How to Put on a Mouthguard with Braces

If you’re a physically active individual that takes part in physical sports and activities, there is of course always the risk of an injury. Now, while pulled muscles, sprains, and even broken bones are possible, dental injuries are also very common, and can be very painful, which is why mouthguards are so useful.

Sports mouthguards are designed to be worn over the teeth to protect the teeth from damage sustained during sports or physical activities, as well as helping to prevent the teeth from damaging your other teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and mouth in general.

Wearing a sports mouthguard is relatively simple for most people, but what about anybody out there who happens to be wearing braces? Well, the good news is that you can wear a mouthguard with braces, though you will need to make a few tweaks and changes here and there first.

Here’s a look at how to put on a mouthguard with braces.

Can you wear a mouthguard if you have braces?

The short answer is yes. You can definitely wear a mouthguard if you happen to be wearing braces.

When playing a sport or taking part in a physical activity where there is a risk of injury to the teeth and mouth, braces or not, if a mouthguard is mandatory or recommended, you should wear one when competing.

Mouthguards are soft yet flexible dental appliances that fit snugly over the teeth and gums. They are designed to provide cushioning and protection for the teeth, gums, and jaw if you do sustain a blow to the facial area. If you wear braces you should still wear a mouthguard, in fact, some would argue it is even more important as your braces could cause damage to your lips.

Do people with braces need special mouthguards

If you wear braces, you don’t need a special mouthguard in the sense of a mouthguard designed exclusively for people with braces. However, you will need to ensure that you invest in a mouthguard that is properly fitted.

Rather than cheap stock mouthguards, ideally you should use a custom mouthguard which your dentist will make for you based upon impressions of your teeth and jawline that they take. Having custom mouthguards means that you can enjoy a comfortable and snug fit without the risk of damage to your teeth or mouth.

How to put on a mouthguard with braces

Now comes the tricky part, as we will now be going through the steps you’ll need to follow if you wear braces and wish to put on a mouthguard.

Select the right size

To begin with, you need to ensure you select the right size mouthguard. Remember, you want it to stay in place and to sit snugly over the teeth and gums, without wobbling or feeling uncomfortable.

If you visit your dentist and have a custom mouthguard made, you know that it will fit perfectly.

Be mindful of the brackets

Some people with braces may find that the brackets interfere with their mouthguards. If this applies to you, go ahead and use dental wax over the brackets to prevent a vacuum seal forming over the braces, making the mouthguard hard to remove.

Refit the mouthguard as your teeth shift

Remember, braces are designed to alter the alignment of the teeth and gradually, overtime, they will shift the teeth, meaning that you’ll need a new custom mouthguard making.

As soon as your mouthguard feels uncomfortable and/or loose, visit your dentist and have a new custom mouthguard made.

Mouthguards after having your braces removed

When the time finally comes to have your braces removed, you should also ask your dentist to create a new custom mouthguard for you, based upon the positioning of your new teeth.

If you try to wear your old mouthguard, you’ll find that it doesn’t fit properly.

Book an appointment

If you’re on the lookout for a custom mouthguard, whether you wear braces or not, book an appointment with the friendly team at Dental Armour today.

Here at Dental Armour we have an extensive selection of mouthguards and similar products, all designed to the highest of specs with comfort, support, protection, and performance in mind.