Braces, Mouthguards, and Sports

Braces, Mouthguards, and SportsWe understand that orthodontic treatment can result in many changes to your everyday life such as your diet and oral hygiene habits. However, one thing that shouldn’t change is your participation in sports. Braces don’t always mean a spot on the bench for the season! You can continue to play sports while straightening your smile if you take some safety precautions. One way to protect your smile as you play is by using a mouthguard–especially if you have braces!

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a cushioning oral appliance made of flexible material that fits snugly over your teeth to help protect against injuries to the teeth and mouth. Mouthguards also prevent your jaws from coming together fully, reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries and concussion.

Why should you wear a mouthguard while playing sports?

Any sport can run the risk of mouth, teeth, and jaw injuries however some sports are a greater risk than others such as hockey, rugby, and football. These sports have a long record of causing tooth loss, chipped teeth, and broken jaws, and not all incidents occur at a professional level. Incidents can occur at any age, so we strongly encourage and advise our patients to wear mouthguards when they play or train.

Mouthguards are designed to absorb the impact and shock to prevent severe injury to your teeth, cheeks, tongue, and gums. Though you may think your braces are enough to prevent tooth loss, wearing a mouthguard in addition to braces will also protect your lips, cheeks, and tongues from lacerations if an injury does occur.

While traditional braces are a common and effective method to straightening teeth, there are other orthodontic options such as clear aligners and removable plates. If your child has a removable appliance, it may need to be removed for their safety during contact sports. However, you still need to wear a mouthguard while being active. Ask your orthodontist what treatment option is best for your oral health.

How to Choose a Mouthguard

There are two main types of mouthguards to choose from when making your decision: boil-and-bite mouthguards or custom-fitted mouthguards. As always, consult with your oral health team on which option is best for your needs. Make sure your mouthguard is designed to fit patients with braces for maximum protection and comfort. One factor to consider when deciding what mouthguard is right for you is how many mouthguards you may need throughout the season and whether a double mouthguard will be required for your sport. Some sports such as wrestling require mouthguards to cover both the top and bottom teeth.

Boil-and-Bite
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of medical-grade silicone and can be remolded several times if necessary. To use this type of mouthguard, the guard is heated to a boil and then after a brief cooling period, can be placed into your mouth to make an impression.

Some important notes to keep in mind when using this method with braces:

  • Do not form the mouthguard over the braces in a way that will pull on the brackets causing damage or potentially removing the braces off.
  • Before molding, be sure to cover your teeth and braces completely with a strip of orthodontic wax or foil. Without this barrier over the brackets, the mouthguard may seal around the brackets making it hard to get off and possibly damage your treatment or teeth. Once the mold is set, you can remove the barrier and wear the guard right over your braces.
  • Though this can be a great option for most, it is important to note that as your teeth move due to your orthodontic treatment, your mouthguard will become loose and need to be remolded.

If you select a boil-and-bite mouthguard, be sure that you select one that is designed for braces and has enough room to accommodate your teeth, braces, and gums.

Custom-Fitted
Your orthodontist or dentist can make you a customized mouthguard from an impression of your teeth. Though this option can be more expensive, it ensures a proper and comfortable fit. One of the major disadvantages of a customized mouthguard is that you will have to replace it regularly as your teeth shift with treatment.

Caring For Your Mouthguard

It is important to take care of your mouthguard as well. Bacteria will begin to accumulate in a used mouthguard, so be sure to clean them after each use. You can brush them with toothpaste or rinse them with an antimicrobial solution. With proper care, your mouthguard can last up to a year. Avoid chewing on them as this can damage the material and loosen the fit. We recommend patients with moldable mouthguards replace them every year to ensure optimal protection.

Dental injuries are very common in recreational and professional sports. That is why the best way to protect your smile while you play is to use a mouthguard. Mouthguards can absorb the energy of an impact to reduce the severity of injury to your mouth and jaw. For more information on mouthguards during orthodontic treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact Bracify 3D Orthodontics today.

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Blog Posts

Maintaining Braces for Children: A Comprehensive Guide to Oral Care

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Maintaining Braces for Children: A Comprehensive Guide to Oral Care

Maintaining Braces for Children: A Comprehensive Guide to Oral CareFor many children, braces are a big part of growing up. While few children enjoy having them, the advantages of getting braces are often very obvious, especially later on in life.

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has found that braces help align teeth that are too far apart, too close, or too crooked. They can also help overbites and under-bites.

Importance of Proper Maintenance for Braces

If your child wants to fully enjoy the advantages that braces can offer, he or she will need to take the time to maintain them properly. They will be more comfortable and more effective if they are maintained properly. Your child may also be able to take them off sooner if he or she maintains them well.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Your child needs to have top-notch dental hygiene if he or she is going to get braces. It is important that your child pays close attention to caring for the teeth and gums.

