Can I Box With Braces? Top Answer Update

Teens are active, so it’s not surprising that there are many questions about mouthguards when it comes to orthodontic treatment. In general, a mouthguard is a good investment to protect your teeth, especially in high-contact sports. They should be considered in many sports and activities, even if braces are not worn. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Can you wear a mouthguard if you wear braces? Yes, you can wear a mouthguard if you wear braces. There are special mouthguards that are made specifically for use over braces.

Which sports require a mouthguard with braces? Many college sports organizations require a mouthguard for soccer, hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling. The ADA also recommends a mouthguard for other contact sports, such as basketball and martial arts, as well as other limited-contact sports such as baseball, softball, and extreme sports.

Is it advisable to wear a mouth guard when wearing braces? Unless specifically required by your sporting association, this may be a personal choice based on your comfort level and ability to breathe appropriately during performance. The benefit of a mouthguard is that it limits damage to teeth and soft tissues around the mouth when worn correctly. It not only protects the teeth, but also the lips and cheeks from injuries caused by orthodontic appliances.

What is the best mouth guard for braces? In our practice we have found that the Shock Doctor Braces mouthguard has worked well for many patients. It has a strap so it can be used in sports like soccer. The strap can also be removed for use in sports such as basketball. Shock Doctor ® Braces Mouthguard

Can you use a cook and bite mouthguard with braces? No, you should not use a Build and Bite mouthguard with your braces. It can wrap around the braces and get stuck there or damage the braces. Also remember that teeth keep moving, so you don’t want to have a mouthguard specially fitted to your teeth while they are changing.

Can I use a custom made mouthguard while wearing braces? No, you probably won’t be able to use a custom mouthguard as your teeth are still moving. The mouthguard will not fit for the duration of the treatment and it may snag on the braces if forced into position.

Where can I get a mouthguard for braces? You can find a mouth guard for braces on the internet or in some sports shops. Some orthodontists may also have them in their office for patients. At Zach Frazier Orthodontics we have the Shock Doctor Braces mouthguard available for our patients in the office.

Can I wear a mouthguard with Invisalign? If you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, you should still wear a mouthguard when playing sports if recommended by your association or when playing a sport with a significant risk of contact or injury (soccer, basketball, hockey). You can remove your Invisalign and use a one-size-fits-all general mouthguard while playing sports. You cannot use a custom fitted or boil and bite mouthguard as your teeth are still moving. If you play non-contact or limited-contact sports, you should continue to wear your Invisalign while playing the sport.

dr Kothari is a huge soccer fan and when the weather is nice and he’s not busy perfecting his smile as an orthodontist in Sleepy Hollow, NY, he can usually be found outside at a ball. In our river towns, he is rarely alone with his passion for sports, which is why he is often asked questions like: “Can you play football with braces?” and the answer is of course! dr Kothari is all about encouraging his patients to do their best.

However, if your child or teen is an athlete, it is important that they protect their smile as dental injuries are very common. While everyone, adults and children, should wear a mouth guard during any activity where there is a risk of getting hit in the mouth, it is even more important when exercising and wearing braces.

What you should know about sports and braces

Approximately 30 million children and teenagers play sports in the United States each year, and as mentioned, dental injuries are common. In fact, more than five million teeth are knocked out each year in the United States. Ouch. A large percentage of these injuries occur during sports and physical activity.

While the National Federation of State High School Associations requires scholastic athletes to wear a mouthguard in football, ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, and wrestling (when the wrestler wears braces), basketball and baseball actually pose a very high risk of dental injury and facial injuries too.

Because these aren’t technically contact sports, a mouthguard isn’t usually mandatory. It is recommended that people of all ages wear a mouthguard, even if it is not regulated, when engaging in sports or activities where collision or blunt trauma to the face is possible. Activities such as tennis, skateboarding, basketball, martial arts, gymnastics, skiing, volleyball, bicycling, baseball, softball, and more fall into this category.

The most common facial and dental injuries in sports include cuts to the lips, cheeks and tongue, as well as loose, broken, displaced and knocked out teeth, as well as TMJ dislocations and jaw fractures. These injuries are not usually life threatening, but they can be expensive and inconvenient to repair and, of course, very painful. Now throw an orthodontic appliance into the mix and you have another layer.

Because of the braces and wires, a punch to the face while wearing braces can cause even more damage to the soft tissues of the mouth (i.e. cheeks, tongue and lips) or result in an opposing player being cut if the punch comes from their elbow or Hand. In addition, blunt trauma often leads to fractured brackets.

The best way to prevent this and ensure that exercise and braces go well together is to have your child or teen wear a mouth guard. Even if braces require special attention, Invisalign patients should not do without the safety precaution. Orthodontic treatment is an investment, so protect your child’s smile.

Are there sports mouth guards for braces?

Mouth guards cushion blows to the mouth and protect lips, cheeks, tongue and teeth. By distributing the forces, they can also help reduce the likelihood of a jaw fracture or injury to the temporomandibular joint. There isn’t enough convincing evidence that mouth guards can provide protection against concussions, so make sure your child still wears a helmet or other safety gear for activities that require it.

Children who straighten their teeth with braces need an orthodontic mouthguard for braces. This type is more flexible and large enough to hold the staples and wires. It serves as a barrier between the hardware and soft tissue, keeping the appliance secure. Children and young people should not simply try to mold a mouthguard for braces using a standard model as it will not fit properly and they will not receive adequate protection.

Book a free mouthguard consultation today!

You can purchase a standard orthodontic mouthguard in a sports shop or in our practice. These over-the-counter products are the most cost-effective option. However, it will not be as effective as a custom orthodontic mouthguard made by an orthodontist. The custom variant is manufactured based on a model of the patient’s mouth for the perfect fit, and an excellent fit is key to a properly functioning mouthguard.

As children and adolescents are still growing and brace wearers experience tooth movement, switching to custom sizes can lengthen the mouthguard as we can accommodate the changes and save a little space. We offer made to measure mouthguards in Sleepy Hollow at our office so don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more or arrange a free consultation.

Care of an orthodontic mouthguard

Caring for an orthodontic mouthguard is easy. Since the mouth is full of bacteria and the mouthguard is covered in spit, it can get pretty gross. Have your child rinse the mouthguard or brush it with a toothbrush and some toothpaste before and after use.

From time to time they want to clean their mouthguard more thoroughly with mild dish soap and then give it a really good rinse with lukewarm water. Store the mouthguard in a hard case with ventilation holes and do not leave it in the sun or wash it with hot water. Replace if it shows signs of wear or becomes deformed. If it is not properly seated, it cannot do its job.

