Sports and Orthodontics

Scoring the winning goal is sure to bring a smile to the face of any teenage athlete. But sport-related dental injuries, especially in high-contact sports, are more common than you realize. An injury to the face is a sure-fire way to break braces or other orthodontic appliances. It can also cause injuries to the mouth, teeth, gums, and/or tongue. Thankfully, the best way to protect your smile is pretty easy – mouthguards.

Mouthguards will cushion a blow to the face and significantly reduce the risk of broken brackets or wires. They also help to prevent broken teeth or other potential injuries. A properly fitting mouthguard will cover the upper teeth while also protecting the soft tissues of the mouth. It is imperative that kids involved in high-contact or extreme sports wear their mouthguard during competitions and practices. Even just one mouth injury can derail your orthodontic treatment plan and cause increased treatment time or permanent damage.

We know that the perception of mouthguards is that they’re bulky or uncomfortable. And that can be true for the one-size-fits-all kind that you get at the sporting goods store. But good news – we offer custom-fitted mouthguards made just for your athlete. A good orthodontic mouthguard not only protects your mouth and braces, but they’re comfortable to wear during activities too. We know that mouthguards are much more likely to be worn when they fit well and are comfortable. Let us help you protect your smile!

It’s very important not to boil your mouthguard. Since our orthodontic mouth guards are made especially for you, there’s no need to try and adjust the fit. The one-size-fits-all mouthguards require boiling because they’re not made for your individual mouth. But if you try to adjust the one you get from our office on your own, you will most likely damage it by warping the material.

It’s also very important to keep your mouthguard clean. We recommend washing it regularly with dish soap and warm water. This is helps to stop gross bacterial growth that could end up in your mouth. It’s also important to always store your mouthguard in its case so it doesn’t get damaged or lost.

Sports injuries are part of the game when it comes to orthodontics. We know that they happen and want to do everything we can to help protect you. Just like you wear a helmet or pads in various sports, think of your mouthguard as part of your gear. If you do experience a sport-related injury, call the office as soon as possible so that we can get you back on track. Whether you’re the star of your school or taking up a new sport, make sure to protect your smile on and off the court or field.