Choosing the Right Dental Hygiene Routine

Your child needs to floss at least once a day and brush their teeth twice a day. Also, your child should be gentle when they brush or floss to avoid damaging the brackets or wires. Your child should use a toothbrush that possesses soft bristles to brush their teeth. Any toothpaste with fluoride is fine for your child to use.

Proper Flossing Techniques

Have your child floss after meals to get rid of the food particles that get stuck between the wiring, the brackets, and the teeth. Food particles are more likely to accumulate and lead to the buildup of plaque among those who wear them. Your child needs to be gentle when flossing to ensure they don’t damage them. Your child should position the floss between the wire of the braces and the tooth. Then your child should work the floss between the tooth and the braces slowly.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Chances are, your child’s orthodontist has given you an entire list of foods and beverages your child should avoid. The best rule of thumb is to avoid chewy, sticky, and hard foods. Some examples of such foods include gummy candy and caramel candy. Hard pretzels and popcorn can also get stuck or cause the braces to snap whenever your child takes a bite.
You should watch out for anything your child puts in their mouth. For example, biting pens or biting nails can cause significant damage to braces. Your child should not chew on ice or other hard objects.

Protecting Braces During Physical Activities

Even if your child wears braces, he or she can still play a sport. However, your child will likely need to wear a mouthguard to ensure their teeth are not damaged during games or practice. Your child should have a mouthguard on both the top and bottom teeth. Also, your child should have a dentist make a custom mouthguard for a good fit.

Achieving a Beautiful and Improved Smile

If your child has braces, they will need to pay far more attention to their mouth than they normally do. While the extra effort may be bothersome, the results will be worthwhile. Encourage your child to do their best to achieve a beautiful and improved smile.

For more information, feel free to contact Bracify 3D Orthodontics today!

Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear Aligner TherapyDo you have crooked or crowded teeth, or perhaps an overbite but don’t want to wear braces? Clear aligner therapy might be the right solution for you. Similar to traditional braces, clear aligner therapy works to gradually move teeth discreetly with virtually invisible appliances.

What is clear aligner therapy?

Clear aligner therapy refers to an orthodontic alternative to traditional braces where the patient wears a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that gently and gradually move their teeth into proper alignment. The goal of clear aligner therapy is to help the patient achieve a healthy bite where the top and bottom teeth properly align, function, and fit together.

Clear aligners are great for those who have crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, open bite, or even crossbites. However, it is important to note that even though clear aligners can treat a variety of orthodontic conditions, it may not be the best treatment option for everyone.

There are many orthodontic teeth-straightening treatments available. The most recognized is traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets to move your teeth. Traditional braces can be painful, uncomfortable, and put limitations on diet, which makes clear aligners an appealing alternative to many patients.

Some of the benefits of clear aligner therapy include:

  • They are custom made to fit the patient’s teeth
  • They are removable
  • They are easier to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy
  • They are clear and discreet
  • They are less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks
  • They can help prevent wear on teeth from tooth grinding

How does it work?

Clear aligners work like any other orthodontic appliance where pressure is applied to the teeth, gradually moving them and reshaping the supporting soft tissue and bones.

An orthodontist will conduct a full dental exam of the patient’s mouth to assess the most appropriate treatment option. This exam may include digital scans, photographs, impressions, and x-rays. After the orthodontist concludes that clear aligner therapy is a suitable option, a series of clear plastic aligners are created specifically for the patient’s dental goals and lifestyle needs.

The aligners apply gentle pressure to the periodontal ligaments that surround each tooth, and as the pressure is applied, the blood vessels expand and contract along the tooth. This reaction causes chemical signals to be sent so that the body can adjust to the tooth’s new position and rebuild the tooth’s structure and support system so that it can remain in position. Once your tooth is completely rebuilt and adjusted to the new position, it is time to switch to the next aligner for more adjustments.

The length of treatment can also vary depending on what the patient’s goals are and the condition of their teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a better estimate of how long treatment will take once your doctor has customized your treatment plan.

Generally, aligners are changed every 2 weeks to gradually move the teeth. The total number of aligners can vary from patient to patient, though on average patients can go through anywhere from 20-30 aligners during treatment.

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners put the treatment’s effectiveness on the patient’s shoulders as the patient is responsible for wearing the aligner constantly. For the treatment to work properly, aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours each day unless otherwise instructed. Patients should remove the aligner to eat, drink, brush, and floss their teeth only. Otherwise, they should be worn night and day.

If you are interested in clear aligner therapy and wonder if it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Bracify 3D Orthodontics today.

Prioritizing Dental Hygiene for a Healthy Smile with Braces

Prioritizing Dental Hygiene for a Healthy Smile with BracesMaintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for overall oral health, especially when wearing braces. We understand the significance of proper oral care during orthodontic treatment.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of dental hygiene for individuals with braces and provide valuable tips to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile throughout their orthodontic journey.