Dealing with sports injuries while wearing braces

If your child suffers a tooth injury while playing sports, get it treated as soon as possible. If a tooth is knocked out, broken, loose or displaced, the quicker you see a dentist, the greater the chance it can be saved. If the bleeding won’t stop, or if you suspect your child has a fractured jaw, go to the nearest emergency room.

Once you’ve taken care of the injury, call your orthodontist so they can repair damaged braces. If the collision or impact happened while wearing a standard mouthguard, throw it away and get a new one. If it was a custom mouthguard, take it to the doctor so they can check it out.

Preventing or reducing the severity of tooth injuries is as easy as putting in a mouth guard. If your child wears braces and dreams of joining Coach Veintimilla’s squad of riders, competing for a spot on the unstoppable Irvington girls basketball team, or even playing sports at all, don’t forget to ask us about a custom-made mouthguard for braces.

My patients usually ask themselves this question in the first consultation. Adults are particularly concerned about the length of time it takes them to wear braces.

On average, orthodontic treatment lasts about 24 months. Some patients need less than 12 months, but there are also patients who need up to 3 years of treatment before their teeth reach the desired position.

Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution and every patient’s mouth is unique. So, while I can’t tell you with certainty the exact length of treatment for your particular case, I can explain the factors that affect the length of time braces are worn.

kind of treatment

Patients who need orthodontic treatment now have several options. There are conventional metal clasps, ceramic clasps and clear clasps. Metal braces are made of stainless steel, which makes this system very strong and robust. Ceramic braces and clear aligners, on the other hand, look nicer than metal braces

Age

Young patients (teens and children) tend to achieve faster results than adults because their jaws are still growing and teeth are more easily manipulated. That doesn’t mean that all adults have to wear braces for two years or more. There are other factors that affect the length of treatment.

gravity of the case

Another determining factor is the severity of your orthodontic problem. Mild gaps/crowding can be resolved in a year or less, while severe cases can take much longer.

patient reliability

An orthodontic patient must follow all of their orthodontist’s instructions to ensure successful treatment. This includes maintaining proper oral hygiene, keeping your dental appointments, and using your orthodontic appliances as intended.

Yes. Here at The Brace Place we are excited to offer our patients the Propel Technology. Propel helps teeth move more quickly into their desired position, resulting in significantly shorter treatment times. Whether patients choose traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, this innovative technology ensures treatment is effective and fast.

Other treatments that reduce treatment time are Acceledent and Vpro AcceleDent and Vpro use cyclic force and gentle pulse technology to move teeth.

The only way to determine how long you will need orthodontic treatment is to consult an orthodontist. We take photos and X-rays of your mouth and create an individual treatment plan for you. We’ll also discuss expedited options so you can have the smile you’ve always wanted in no time.

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

If you’re looking to start MMA training but are currently a teenager on your first braces or an adult just trying to correct some alignment issues then I’ve put this guide together for you.

In another article I covered how to box with braces. If you are specifically focused on this sport, you might want to go there. Otherwise read on.

In short, can you do MMA with braces?

You can practice MMA with braces by having a custom-molded mouthguard made to fit your jaw, teeth and braces clasps. These can be purchased from an orthodontist. Some cooking and biting mouthguards that have enough mold to form around the braces can also be used.

There are multiple options available to you to start or continue your mixed martial arts training while wearing braces, so don’t think you have to go without!

Read on for the full facts.

Training in MMA with braces

MMA training with braces is common as long as you get the right protection from a custom fitted mouthguard. Most training in MMA involves block work, heavy bags, drills, and working safely with a trainer. Damage to your braces only becomes a problem when sparring or fighting with other fighters.

If you want to keep your braces and teeth completely safe from damage (or at least largely safe), here are a few things to focus on:

upholstery

Heavy bag

footwork

1-on-1 work with an experienced coach

Only train in partner combos or drills with an experienced partner who knows how to relax and flow without trying to prove anything to you

If you follow these rules, you should avoid major problems with your braces. Just keep calm, practice slowly, and focus on perfecting technique rather than hitting heavy hitters.

MMA with braces

With an individually fitted mouthguard, you can also fight against an opponent with braces. There is still a risk that a blow will dislodge your mouthguard and cause costly damage to your braces, so it’s important to exercise caution when dealing with braces.

Mouthguard technology is quite advanced these days as an entire mold can be taken by your dentist or orthodontist or even at home with many DIY kits that give great results.

But if your braces are costing you thousands of dollars, then you might want to think carefully about what kind of bouts you want to do. I’m sure your orthodontist will be more than happy to hit another $1000 bill to fix the damage.

There are a few different levels though, so let’s look at wearing braces in sparring, amateur combat, and professional combat.

MMA sparring with braces

You can train opponents while wearing braces, but safety depends heavily on the intensity and type of sparring. Different types include flow sparring, light sparring, and heavy sparring. Make sure you know what sparring you’re doing to protect your braces in battle.

Flow sparring is often about mimicking a fight very lightly and rhythmically. The goal is not to take any significant hits on your sparring partner. It’s about observing the way they move and reacting intuitively to it, as this helps develop confidence in your movement and situational awareness.

In fact, many professional fighters focus heavily on flow sparring to keep their skills and convulsive responses at a high level without sustaining unnecessary injury leading up to a fight.

Amateur MMA with braces

It’s possible to get into an amateur fight with braces, but you should wear a custom-made mouthguard. While amateurs are less likely to have the skills of the knockout punch or jaw-dropping punches, a fight is still very unpredictable and one lucky shot can do a lot of damage.

In amateur fights that I’ve seen firsthand, very often they start with the techniques and positioning taught to them by their trainers. But very quickly the quality drops into limb-wielding madness, and heavy blows to the face and head are common.

Amateurs can also forget to use their mouthguards efficiently, biting down to throw and absorb punches. If you don’t bite down on your guard, a stray punch to the face can knock out your mouthguard completely.

In the heat of the moment, you don’t want your mouthguard falling out leaving your teeth, or especially your braces, open for that critical strike.

Professional MMA competition with braces

It is highly recommended not to engage in a professional fight while wearing braces. The level of skill is much higher than in an amateur match and precise strikes to the jaw are common, risking serious injury to your braces and teeth even when wearing a custom-made mouthguard.

If you’ve advanced enough in your MMA career to reach a professional level (congratulations by the way), then you’re bound to take your fitness and health very seriously.

