Athletics & Orthodontia: A Guide for Everyone
Here are some healthy considerations for patients of all ages.
Protecting Sporty Kids
While you shouldn’t be too concerned about your kids playing sports while they have braces, they should wear a mouthguard. This will ensure their safety and protect their teeth, tongue, and appliances simultaneously. There are a few types of mouthguards to consider:
- A standard athletic mouthguard, which can be purchased at any sports store, is cheap and convenient—though not as perfectly fitted or protective as other options.
- For more protection, an over-the-counter mouthguard can be molded to the teeth for extra comfort and a better fit.
- An orthodontic mouthguard is custom built for a patient’s mouth and will fit perfectly around their braces. These offer the most protection and are a proven investment for many young athletes. For those in contact-heavy sports, the extra cushioning is a must that keeps appliances, teeth, and soft tissues safe. Our Hutta & Hutta team can help create the perfect mouthguard for your child and their needs.
Orthodontic Options for Athletes
If you’re an athlete starting orthodontics, your sport may be a deciding factor in your choice of treatment. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from, and our orthodontists will help you make the best decision. To start, Invisalign® is a popular choice among athletes, as the aligners are removable. This can be convenient if you choose to swap your aligners for a mouthguard during a big game, as you’re only required to wear the aligners 22 hours per day. However, with advanced orthodontic mouthguards, even self-ligating braces can be easily and safely integrated with your sport of choice.
During a grueling session or big game, sports drinks and snacks may help you fuel up. However, try to stick with water versus sugary sports drinks. Not being able to brush and floss right away means putting your smile at risk for cavities. If you do choose a sports drink, remove aligners if you wear Invisalign and rinse out your mouth with water.
Tips for Gym Rats
For any standard gym session of weightlifting, cardio, or resistance training, you should be safe to wear your appliances without mouth protection. However, if you’re doing advanced gymnastic or calisthenic movements that may result in a fall, talk with our team about mouthguards. These can mean the difference between broken brackets and lacerations or a happy, protected smile.
For more information about athletics and mouthguards or to set up your next appointment, call our team!