Understanding the Impact of Braces on Oral Health:

  • Complexity of Cleaning: Braces create intricate structures with brackets, wires, and elastic bands, making it challenging to clean thoroughly. This complexity leads to an increased risk of plaque buildup and oral health issues if not addressed.

  • Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: The presence of braces creates additional surfaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate. Failing to maintain proper dental hygiene can result in tooth decay, enamel demineralization, and white spots on teeth.

  • Potential for Gum Disease: Poor oral hygiene during braces treatment can contribute to gum inflammation, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. It is crucial to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup to safeguard gum health.

Essential Dental Hygiene Practices for Brace Wearers:

  • Effective Brushing Techniques: Proper brushing is vital for individuals with braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it towards the gum line, cleaning above and below the brackets. Thoroughly brush the spaces between brackets and wires to remove plaque and food particles.

  • Flossing with Care: Flossing becomes more challenging with braces, but it remains essential. Utilize orthodontic floss threaders or interdental brushes to reach tight spaces and clean between teeth and underwires.

  • Utilize Mouthwash and Fluoride Rinse: Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine helps eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath. Additionally, using a fluoride rinse strengthens tooth enamel and protects against decay.

  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits are crucial during orthodontic treatment. Our experienced professionals can identify emerging issues, provide professional cleanings, and ensure your braces are functioning correctly.

Diet and Oral Hygiene:

  • Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Sticky or hard foods can damage braces and make oral hygiene more difficult. Minimize consumption of caramel, taffy, popcorn, and chewing gum, as they can become trapped and cause problems.

  • Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Sugary snacks, sodas, and citrus fruits promote bacterial growth and enamel erosion. Reducing their intake helps maintain good oral health during braces treatment.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene on the Go:

  • Portable Oral Care Tools: Keep a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your bag. This allows you to maintain oral hygiene even when away from home.

  • Water Rinse: If brushing is not possible, rinsing your mouth with water after meals can help dislodge food particles and reduce the risk of plaque buildup.

We emphasize the significance of dental hygiene for individuals wearing braces. By following proper oral care practices, such as thorough brushing, diligent flossing, and a healthy diet, you can ensure a successful orthodontic journey. Regular visits to our experienced team will ensure the progress of your treatment and address any concerns promptly. Please contact Bracify 3D Orthodontics to provide comprehensive dental care and support you in achieving a healthy and beautiful smile while wearing braces.

The Link Between Digestive Problems and Crooked Teeth

The Link Between Digestive Problems and Crooked TeethWhile most people associate misaligned (“crooked”) teeth with detracting from appearance, misaligned teeth (malocclusion) can also negatively impact chewing. Issues with chewing can result in reduced nutritional intake and poor health. This is a major reason why it’s important for parents to have their children’s teeth examined by a dentist while still very young and take the proper steps to correct any malocclusion problems as soon as possible. For adults, it’s never too late to have teeth straightened – especially as it can improve digestive health in addition to dramatically improving facial appearance.

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF TEETH IN GOOD DIGESTION

We usually think of digestion as beginning in the stomach and moving on through the rest of the digestive tract, but the process actually begins in the mouth: saliva and teeth grind to break down food, allowing the nutrients it contains to be fully processed and absorbed by the intestines.

Furthermore, human teeth are designed for performing different functions of chewing: our sharpest teeth, the incisors, for biting pieces of food and moving it back to the mouth. Just behind the incisors are the canine teeth, with longer roots, which also aid in tearing and holding food.

The molars immediately follow and, with their flatter surfaces, are responsible for grinding and breaking down the food, at which point it is sent down to the esophagus and from there down into the stomach and the rest of the digestive tract.

How you chew food is as important as the food itself: you can be making healthy food choices but if you aren’t able to take advantage of them by chewing properly, you can lose a lot of precious nutrients. This can negatively impact your immune system and your overall health.

PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TMJ

If temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is present, often shows up as pain that occurs with jaw movements, such as facial pain, headaches, or a bite that is uncomfortable, which will make it difficult to chew normally. In such cases, we may recommend dental guards, surgery, or dental implants, which closely resemble the natural teeth in appearance and function, and are inserted into the bony area of the jaw.

HOW AN ORTHODONTIST CAN HELP

Patients who have been referred to Bracify 3D Orthodontics for care are in need of a specialist in treating patients with misaligned tooth problems. After taking dental x-rays and making an impression of the teeth with a moldable material, we will usually determine a plan of treatment most appropriate for the specific condition.

For some patients, all that may be needed will be a retainer to stabilize teeth in the desired new position to correct the problem. If overcrowding is present, one or more teeth may have to be removed to allow those remaining to be re-positioned for better alignment. In other cases, braces, such as Invisalign, will also be necessary to correct misalignment issues, as determined by Bracify 3D Orthodontics. Please contact us for more information today!

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