Without protecting your safety in every possible way, you cannot imagine a very long career in MMA. In any sport, repeated and serious injuries are the leading cause of early retirement. And MMA is no different, with injuries keeping fighters out of the sport for years.

If you decide to get your teeth fixed, plan ahead to take some time off from work and wear your braces with pride. Then only engage in flow sparring or maybe light sparring to keep your weapons sharp and your braces safe from damage. Always wear a custom fitted mouthguard at all times and if something goes wrong with the fitting, get a new mold and guard as soon as possible!

Protect your braces in MMA

To protect your braces while you continue to train in MMA, you need a custom fitted mouthguard from a professional orthodontist. While many custom mouthguards can be purchased online and molded at home, they are not designed to be flexible with a full set of braces.

Usually the problem is that a standard mouthguard just doesn’t have enough malleable protection to protect your teeth and braces. You need an extra thick mouth guard made specifically for your teeth and braces.

It is safest to seek professional help from your orthodontist or dentist.

Boil and Bite Mouthugards for MMA

However, there are some options such as B. the Quick-Fit Boil and Bite mouthguard from Impact Mouthguard.

★★★★ ★ 5/5 STREETBEEFS QuickFIT by Impact Custom Mouthguards

Move your tentacles with this Octopus version; Tons more styles are available. It is a leading custom made mouthguard that protects against impacts to the jaw. Don’t save yourself less! Check the latest price

A simple guard like this might give you enough protection for light sparring, but cook and bite mouthguards don’t usually have the same level of protection as a custom one, so you can’t rely on them for heavy or full contact sparring.

Double-sided mouthguard for MMA

It might be a good idea to even consider a double-sided mouthguard if your braces also cover your lower teeth. A double-sided mouthguard is bitten down the middle but has a tooth and gum guard that covers both the upper and lower rows of teeth.

Double-sided mouthguards are a little more awkward to wear, as they make breathing difficult (although most have extra airflow holes) and make speaking impossible. Airflow is pretty important when fighting as rapid exhalation is a common part of throwing punches to ensure efficiency.

Conclusion: Should you do MMA with braces?

You can combat braces with the proper protection of an orthodontically fitted, custom mouthguard. But when deciding whether you should rely on how valuable your braces are and whether you’re willing to foot the bill for a repair or full replacement. Braces can be very expensive!

What you should know about sports with braces

What you should know about sports with braces

A very common concern about braces is whether orthodontic treatment will prevent children from playing sports. Sports students and parents often worry about avoiding sports for fear of injuring their mouth on the field or on the pitch. We understand that school sports are a big part of after school activities, so living with braces shouldn’t get in the way.

You shouldn’t have to choose between exercising and braces. Additionally, there are precautions you can take to ensure your teeth, mouth, and braces remain safe and secure. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can protect your braces and smile.

Can I play sports with braces?

Children and teenagers can absolutely play sports with braces. While sports can cause injury at any time, protecting your mouth and teeth during physical activity is especially important if you wear braces. In addition, there may be an increased risk of mouth injury if you are hit by another player or a ball.

In general, damage to the mouth is anything but life-threatening. However, in some cases it can be painful, cause serious damage, and costly to fix. For this reason, a mouth guard is recommended as one of the best ways to protect your teeth and braces when playing sports.

Does an orthodontic mouthguard help?

A mouthguard, or more specifically an orthodontic mouthguard, is a great way to protect your mouth from impacts that can lead to broken braces, bleeding gums, and even broken teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you can almost double the chance of harm by wearing the right mouthguard.

Orthodontic mouthguards differ in that they offer a little more room than traditional mouthguards, but offer the same level of protection. Additionally, the extra width of the orthodontic mouthguard should fit comfortably while covering your braces, teeth, and gums. In some cases, you can buy mouthguards over the counter. Otherwise, your doctor can offer a more comfortable, custom-fitted mouthguard.

Are there alternative orthodontic treatment options?

If you decide that traditional braces aren’t right for you, don’t worry. There are many alternative options that you can discuss further with your doctor, such as:

What should I do if I’m injured?

It’s important that if your mouth is hit while wearing braces, you take care of the injury as soon as possible. Falls or hits can severely damage your teeth and braces. Because of this, you should call your orthodontist immediately to assess your situation and determine if an emergency appointment is needed.

Prepare your child for sports with braces

Injuries of any kind can delay or adversely affect not only your orthodontic treatment, but also your overall health. This spring, prepare for your upcoming school or club sport by visiting your local orthodontist. Moles & Ferri Orthodontic Specialist has offices in Milwaukee, Racine and Brookfield. Contact us today to arrange a consultation appointment.

People who have decided to have Invisalign treatment may have some concerns about playing sports. Will my Invisalign fall out? will it break Can I wear a face mask? These are questions people ask themselves regularly.

Below are a few things to keep in mind so you can stay active without worrying about your aligners.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces. Rather than changing the aesthetics of your smile, Invisalign uses removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. The treatment is popular with teenagers and adults who want to keep a metal-free smile without being judged by their peers or peers.

What sports can I play with Invisalign?

Different sports have different intensities, levels of contact, and risks to the mouth. Every sport has to be evaluated by the athlete to see if they should keep their shells in. Below is a rough guide to help you make these decisions.

Because Invisalign fits so well, there’s little chance of the aligner falling out if you get hit or hit during sports like soccer or basketball. Feel free to leave your aligners on for low-contact sports such as:

Soccer

tennis

athletics

basketball

To go biking

gymnastics

Full contact sports bring new challenges when wearing aligners. Any violent impact to your mouth could damage your aligner, cost you money and set back your treatment. Mouthguards are usually required in most high-impact sports such as boxing or wrestling. If a mouthguard is required, simply remove your aligners and place them in your tray during competition. Swap your Invisalign for a mouthguard for sports like:

boxing

rugby

wrestling

martial arts

polo

ice Hockey

As long as you are reasonable and weigh the risks appropriately, your Invisalign treatment should not interfere with your exercise. If you’re ever in doubt, remove your Invisalign to be on the safe side.

It’s summer and a great time to change up the colors of your braces, but which colors should you choose and which colors should you avoid? From colors like red and blue to green, yellow, purple or pink, the options are virtually endless and Sturbridge orthodontists have the colors you desire. There is no official style guide for braces, but these suggestions may help you narrow down your choices:

Choose gold, dark blue, pink, orange, teal, green, or purple to complement darker skin tones.

Choose light blue, bronze, deep purple, or muted reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones.

Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter.

Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow.

Consider colors that complement or complement your eyes.

Think of colors that complement the color of the clothes you wear most often.

