Do You Need a Special Sports Mouthguard for Braces?

As we move through Summer and head back to school, Fall sports are going to be starting up, and student-athletes will require the appropriate equipment. Much of this equipment is provided by the school, but there are a number of things that your student-athlete needs that are not provided, including a sports mouthguard for braces.

At Utah Orthodontic Care, we recommend that anyone with braces should have a mouthguard to protect their braces. Sports are fast-paced and can be unpredictable, so to ensure the safety of your student-athlete and to protect the investment of braces, make sure you have at least one comfortably fitting mouthguard for braces on hand.

How Do Sports Mouthguards Protect Teeth During Sporting Events?

Mouthguards act as a shock absorber, protecting the teeth from impact in the event of a fall or collision. They also help to keep the lips and tongue from being cut by the teeth in the event of an impact. Whether your student-athlete is playing football (tackle football, flag football, or touch football), soccer, volleyball, basketball, or any physical team sport in which contact may take place, a mouthguard is an important piece of equipment.

Do You Need a Special Sports Mouthguard?

While you can find a number of “boil and bite” style mouthguards at your local sporting goods store, we do not recommend these for our patients with braces. The reason for this is that the fit is not as snug and secure as it needs to be to protect the teeth from impact. A custom-fit mouthguard for braces will provide the best protection for your student-athlete.

Where Can You Buy a Sports Mouthguard?

The best place to buy a custom-fit mouthguard for braces is from your orthodontist. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we can make a mold of your teeth and create a custom-fit mouthguard for you in our office. We offer a variety of colors and styles to choose from, so your student-athlete can have a mouthguard that not only protects their teeth but also looks great!

If you have any questions about sports mouthguards, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please contact us today. We are always happy to help!