Diving into sports with braces might bring a mix of excitement and concern. The good news is that you can fully enjoy your favorite sports without holding back with the right protection and knowledge. At Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, we’re committed to making sure our athletic patients have all the information and tools they need to protect their smiles on the field, court, or track.
Your Smile Guards
Mouthguards are your new smile guardian when you play sports. With many different options, mouthguards provide a safe barrier between impact and your braces. Mouthguards protect your braces, protect your mouth, and protect your teeth.
There are a few categories that your mouthguard can fall under. These include orthodontic, custom-fitted, boil-and-bite, and stock mouthguards. Let’s look into what makes these different.
Stock Mouthguards: They are pre-formed and ready to wear, making them the least expensive and most accessible option. But, with their generic design, they offer the least protection and comfort, especially if you have braces. These mouthguards don’t adjust to your smile, meaning they can come out easier during sports, potentially causing injury to your braces.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are the middle ground between stock mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards. Made from a thermoplastic material, you soften them in boiling water and then place them in your mouth to shape around your teeth and braces. While they’re a better fit than stock mouthguards, their ability to adapt to braces is more limited than orthodontic or custom-made ones. However, they’re lower in cost and easier to acquire, making them a popular choice.
Custom-Made Mouthguards: Dentists and orthodontists can make custom-made mouthguards to the exact mold of your teeth. If you wear braces, you can also mold these around your braces to protect your orthodontic treatment effectively. Although custom-made mouthguards are slightly more expensive, they provide some of the best fit and protection for your smile.
Orthodontic Mouthguards: We design these mouthguards for those with braces, making them from high-grade silicone and in larger sizes to fit over your braces comfortably. They can also adapt to the movement of your teeth as your braces adjust your alignment.
While some protection is better than no protection for your braces, we’ll work with you at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics to find a solution to protecting your smile while you play.
Extra Measures For Braces
Athletes who wear braces may need to take extra precautions to prevent potential injuries associated with their orthodontic appliances. While mouthguards are one of the best ways to protect your smile, there are a few other strategies to help keep your smile journey on track.
Mastering Your Game
Learning your sport’s rules and techniques is always the first step to safely playing it. While some injuries are a part of the game, many injuries often occur due to illegal moves or improper form. Talk to your coach or trainer for any questions about protecting your smile and still being on your A-game.
Essential Equipment
Beyond mouthguards, wearing additional protective gear for your sport can help reduce the risk of injury. Depending on the sport you play, this can include helmets, face guards, and protective eyewear that can help add an extra layer of protection to any face or head injuries.
Urgent Care for Injuries
In the event of an injury, immediate action for any damage to your braces or teeth is crucial. Athletes, coaches, and even parents should know what steps to take in case of emergency. This can include knowing how to temporarily address any issues and the importance of immediate professional attention.
Routine Orthodontic Visits
Coming to your scheduled check-ups at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics allows us to look at your braces and make any adjustments needed to minimize your risk of injury. Let us know if you’re playing sports so Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre can give you expert advice on wearing braces while on the field.
Sports & Braces
Your braces are a big investment in bringing out your dream smile, so taking care of them is important. As you go about your day, you may not be thinking about how your braces can break. But if you play sports, that risk becomes a much bigger deal.
So, what are some of the risks that can happen if you play sports with braces?
- Dislodged brackets
- Broken brackets and wires that can cause cuts
- Bent wires
- Damaged orthodontic bands
- Or, at worst, knock out your tooth!
Winning Smiles With Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics
At Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics, we believe that your journey to a perfect smile should never sideline you. If you have any questions about keeping your smile safe while you chase after your sporting dreams, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support our athletes across Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Clinton.