Try your school colors or the colors of your favorite sports team.

Go red, white and blue for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

of July. Feel festive during the holidays with red and green for Christmas or blue and pink for Easter.

Glow-in-the-dark ribbons are fun for Halloween.

You should avoid these colors:

Black (may appear like your teeth are rotting or food is stuck in your teeth).

(may appear like your teeth are rotting or food is getting stuck in your teeth). White (can make your teeth appear more yellow and white gums tend to stain more easily).

(can make your teeth appear more yellow and white gums tend to stain more easily). Yellow (tends to enhance the appearance of yellow-tinted teeth).

(tends to increase the appearance of yellow-tinted teeth). Green or brown (can be mistaken for food in your teeth).

Don’t be afraid to ask about different colors of braces at every orthodontic visit. If you are unsure about shade selection, consult a Sturbridge Orthodontist for suggestions and advice. Call to schedule an appointment today for more information on how to jazz up your braces.

Can you eat pizza with braces? This is a question we often hear from parents of tweens and teens, as well as adults getting braces in old age. Pizza is one of America’s favorite foods, and it’s one with many great memories associated with it. Watch the Big Game with friends, gather around the dining table with family and even indulge in the occasional leftover piece for breakfast in the morning. Some of our best pastimes are with pizza, and we would hate to be without it or keep our kids away from one of the greatest foods of all time.

However, proper dental hygiene is important, and if you have braces, it’s even more important. Eating the wrong foods or not taking care of the metal in your mouth can have costly consequences. It’s possible to damage your braces, and eating unsafe foods can even cause tooth decay. This can lead to emergencies at the orthodontist or you may have to wear your braces longer than originally expected, which nobody wants. Because of this, it’s best to eat foods that you know are safe and unlikely to cause harm. In addition, it is important to take proper care of your braces and teeth to prevent further dental problems. Can you eat pizza with braces?

Fortunately, the answer is yes, you can. However, there are some important rules, tips and tricks you should follow to ensure you avoid urgent office visits and enjoy your meal.

Risks of eating pizza with braces

First, it’s important to investigate why certain foods pose a danger to people with braces and why it’s important to avoid those foods. There are several elements of the pizza to consider, including the crust, cheese, and any toppings you might want to add. Each of these factors can affect your braces differently.

Braces make it easier for food to get stuck between the metal and your teeth, which can increase the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay. Certain foods and toppings are more likely to stick than others. Take pineapple, for example, a delicate fruit that is easy to pull apart. In addition, the high sugar content in pineapple increases the likelihood that your teeth will erode if they get stuck.

The type of crust also makes a difference when asking, “Can you eat pizza with braces?” Thin crusts can be more difficult as they are tougher and tougher. This can make chewing with braces difficult and increase the risk of damaging the metal.

Finally, while we know everyone’s favorite part of a pizza is the gooey, tasty cheese, this is another part of the cake that’s likely to get caught in the metal wires you have in your mouth. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to avoid the texture of melted cheese when you have braces, but taking small bites and thoroughly cleaning your teeth after eating is the best way.

Tips for eating pizza with braces

If you’ve had or have braces, you know that deciding what to eat can be difficult. But giving up your favorite food, like Hungry Howie’s® Pizza, can be even harder. That’s why we’re here to share our top tips for enjoying pizza with braces.

Tips for eating pizza with braces include:

Opt for toppings that are small and soft. Vegetables are usually a safe bet. Avoid coverings that are too tough, e.g. B. overcooked peppers. Also, avoid toppings that can be soft and stringy, like pineapple.

Go for thicker crust pizza. Avoid thin, crispy crusts.

Use a fork and knife to cut your pizza and eat it in small pieces. This makes it easier to ensure you can chew the pizza with your braces and avoid getting food stuck between your front teeth.

Always floss immediately after eating pizza with braces on.

Avoid anything sticky on the pizza. Most people think cheese is gooey, but it’s not as gooey as, say, caramel. The cheese on the pizza is unlikely to stick to your teeth or braces if you clean them properly after eating.

Order Hungry Howie’s® for takeout or delivery

So what’s the final verdict? Can you eat pizza with braces? Yes! You certainly can, as long as you avoid crusts and toppings that are too chewy and hard, sticky or stringy, and eat in small, careful bites. Of course, for optimal dental health, it is also important to clean your teeth and metal wires after eating.

Getting hungry for a Hungry Howie’s® pizza? We can’t say we blame you. Tonight, order your favorite cake or meal for takeaway or delivery. Call us and place your order over the phone or use our online ordering platform and use the HowieTrack® feature to see where your pizza is every step of the way.

Wondering what foods you can eat while wearing braces? Can you still have pizza? What about chewing gum? Will you only eat soft foods in the next two years? What do you avoid completely with braces? These are all good questions to think about if you’re considering braces in the future!

The good news is that you don’t have to stick to a totally soft diet for the next two years. There are many good foods that you can still have while wearing your braces. Awareness of “good” and “bad” food is very important so that you can take care of your braces throughout your treatment and get the best results.

Why certain foods must be avoided with braces

Your braces may have brackets, bands, and archwires, all of which can be damaged by certain foods. Avoiding very hard or sticky food is a big priority. In addition to avoiding certain foods, proper hygiene is essential to ensure no cavities form around the braces. If food debris is not properly cleaned from teeth and braces, tartar and plaque can build up, which can cause white stains on the surfaces of teeth.

Foods you can’t eat with braces

Crunchy and sticky foods like nuts and gum, and candy like lollipops and candy canes can loosen brackets and wires, which can delay treatment. Foods to avoid with your braces include:

nuts

Potato Chips

Popcorn

Crunchy vegetables

Candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or lollipops)

chewing gum (sugar-free gum is fine)

Sticky candies (like laffy taffy or jelly beans)

corn on the cob

apples

Beef jerky

pizza crust

It’s not just hard foods that can damage the devices in your mouth! Other things and habits to avoid that could damage brackets are:

pen chewing

chewing pencil

Chewing finger nails

toothpick

chew straw

It is important not to chew on hard objects!

Foods you can eat with braces

Now that you know what you can’t have with braces, let’s talk about all the good things you can have! While there are many things to avoid with braces, there are many tasty things to still enjoy. For example, you can still enjoy:

pasta

Mashed potatoes

Boneless meat

soft vegetables

fruit

soups

Dairy products

Soft breads and sandwiches

casseroles

Pizza (without crust)

Even with braces we can enjoy the beautiful things in life! At each visit, Dr. Green and your dental assistant will check the braces for damage to the brackets or plaque build-up. All of our patients receive a short course after their braces are fitted to learn how to best care for your appliances to ensure they stay in tip-top shape throughout your treatment. Remembering the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” can have a huge impact on your treatment outcome and will help get that beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of!

