Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential when you have braces. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, or wrestling, it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that you wear a mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the "boil-and-bite" fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard from your orthodontist. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly.
Pre-made mouthguards and boil-and-bite mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, while custom-made mouthguards are specially designed by your orthodontist to provide optimal protection against mouth injuries. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Your doctor can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.
Taking Care of Your Mouthguard
Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by storing it properly and keeping it clean, as well as knowing when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:
- Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store your mouthguard in a protective case.
- Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water, because it may melt or become deformed.
- Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season. You should also replace your mouthguard if you notice it has become worn and no longer fits properly.
- Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you wear braces, your dentist will help design a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.
- Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard. Mouthguards come in different shapes and sizes; ask your dentist which is best for you.
- Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup, so your dentist can check to make sure it's still in good shape!
Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries incurred by athletes. Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports-related injury to your smile. Be sure to ask your doctor about mouthguards at your next appointment — GO TEAM!
Mouthguards Reviews
My child received awesome care from Dr. Yoon and his staff. Everyone is really friendly. Every time you visit, you will never feel uncomfortable. Dr. Yoon is very knowledgeable, and he and his staff will answer any questions you have about dental care, braces, retainers, etc. It is expensive, but the money is certainly worth it and not wasted as you will most likely have a great experience and better teeth (and the staff are very open and transparent about payment options to do what is best for you). If you or your child needs better teeth, please go to Dr. Yoon and Chesterfield Orthodontics.
I highly recommend Dr. Yoon and his staff for getting braces! I went on a consultation since I was getting braces a second time. My mom and I were shocked at how the consultation went. They scanned, analyzed, and took photos of my teeth to then go over what I needed and for how long. I had my braces on for almost 9 months and with each visit, I felt cared for and informed on my teeth. I was also surprised with how my retainers were made. I expected it to be like the first dentist I went to, using a thick paste to create a mold. Here they don’t do that. Since your teeth are scanned they use a 3D printer for your retainers (if I’m not mistaken). Though my insurance (Maryland physicians care) is not accepted, going here for dental care is worth every penny!
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We’d love to welcome you into our office for a complimentary evaluation. Let’s sit down together in Pasadena or Ellicott City and talk about the smile you’ve always wanted.
Our Pasadena Office:
8092 Edwin Raynor Blvd, Ste C
Pasadena, MD 21122
(410) 255-0200
Our Ellicott City Office:
9141 Baltimore National Pike, Ste 2C
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 916-5685
