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Are Mouthguards Good for Braces?


Posted on 10/15/2024 by Greeley Orthodontics
Dentist holding mouthguard at Greeley Orthodontics in Kennett Square, PAMouthguards are suitable for braces. They act as a shield for both the braces and your teeth. Without mouthguards, the impact can distort the brace configuration or cause soft tissue injury. If your sport normally requires you to wear mouthguards, you should also wear them even when you have braces.

What Is a Mouthguard?

A mouth guard is a dental appliance that fits into your mouth, covering the teeth. Though mouthguards have many applications, they absorb shock and protect teeth and dental tissue from injury. Dentists may recommend mouthguards for people with bruxism, obstructive sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders.

The other wide-scale application of mouthguards is in high-risk contact sports where massive force impacts teeth. This force can easily chip or knock out a tooth as teeth grind against one another. Teeth can easily lacerate the soft tissue in gums, cheeks, and lips during these sports, leading to severe injuries. Sports mouthguards are quite different from medical mouthguards.

Can You Wear a Mouthguard Over Braces?

You can wear mouthguards immediately after your orthodontist has fixed braces on your teeth to straighten them. However, this is not a good idea since the mouthguards will restrict the intended movement of teeth to their aligned position. Dentists recommend considering mouthguards at least a week after braces are fixed. Once your teeth have repositioned and straightened, you can use mouthguards to absorb shock and protect your cheeks and lips.

Can You Wear Mouthguard With Aligners?

You cannot use mouthguards with aligners because the mouthguards cannot fit into the aligners. You have to remove the aligners before wearing the mouthguard. You should not make the mistake of assuming that aligners will protect you from impact like mouthguards would. Aligners are thin, soft plastic that will not absorb impact, unlike the harder mouthguard material.

Closing Remarks

Mouthguards are convenient for wearing with braces. They act as an extra layer of protection for your teeth. Consult with your dentist to find the most suitable mouthguard.

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Greeley Orthodontics - Connie Greeley, 400 Old Forge Lane Suite 406, Kennett Square, PA 19348 + 484-346-6008 + greeleyortho.com + 2/12/2025 + Related Terms: orthodontist Kennett Square PA +