What is a contact sport?

A contact sport is a sport that involves significant physical contact between opponents and therefore has the potential to damage teeth.

What are the risks for the teeth?

The risk of tooth damage is increased during fast, physical sports or when moving objects (such as racquets and balls) are involved. Studies have shown that between 13% and 39% of all dental injuries are sports related. Around 25% of children in the UK injure or lose a front tooth at some point. Contact sports are becoming increasingly popular, which has led to an increase in traumatic dental injuries.

Should you use a mouthguard?

All dentists advocate for the mandatory use of a mouthguard for all school children or club players playing contact sports. Some dental plans will not pay if damage occurs during contact sports (including training sessions) if a mouthguard has not been worn to reduce risk. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) advises orthodontic patients to wear a mouth guard over their braces. In the UK it is recommended that a mouthguard should be part of sports equipment. The Rugby Football Association website states: “In the best interest of player safety, we strongly recommend that all players wear a mouthguard during all contact rugby sessions. This has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of tooth injury.”

Why should you wear a face mask?

This can prevent cuts in the mouth from the braces, damage to the braces and tooth injuries. Luckily, the braces themselves provide a lot of support for the teeth, so the primary function of a mouthguard over braces is to protect the braces and the mouth.

What is a mouthguard made of?

Mouthguards are flexible and made from shock-absorbing materials such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (pEVA). This is an odour, taste and non-toxic polymer that offers abrasion resistance and is durable enough to last at least a full season of athletic competition and training.

What types of mouthguard are there?

New mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably in the mouth and are not bulky, making it easy to speak, swallow and breathe. The BOS points out that conventional mouthguards with braces do not work because the teeth shift and therefore quickly become ill-fitting. Fortunately, there are several different types of “Ortho-Guard” mouth guards that are specifically designed to fit over fixed braces, and BOS recommends that this is the best type for use with fixed braces.

Your orthodontist can advise you on a suitable mouthguard or advise the patient where to obtain the most suitable one for their needs:

1st Ortho Guard

Some companies are now making special off-the-shelf “Ortho-Guard” mouthguards for patients with braces that have a channel or channel to accommodate the braces and allow for tooth movement. Boil and Bite mouthguards can be shaped to fit by soaking in boiling water and then vacuuming to conform to the contours of the mouth. This means that as the teeth move, the mouthguard can be reshaped to accommodate the new shape of the mouth.

2. Custom made mouthguard.

Due to the movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment, a custom mouthguard would need to be changed frequently and may not be a viable option for the orthodontic patient (unless the fixed appliance has been fully fitted before the mouthguard is made). The provider of custom mouthguards should tailor the guard to allow the teeth to move during treatment and must advise the user how to change the mouthguard if it becomes too tight. If there is a lot of tooth movement, patients may need a new mouthguard.

What should be considered when choosing a mouthguard?

It should be comfortable, fit well, and not tend to come loose on impact.

It should provide sufficient material thickness (4mm) over vulnerable areas to reduce impact forces.

When biting lightly on the mouthguard, large areas of its biting surface should be in contact with the teeth of the opposing jaw to reduce the risk of jaw fracture.

How do I care for my mouthguard?

It is important to take care of the mouthguard to ensure its longevity and continued effectiveness. It should be rinsed with cold water or a mouthwash and/or cleaned with a toothbrush before and after each use. Occasionally the mouthguard should be washed more thoroughly in cool, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. It should be stored or transported in a rigid, perforated container. This allows air to circulate and helps prevent damage. The mouthguard should be protected from high temperatures – such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight – to minimize shape changes.

What should I check before using my mouthguard?

It is important to take care of the mouthguard to ensure its longevity and continued effectiveness. It should be rinsed with cold water or a mouthwash and/or cleaned with a toothbrush before and after each use. Occasionally the mouthguard should be washed more thoroughly in cool, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. It should be stored or transported in a rigid, perforated container. This allows air to circulate and helps prevent damage. The mouthguard should be protected from high temperatures – such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight – to minimize shape changes.

How often do I need to replace my mouthguard?

No mouthguard lasts forever and with use the biting surface over the biting ridges of the front teeth can flatten, wear away or thin, allowing the player to bite through the plastic during use. Once damaged, the face mask can no longer fulfill its duty to protect. The mouthguard should also be checked regularly for its fit; this is especially important for growing children and those who wear orthodontic braces.

Why is a mouthguard important when wearing braces?

Injuries to the teeth, mouth and jaw are among the most common injuries in sports. Ironically, if a significant facial/mouth injury occurs, the presence of braces can prevent tooth displacement or loss. However, for more common sports injuries, using a mouthguard with braces can protect your teeth from the effects of the injury itself and protect your lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury in the mouth if you are hit by a ball. Racquet or another player.

Using a mouthguard can also prevent damage to the braces from a slap in the face as it creates a barrier between the braces and the cheek or lips.

When do you need a special mouthguard for braces?

Can you believe that only a third of children between the ages of 5 and 17 wear a mouthguard when playing sports? Mouth guards are one of the most important pieces of protective equipment as they protect your teeth and jaw while you are on the field. As a rule of thumb, if you wear braces for any activity that would normally require you to wear a mouthguard, you should wear a mouthguard.

Mouthguards are important in contact sports such as soccer, volleyball, soccer, basketball and hockey.

When wrestling or participating in martial arts, a double mouthguard on the upper and lower teeth may be required.

Mouthguards are also recommended when engaging in non-contact or recreational activities such as skateboarding, mountain biking, inline skating, or horseback riding.

What are the advantages of using a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can help cushion a strong blow to the face that could otherwise cause serious injury to the mouth and joints. It acts as a shock absorber, protecting the teeth and lower jaw from potential fractures and preventing you from accidentally biting your lip, tongue or cheeks. A misplaced elbow in a singles basketball game or falling off a skateboard can result in chipped or fractured teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss.

Can you wear a mouthguard over braces?

Yes, you can wear a mouthguard over braces. The mouth guards are custom fitted to the shape of your braces and brackets to ensure maximum comfort and protection. Made from medical-grade silicone, they adapt to changes in mouth structure as teeth adjust, making them a worthy investment in your smile while wearing braces.

How to use a mouthguard with braces?

