- What are Athletic Mouth Guards?
- Who Needs an Orthodontic Mouth Guard?
- How Are Mouth guards for Braces Made?
- Rosenberg Orthodontics Reviews
- What Can I Expect With a Sports Mouth Guard?
- Athletic Mouthguards FAQ
- Does Insurance Cover Mouth Guards?
- Protect Your Teeth From Damage
- Get in Touch
What are Athletic Mouth Guards?
Braces and other orthodontic treatments are a major investment in the appearance and health of your smile, which is the reason why our dental team recommends athletic mouth guards. When playing contact sports (hockey, football, wrestling) or sports with a high likelihood of harm to your mouth (basketball, skateboarding, soccer), a custom-made mouth guard can shield your orthodontics in addition to your gums, teeth, and jaw. To learn more about custom orthodontic mouth guards, schedule an appointment with our Hartford County, CT team.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC MOUTH GUARDS?
Orthodontic mouth guards offer a variety of benefits to patients seeking protection for their braces and other orthodontic appliances. Some of the most common advantages of orthodontic mouth guards include:
- Prevent serious injury
- Protects dental restorations
- Protects your natural teeth
- Protects the soft tissues in your mouth
Who Needs an Orthodontic Mouth Guard?
Athletic mouth guards are made especially to fit and shield your mouth. Store-bought mouth guards normally do not fit comfortably and aren't intended to work with orthodontic treatments. Patients should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth during contact sports or high-risk activities, such as skateboarding or rollerblading. A number of our patients also say an ill-fitting guard pushes against their gums and teeth, which can be distracting during their sports. If you have any of the below orthodontic appliances, you may benefit from a consultation with a dental provider about a mouth guard:
- Traditional Metal braces
- Clear or Ceramic braces
- Aligners
Our team at Rosenberg Orthodontics knows how important it is to choose the perfect protective equipment. Protecting your braces and other orthodontic appliances with a mouth guard for sports can help shield your teeth and gums from trauma or injury.
How Are Mouth guards for Braces Made?
When you have made the choice to receive a mouth guard, we will take a set of pictures (electronic x-rays and dental impressions) to be sent out to a dental lab. Our mouth guards are made from high-quality substances. When the guard is ready, you can come back to get a fitting so we can make small alterations until it is fitted properly. We recommend that you begin this process well before the start of your sports season so that you can have protection without delay.
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What Can I Expect With a Sports Mouth Guard?
As soon as your mouth guard is created and fitted, a member of our team will discuss with you how to look after your guard. To prolong the life span of your mouth guard, you must clean it before and after each use. It is also advisable to keep it in a secure, dry location when you are not wearing it. We request that you bring your guard with you to every appointment so that we can examine it for wear and also make suggestions for a replacement or repairs. For sports with higher contact or danger of harm, you might require a fresh guard prior to each season.
Athletic Mouthguards FAQ
What kinds of injuries can an athletic mouth guard protect against?
It is important to protect your teeth when playing sports if you have braces or other orthodontic appliances. A custom orthodontic mouth guard can help protect against injuries to the teeth, tongue, and other soft tissues of your mouth. Some injuries that a custom orthodontic mouth gaud can help protect against while playing contact sports like soccer, hockey, and football include:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Missing teeth that were knocked out
How long do orthodontic mouth guards last?
Because the ultimate goal is to move your teeth into optimal positions, orthodontic mouth guards typically last about a year due to your teeth changing positions. If you are still playing contact sports when your teeth shift, our team will recommend being re-fitted for a new mouth guard. Your dentists will assess the fit and condition of your mouth guard during your regular appointments.
Are custom mouth guards better than store-bought boil and bite guards?
Yes, mouth guards for braces will fit better than boil and bite guards. We do not recommend using boil and bite mouth guards with orthodontics, as they could damage your dental appliances. Custom mouth guards are specifically designed to fit the unique contours of your teeth and braces, providing superior protection and comfort. Additionally, custom mouth guards are made from higher quality materials, which offer better durability and effectiveness in preventing dental injuries.
How often should mouth guards be replaced?
Mouth guards typically need to be replaced every season or every six months, especially for children and adolescents whose mouths are still growing and changing shape. However, adults without significant dental changes might extend this period to a year or more, depending on the wear and tear observed. Signs that indicate the need for replacement include noticeable deformities, discomfort, or if the mouth guard becomes loose or causes irritation. Regular inspection for wear and tear and consultation with a dental professional can ensure the mouth guard remains effective in providing protection.
Should a sports mouthguard cover all teeth?
A sports mouthguard is designed primarily to cover and protect the upper teeth, which are more vulnerable to trauma during physical activities. It doesn't typically cover all teeth because the upper set acts as a shield for both sets in most impact scenarios. The guard cushions against blows that could cause broken teeth, injuries to the lips and tongue, and even more serious issues like jaw fractures or concussions. However, for certain sports or individuals with specific dental concerns, such as braces on the lower teeth, a dentist or orthodontist might recommend a mouthguard that covers both the upper and lower teeth for additional protection.
How often should I clean my athletic mouth guard?
Cleaning your athletic mouth guard after every use is essential to maintain its hygiene and effectiveness. Bacteria, fungi, and yeast can thrive on an unclean mouthguard, leading to unpleasant odors, potential mouth infections, and the degradation of the material. Rinse it with water immediately after use, and give it a thorough cleaning with a toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or soap and water. Additionally, soaking it in an antimicrobial solution or mouthwash periodically can provide an extra level of cleanliness. Always let it dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your mouthguard but also ensures it remains safe and comfortable to use.
What makes an orthodontic mouth guard different than standard mouth guards?
It has a more flexible design and extra space to accommodate brackets and wires without restricting tooth movement.
How should a mouth guard fit with braces?
It should fit snugly but not tightly, covering your upper braces and cushioning your lips and gums without pressing on the brackets.
What if my mouth guard doesn’t fit after an adjustment?
Bring it to your next orthodontic visit. You may need a new one or adjustments to the current guard.
Does Insurance Cover Mouth Guards?
At your consultation, we will talk about price quotes and what payments we accept. If necessary, we can provide info about medical financing to make your mouth guard easier to afford. If you are using dental insurance, we will contact your insurer to determine your coverage before calculating your personal expenses.
Protect Your Teeth From Damage
Protect the health of your teeth, jaw, gums, and orthodontics with a custom-made mouth guard for sports from Rosenberg Orthodontics. Your mouth guard is going to keep you protected and comfortable while playing contact sports. Orthodontic mouth guards can help protect the teeth and orthodontic appliances of Hartford County, CT patients while playing contact sports. To see if you could benefit from a athletic mouth guard, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.