7 Benefits of Orthodontic Mouthguards
Stay Active, Stay Protected
For individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, particularly those involved in sports or physical activities, orthodontic mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment. These specialized devices offer protection not only for your braces or aligners but also for your entire mouth, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring that your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly. Here’s a detailed look at the numerous benefits of using mouthguards, especially for patients at our Saline location of SBK Orthodontics.
1. Enhanced Protection
The primary benefit of orthodontic mouthguards is the substantial protection they provide for your orthodontic appliances and your mouth. Sports and physical activities can often lead to impacts to the face, which can be particularly problematic for those wearing braces. A regular mouthguard might not offer enough space or the right kind of protection for braces, leading to damage both to the appliance and the soft tissues of the mouth. Orthodontic mouthguards are specifically designed to fit over braces, providing a buffer that absorbs and distributes the force of any impact more effectively.
2. Prevents Costly Repairs
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile, and damage to braces can mean additional trips to the orthodontist for repairs, which can be costly and extend the duration of treatment. By wearing an orthodontic mouthguard, patients can prevent many of these issues, keeping their treatment on schedule and within budget. This protection is crucial during sports where contact to the face is common, such as football, basketball, or martial arts.
3. Comfort and Custom Fit
Unlike standard mouthguards, orthodontic mouthguards are designed to accommodate braces, ensuring a better and more comfortable fit. They are typically made from a high-grade silicone that cushions your lips and keeps them from pressing against your teeth and braces. This material adjusts to changes in your mouth structure as your teeth move, maintaining a good fit throughout your treatment period. Patients at SBK Orthodontics can have their mouthguards custom-fitted, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness.
4. Maintains Oral Hygiene
Wearing braces comes with the challenge of maintaining excellent oral hygiene, as food particles and plaque can easily get trapped in and around the brackets and wires. An orthodontic mouthguard helps by protecting the braces from being exposed to potential contaminants and damage during physical activity. This protection helps maintain better overall oral hygiene, as there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to accumulate around the braces.
5. Supports Overall Dental Health
Orthodontic mouthguards do more than just protect braces; they protect the entire dental structure during impact, reducing the risk of tooth fractures, chips, or even tooth loss. Additionally, they help mitigate the risk of jaw injuries, which can occur during sports. This overall protection is vital for anyone, but especially for orthodontic patients, whose teeth and jaws may be more susceptible to injuries due to the presence of appliances.
6. Provides Peace of Mind
Knowing that your braces and mouth are protected can provide significant peace of mind for both athletes and parents of young sports enthusiasts. This assurance allows patients to participate in their favorite activities without the constant worry of damaging their braces or injuring their mouth. Orthodontic mouthguards enable patients to continue living active, healthy lifestyles while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
7. Considerations and Care
To get the most out of a mouthguard, it’s important to choose the right type and maintain it properly:
- Selection: Always opt for a mouthguard that is specifically designed for orthodontic use. These are available through your orthodontist, who can ensure a perfect fit.
- Maintenance: Keep your mouthguard clean by rinsing it with water after each use and cleaning it with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly. Store it in a ventilated container to dry out between uses and prevent bacterial growth.
Don’t Let Sports Put Your Smile at Risk
Orthodontic mouthguards are a critical component of care for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment, particularly those involved in sports. These devices offer significant benefits, from protecting your braces and teeth from damage to ensuring comfort and peace of mind during physical activities.
At SBK Orthodontics in Saline, we recommend orthodontic mouthguards to all our patients who lead active lives to help them maintain their orthodontic treatment progress and safeguard their oral health. If you’re active in sports and undergoing treatment, contact us today to learn more about how a mouthguard can benefit you and support your journey to a healthier, straighter smile.