The first step is to talk to your orthodontist about getting a mouthguard for wearing braces. Once you receive your mouthguard, your orthodontist will fit it to your braces. The protector is malleable, meaning you can have it refitted at your orthodontic appointments. This means it feels comfortable in your mouth even as your teeth move throughout your orthodontic journey. Put the custom-made mouthguard in your mouth during physical activity. Always remove your mouthguard carefully around your braces to avoid complications

What other orthodontic treatment options are there?

The type of orthodontic treatment your child is undergoing also contributes to your orthodontist fitting an appropriate sports mouthguard. While traditional braces are the most popular and effective method of straightening teeth, there are other options that may be a better fit for your child, such as: B. removable plates or clear aligners.

If your child has removable braces or other removable devices, they should not wear them for contact sports, but must still wear an appropriate child’s mouthguard to protect their smile.

While your orthodontist can assist in providing a custom mouthguard to meet the needs of your teeth during your orthodontic treatment, this is not included in the cost of your braces. If this is deemed appropriate, a generic, re-moldable, off-the-shelf braces mouthguard may need to be purchased from an outside retailer on the advice of your orthodontist.

Talk to your orthodontist about choosing a mouthguard that will work best for you.

For more information on caring for your braces, see our Children and Orthodontics eBook.

If you think your child needs orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to call us on (02) 8073 9275 to book an appointment or click here.

To read the original article, click here.

How to reduce teeth grinding in your sleep with braces

Occasional teeth grinding isn’t the end of the world, but when it becomes a habit, it can cause harm.

Grinding your teeth while you sleep can happen unconsciously, but you can wake up with a sore jaw, toothache, and headache as a result.

The good news is that orthodontic treatment is available to alleviate the problem. You may be surprised to learn that braces can actually solve your teeth grinding problem. Read on to learn how.

Why are you grinding your teeth?

There are several reasons why you clench your teeth and these include:

Misaligned Teeth – When your upper and lower teeth are not aligned, you are more likely to grind your teeth.

Stress – Tension and frustration can lead to teeth grinding. If you’re frequently upset or stressed, clenching can be a coping mechanism.

Medical Conditions – Teeth grinding can be attributed to some health conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) or an ear infection affecting the muscles of the jaw.

Sleep Disorders – Patients with sleep apnea (a condition in which the airways close during sleep, restricting oxygen) are more likely to grind their teeth at night than others without the condition.

What is the problem with teeth grinding?

Chronic teeth grinding damages teeth in many ways and affects your quality of life. Problems caused by teeth grinding include:

Increased sensitivity of the teeth due to erosion of the enamel, exposing the roots and gums.

Surface tooth damage from wear and tear from teeth grinding.

Jaw and facial pain as a result of muscle tension.

Jaw lock that prevents the mouth from opening and closing properly.

pain when chewing

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches or grinds their teeth while not actively chewing food. Teeth clench when the jaw moves forcefully back and forth or sideways, and in most cases the person is unaware of it, as this most commonly occurs when a person is sleeping.

Bruxism is a common sleep disorder that, in severe cases, can cause aching pain, loose teeth, headaches, jaw pain and stiffness, and dulled tooth sensitivity.

The exact cause of bruxism isn’t definitive, but some conditions that can increase your chances of developing this disorder include:

Anxiety Disorder – Feeling excessively worried, intensely anxious that can interfere with your sleep. Some of these include; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Panic Attacks.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome – CTS is when part of the tooth cracks but no part of the tooth is broken off. It is recognized when a person feels pain when eating certain foods or when chewing. If the pain is severe, a dentist may recommend extracting the tooth.

Bruxism can be mitigated by the following:

Braces – Custom braces help to position teeth in the desired position and can also prevent teeth grinding. However, in the early days, wearing braces can lead to severe clenching as teeth align.

Invisalign – These are clear aligners that are used to align teeth into the desired position. They are changed regularly until the last set remains to keep the teeth in the right direction over the long term.

Night Protection – Patients with severe bruxism must wear a face mask at night. A mouthguard takes a while to get used to, but it will help in the long run. As teeth rub against each other during sleep, guards help prevent jaw and facial pain by cushioning the jaw muscles.

treatment of bruxism

In most cases, bruxism does not require treatment because it is not usually too severe in adults and children will outgrow it without treatment. However, in the few extreme cases, patients must be proactive to stop bruxism.

Managing Stress and Anxiety – Seeking help from a licensed therapist to manage your levels of stress and anxiety can reduce teeth grinding as a coping mechanism.

Short-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, as recommended by a doctor, can also help stabilize one’s emotions and reduce stress.

Treating Sleep Apnea – If you suffer from a sleep-related disorder, you need to treat it with a qualified doctor. Regular exercise and adequate sleep can help resolve these issues. A doctor may recommend purchasing a CPAP machine to help relieve the condition.

Teeth Straightening – If your teeth are worn down from heavy clenching, your dentist may need to reshape, realign, and repair the occlusal surfaces.

Mouthguards and Splints – Splints fit over the upper teeth and some over the lower ones and act as a barrier, keeping the jaws separated and in a more relaxed position during sleep.

If braces do not reduce teeth grinding, custom-made mouth guards with braces can be worn to protect teeth while sleeping. Most dentists and orthodontists recommend a hard plastic mouthguard that covers all teeth in the lower or upper jaw.

Advantages of mouthguards

1. Prevent headaches

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) caused by excessive bruxism leads to severe headaches. Wearing a night shield helps reduce these discomforts.

2. Prevent snoring

Snoring may seem like a minor problem, but it can still disrupt sleep. The design of the mouthguard allows air intake between the jaws, allowing you to breathe better.

3. Prevent tooth damage

Unconsciously clenching your teeth at night can lead to tooth damage, and excessive enamel wear affects tooth sensitivity. Wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth.

Mouth guards also help align your teeth and prevent overbites or underbites that cause tooth damage.

4. Reduce jaw tension and pain

A well-designed night guard from the orthodontist that fits your jaw perfectly will protect your teeth even with braces and prevent jaw strain while you sleep.

In addition, mouthguards maximize sleep quality by relaxing jaw muscles and minimizing the symptoms associated with bruxism.

5. Saves you money

Dental treatment to restore teeth does not come cheap. Teeth grinding is slow to chip your teeth, but with a customized night guard you can lessen the damage and save some money in the long run.

How Amazing Smile NYC’s Orthodontist Can Help Ease Teeth Grinding

With over 30 years of experience, Amazing Smile NYC Orthodontist provides quality orthodontic care to patients; Queen, Long Island and Brooklyn. Contact us today at (718) 275-3200

People who have decided to have Invisalign treatment may have some concerns about playing sports. Will my Invisalign fall out? will it break Can I wear a face mask? These are questions people ask themselves regularly.

