Braces are a crucial step toward achieving a straight, healthy smile. However, if you’re an athlete, you may have concerns about keeping your braces safe during sports activities. The good news is that with the right strategies and protective gear from our team of orthodontists at Vista Orthodontics, you can stay active in your favorite sports while keeping your braces in great shape. This guide will cover everything you need to know about maintaining braces during sports and protecting your smile both on and off the field.
Why Protecting Your Braces is Important
Braces are designed to straighten your teeth and correct bite issues, but they also need extra care, especially during physical activities. Without proper protection, sports can lead to unexpected accidents that may damage your braces or even cause injury. Investing in the right tools and following key precautions can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Common Risks of Playing Sports with Braces
- Oral Injuries: Accidental impacts can lead to cuts on the soft tissue of your cheeks, gums, tongue, or lips.
- Broken Brackets or Wires: A hit to the mouth can damage the components of your braces, requiring an emergency visit to your orthodontist.
- Delays in Treatment: Damaged braces can slow down your treatment progress if repairs are needed.
IMPORTANT: At Vista Orthodontics, we offer emergency care for our current patients. If you’ve experienced a mouth injury, or broken brackets or wires, contact our team immediately.
Essential Gear for Protecting Your Braces
One of the best ways to protect your braces during sports is by using the right equipment. Here are some must-haves:
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are your best line of defense when it comes to protecting both your braces and your teeth.
Types of Mouthguards:
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are affordable and the plastic can be molded to fit your teeth. However, they may not provide a perfect fit for braces.
- Custom Mouthguards: These are made specifically for your mouth by your orthodontist. Although they are more expensive, they offer the best fit and protection and are a worthwhile investment.
- Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-made and available at most sporting goods stores. While convenient, they offer the least protection and are not ideal for braces.
Ask your orthodontist at your next visit for more information on custom mouthguards.
Helmet and Face Shields
For contact sports like football or hockey, a helmet with a face shield provides additional protection against facial injuries. Combined with a mouthguard, these tools can help keep your braces and smile safe.
Tips for Maintaining Braces During Sports
1. Wear Your Mouthguard at All Times
Always wear your mouthguard, even during practice sessions. Accidents can happen at any time, and consistent use ensures you’re always protected.
2. Avoid Chewing on Sports Equipment
Many athletes have a habit of chewing on mouthguards, water bottle caps, or other objects during downtime. This can damage your braces and cause unnecessary wear and tear.
3. Inspect Your Braces After Games
After every game or practice, check your braces for any signs of damage, such as loose wires or broken brackets. If you notice anything unusual, contact your orthodontist immediately.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Playing sports often means a busy schedule, but it’s important to prioritize oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent plaque buildup around your braces. Use an interdental brush or a water flosser for hard-to-reach areas. It can be helpful to have a toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag to brush on the go.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water during sports not only keeps you hydrated but also helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can get trapped in your braces.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. Here’s how to handle common orthodontic emergencies:
Broken Bracket or Wire
If a bracket or wire becomes loose, use orthodontic wax to cover the area and prevent irritation. Schedule a visit to your orthodontist as soon as possible for repairs.
Cuts or Sores in Your Mouth
Use saltwater rinses to clean the area and promote healing. Over-the-counter numbing gels can also help relieve discomfort.
Mouthguard Doesn’t Fit
If your mouthguard becomes ill-fitting due to changes in your braces or tooth alignment, contact your orthodontist for adjustments or a replacement.
How to Choose the Right Sport for Braces
Most sports are safe to play with braces, but some activities carry a higher risk of mouth injuries. Low-contact sports, such as swimming, track and field, tennis, and cycling, typically pose minimal danger to braces. However, higher-contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and martial arts require extra protection to prevent injury. If you’re planning to participate in a high-contact sport, it’s important to consult your orthodontist about the best protective gear to ensure your braces and teeth stay safe.
The Role of Your Orthodontist in Keeping You Safe
Your orthodontist plays a key role in helping you maintain braces during sports. They can provide custom mouthguards, perform regular checkups to monitor your progress, and offer tips tailored to your specific needs.
When to Schedule an Appointment:
- If you experience damage to your braces
- If your mouthguard no longer fits properly
- For routine checkups and adjustments
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
At Vista Orthodontics, we’re here to help you stay active while keeping your braces safe and effective. If you have questions about protecting your braces during sports or need a custom mouthguard, schedule an appointment with us today. Your smile deserves the best care, on and off the field! Call our team today at 866-507-4582 to book your appointment now.
