the mouthguard and put it in the mouth to mould to the teeth.

The movement of your teeth can make your mouthguard become uncomfortable or loose over time, so you may need to remould the mouthguard to fit the teeth once again perfectly. Heat the mouthguard again following the user’s guide and bite the guard to mould it to the teeth’s present position.

Ensure you select a mouthguard specially made for braces. Such mouthguards have more spaces for the protection of the hums, braces, and teeth. A standard boil and bite mouthguard has no space to house the wire and brackets and does not provide the perfect protection. You can only use some cheap mouthguards once, and when used, you’ll need to discard them because they won’t fit well to the teeth again.

Using Custom-fitted Mouthguards with Braces

To get a custom-fit mouthguard, you need to visit your dentist or orthodontist. They will create your mouthguard from your teeth’ impression. Braces shift the teeth, so getting a custom-fit mouthguard may not be the right option because it cannot be remoulded.

When your mouthguard becomes loose and doesn’t fit the teeth any longer, a new impression will be needed before another mouthguard can be created. You may also find it challenging to visit your dentist regularly to get your custom-fitted mouthguard. Still, if you need a custom mouthguard, you can communicate with your dentist or orthodontist.

Mouthguards for High-Risk Sports

When playing sports, you risk your teeth and mouth injuries, but some sports have more risk than others. There are three sports with a poor tooth loss record, broken jaws, and chipped teeth. The sports include football, rugby, and hockey. When playing these sports, accidents can occur at all ages, so younger players (starting from 6 years) are advised to wear mouthguards when training or playing.

It is a great idea for younger players to inculcate the idea of wearing mouthguards when playing so that they become accustomed to using mouthguards. Do not forget that any sport involving throwing balls or playing balls increases the risk of a knock to the teeth.

Also, remember that you don’t only risk a knock to the teeth when playing a sport; you can also get a tooth injury when laying with siblings.