Below are a few things to keep in mind so you can stay active without worrying about your aligners.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces. Rather than changing the aesthetics of your smile, Invisalign uses removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. The treatment is popular with teenagers and adults who want to keep a metal-free smile without being judged by their peers or peers.

What sports can I play with Invisalign?

Different sports have different intensities, levels of contact, and risks to the mouth. Every sport has to be evaluated by the athlete to see if they should keep their shells in. Below is a rough guide to help you make these decisions.

Because Invisalign fits so well, there’s little chance of the aligner falling out if you get hit or hit during sports like soccer or basketball. Feel free to leave your aligners on for low-contact sports such as:

Soccer

tennis

athletics

basketball

To go biking

gymnastics

Full contact sports bring new challenges when wearing aligners. Any violent impact to your mouth could damage your aligner, cost you money and set back your treatment. Mouthguards are usually required in most high-impact sports such as boxing or wrestling. If a mouthguard is required, simply remove your aligners and place them in your tray during competition. Swap your Invisalign for a mouthguard for sports like:

boxing

rugby

wrestling

martial arts

polo

ice Hockey

As long as you are reasonable and weigh the risks appropriately, your Invisalign treatment should not interfere with your exercise. If you’re ever in doubt, remove your Invisalign to be on the safe side.

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

If you’re looking to start MMA training but are currently a teenager on your first braces or an adult just trying to correct some alignment issues then I’ve put this guide together for you.

In another article I covered how to box with braces. If you are specifically focused on this sport, you might want to go there. Otherwise read on.

In short, can you do MMA with braces?

You can practice MMA with braces by having a custom-molded mouthguard made to fit your jaw, teeth and braces clasps. These can be purchased from an orthodontist. Some cooking and biting mouthguards that have enough mold to form around the braces can also be used.

There are multiple options available to you to start or continue your mixed martial arts training while wearing braces, so don’t think you have to go without!

Read on for the full facts.

Training in MMA with braces

MMA training with braces is common as long as you get the right protection from a custom fitted mouthguard. Most training in MMA involves block work, heavy bags, drills, and working safely with a trainer. Damage to your braces only becomes a problem when sparring or fighting with other fighters.

If you want to keep your braces and teeth completely safe from damage (or at least largely safe), here are a few things to focus on:

upholstery

Heavy bag

footwork

1-on-1 work with an experienced coach

Only train in partner combos or drills with an experienced partner who knows how to relax and flow without trying to prove anything to you

If you follow these rules, you should avoid major problems with your braces. Just keep calm, practice slowly, and focus on perfecting technique rather than hitting heavy hitters.

MMA with braces

With an individually fitted mouthguard, you can also fight against an opponent with braces. There is still a risk that a blow will dislodge your mouthguard and cause costly damage to your braces, so it’s important to exercise caution when dealing with braces.

Mouthguard technology is quite advanced these days as an entire mold can be taken by your dentist or orthodontist or even at home with many DIY kits that give great results.

But if your braces are costing you thousands of dollars, then you might want to think carefully about what kind of bouts you want to do. I’m sure your orthodontist will be more than happy to hit another $1000 bill to fix the damage.

There are a few different levels though, so let’s look at wearing braces in sparring, amateur combat, and professional combat.

MMA sparring with braces

You can train opponents while wearing braces, but safety depends heavily on the intensity and type of sparring. Different types include flow sparring, light sparring, and heavy sparring. Make sure you know what sparring you’re doing to protect your braces in battle.

Flow sparring is often about mimicking a fight very lightly and rhythmically. The goal is not to take any significant hits on your sparring partner. It’s about observing the way they move and reacting intuitively to it, as this helps develop confidence in your movement and situational awareness.

In fact, many professional fighters focus heavily on flow sparring to keep their skills and convulsive responses at a high level without sustaining unnecessary injury leading up to a fight.

Amateur MMA with braces

It’s possible to get into an amateur fight with braces, but you should wear a custom-made mouthguard. While amateurs are less likely to have the skills of the knockout punch or jaw-dropping punches, a fight is still very unpredictable and one lucky shot can do a lot of damage.

In amateur fights that I’ve seen firsthand, very often they start with the techniques and positioning taught to them by their trainers. But very quickly the quality drops into limb-wielding madness, and heavy blows to the face and head are common.

Amateurs can also forget to use their mouthguards efficiently, biting down to throw and absorb punches. If you don’t bite down on your guard, a stray punch to the face can knock out your mouthguard completely.

In the heat of the moment, you don’t want your mouthguard falling out leaving your teeth, or especially your braces, open for that critical strike.

Professional MMA competition with braces

It is highly recommended not to engage in a professional fight while wearing braces. The level of skill is much higher than in an amateur match and precise strikes to the jaw are common, risking serious injury to your braces and teeth even when wearing a custom-made mouthguard.

If you’ve advanced enough in your MMA career to reach a professional level (congratulations by the way), then you’re bound to take your fitness and health very seriously.

Without protecting your safety in every possible way, you cannot imagine a very long career in MMA. In any sport, repeated and serious injuries are the leading cause of early retirement. And MMA is no different, with injuries keeping fighters out of the sport for years.

If you decide to get your teeth fixed, plan ahead to take some time off from work and wear your braces with pride. Then only engage in flow sparring or maybe light sparring to keep your weapons sharp and your braces safe from damage. Always wear a custom fitted mouthguard at all times and if something goes wrong with the fitting, get a new mold and guard as soon as possible!

Protect your braces in MMA

To protect your braces while you continue to train in MMA, you need a custom fitted mouthguard from a professional orthodontist. While many custom mouthguards can be purchased online and molded at home, they are not designed to be flexible with a full set of braces.

Usually the problem is that a standard mouthguard just doesn’t have enough malleable protection to protect your teeth and braces. You need an extra thick mouth guard made specifically for your teeth and braces.

It is safest to seek professional help from your orthodontist or dentist.

Boil and Bite Mouthugards for MMA

However, there are some options such as B. the Quick-Fit Boil and Bite mouthguard from Impact Mouthguard.

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A simple guard like this might give you enough protection for light sparring, but cook and bite mouthguards don’t usually have the same level of protection as a custom one, so you can’t rely on them for heavy or full contact sparring.

Double-sided mouthguard for MMA

It might be a good idea to even consider a double-sided mouthguard if your braces also cover your lower teeth. A double-sided mouthguard is bitten down the middle but has a tooth and gum guard that covers both the upper and lower rows of teeth.

Double-sided mouthguards are a little more awkward to wear, as they make breathing difficult (although most have extra airflow holes) and make speaking impossible. Airflow is pretty important when fighting as rapid exhalation is a common part of throwing punches to ensure efficiency.

Conclusion: Should you do MMA with braces?

You can combat braces with the proper protection of an orthodontically fitted, custom mouthguard. But when deciding whether you should rely on how valuable your braces are and whether you’re willing to foot the bill for a repair or full replacement. Braces can be very expensive!

Should you wear a mouthguard if you wear braces? Yes, if you play a sport that normally requires a mouthguard, then you should also wear a mouthguard if you wear braces in that sport.

Tooth and jaw injuries are common in contact sports. Your braces may provide extra protection for your teeth, but with braces there is an additional risk of injuring your lips and the inside of your cheeks. We recommend wearing a properly fitted mouthguard in any sport where there is a risk of impact to your mouth or face.

How to choose your mouthguard

There are two common types of mouthguards available – custom fitted, where a dentist or orthodontist makes a mold of the teeth for the mouthguard, or boil and bite mouthguards, where the patient shapes the plastic by squeezing it after heating it takes in the mouth.

Both types of mouth guards have their pros and cons. When a patient wears braces, there are a few additional things to consider.

Using a boil and bite mouthguard with braces

A cook and bite mouthguard for braces is a good option for people with braces. The mouthguard, available at sporting goods stores or pharmacies, is heated and then placed in your mouth to mold to your teeth.

If your teeth move because of your braces, the mouthguard may loosen or become uncomfortable over time, so you should reshape it to fit your teeth. Heat the mouthguard according to the instructions and bite the mouthguard to adjust it to the current position of your teeth.

Make sure you choose a mouthguard that is designed for braces as they allow more room to protect teeth, braces and gums. A conventional boil and bite guard does not have enough space to accommodate the brackets and wire and does not provide adequate protection. Some cheaper mouthguards are only suitable for one-off molding and must be discarded when they no longer fit.

Use of individually fitted mouthguard with braces

Molding your mouthguard for a custom fit requires a quick visit to your orthodontist or dentist. You make the mouthguard based on an impression of your teeth. Braces move the teeth, so a custom mouthguard may not be the best option as it cannot be reshaped.

If the mouthguard no longer fits, a new impression must be taken before the next mouthguard can be made. Multiple in-season visits to the dentist for a new custom mouthguard may not be feasible, but if you do need a custom mouthguard, talk to your orthodontist or dentist.

Mouthguard for high risk sports

There are many sports where there is a risk of mouth and teeth injuries, but some sports carry a greater risk than others.

Three sports that have a bad reputation for tooth loss, chipped teeth and broken jaws are hockey, rugby and soccer. It’s not at elite level either. Accidents can happen at any age, so players aged six and over should wear a mouthguard when playing or training. It’s a good idea to make it a habit for young players to wear a mouthguard so that using it becomes second nature. Remember that any sport that involves throwing or moving a ball increases the risk of getting your teeth hit.

Hockey is a sport that no one, with or without braces, should play without a mouthguard. There is a risk of being injured by another player, but there is the added risk of the hard ball and every player on the field carrying a graphite stick. A hockey stick or ball injury can result in serious facial injuries.

Rugby is a high-contact sport that carries a high risk of injury to the face and teeth. A face mask should always be worn.

Football, whether AFL or soccer, can cause injury anywhere on the field, so always wear a mouth guard.

A basketball doesn’t cause as many injuries as other types of balls, but there are many players’ elbows, shoulders, and heads that can damage braces and teeth. Always play basketball with a mouthguard that fits braces.

Remember that teeth are not only at risk in organized sports. Rough play with siblings or playing on the school playground equipment is enough to cause permanent tooth damage. Try to think about whether the game can cause a facial injury and change the game. We only get one set of adult teeth, and once a tooth is knocked out, it can’t get back in. You then spend the rest of your life with an implant or gap.

sports insurance

A portion of the sports fees that players pay each season is covered by insurance in the event of an injury while training or playing. Some sports laws may not cover injuries unless the player is wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard. To make sure you’re eligible for claims, ask your club if the insurer requires a specific type of mouthguard.

Face masks and health insurance

Many health insurance companies cover the full cost of a face mask. A lost or damaged tooth can cost thousands in dentist fees, so a mouthguard is an inexpensive prevention plan.

Some sports clubs have an alliance with a dentist or mouthguard provider to provide players with mouthguards that do not exceed the mouthguard discounts offered by health insurance companies. For players without health insurance, the provider offers an individual mouthguard for a small fee.

Mouth guard after braces

Once your braces are off, throw away any mouthguards you had when wearing braces as they won’t fit. Now that your teeth are in place, you must do whatever it takes to keep them in place and protect them. If you don’t have a permanent retainer, use a removable retainer all day and then at night. Wearing your retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions will ensure that your smile looks good for a lifetime.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your retainer is also a mouthguard that can protect your teeth during sports. They make retainers out of thin plastic so they can be worn comfortably all day and/or night. Retainers are not designed to handle the shock of a hit from a ball or another player and do not protect your teeth.

Wear a mouthguard when exercising or playing sports. Now that your teeth are in a position where they should stay for the rest of your life, it pays to invest in a custom mouthguard to ensure they have the best possible protection. This mouthguard should last a year, so keep it in a safe place and clean it regularly. Do not chew on a mouthguard as this can damage it. A new mouthguard every year offers the best protection for your teeth, as they can wear down with regular use.

If you have questions about the best type of mouthguard to use while wearing braces, consult your orthodontist.

To arrange a no-obligation appointment, you can call The Orthodontists on (08) 9364 8020 or book an appointment online.

boxing (boks’ing), ), In dentistry, the construction of vertical walls, usually of wax, to form a dental impression after beading to produce the desired size and shape of the dental impression and to preserve certain landmarks of the impression. Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

Boxing Sports Medicine A contact sport in which 2 modern-day gladiators smack each other with gloved fists until one falls to his knees or to the ground, formally ending the fight. Sports medicine A contact sport in which two modern-day gladiators, gloved fists, smash each other until one falls to his knees or to the ground, and the match is formally over McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

box·ing ( boks’ing ) In dentistry, the construction of vertical walls, usually of wax, to form a dental impression after beading to produce the desired size and shape of the dental impression and to preserve certain characteristics of the impression. Medical Dictionary for Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012