Mouthguards are protective oral appliances necessary for anyone participating in sports or activities with a risk of facial impact. When a person is undergoing orthodontic treatment, the need for this protection is pronounced, but standard guards are complicated by the presence of brackets and wires. The popular “boil-and-bite” versions are generally unsafe and ineffective for use with orthodontic hardware, necessitating specialized alternatives.
Why Standard Guards Fail with Braces
Standard boil-and-bite mouthguards are thermoplastic materials softened in hot water and molded to the teeth when a person bites down. While this creates a better fit than a simple stock guard, it is mechanically incompatible with braces. The softened plastic flows directly around the metal brackets and wires, creating an extremely tight impression of the hardware.
This precise molding creates a significant risk that the mouthguard will lock onto the braces. If the guard adheres too tightly, attempting to remove it can result in a painful emergency. The force required to pull the guard free can bend archwires or pull brackets off the teeth. Furthermore, a standard guard that molds too well will not accommodate the continuous movement of the teeth, potentially working against the straightening process.
Specialized Alternatives for Orthodontic Patients
Specialized orthodontic mouthguards accommodate the unique structure of the mouth. The simplest option is a stock mouthguard, which is pre-formed and ready to wear. While inexpensive, these offer a generic, bulky fit that may hinder speaking or breathing, limiting protection to low-impact activities.
A better choice is an orthodontic-specific guard, often made from softer, high-grade silicone that cushions the lips and cheeks. These guards are designed with a larger channel to fit over the brackets without locking, allowing for minor tooth movement between appointments. Some guards are also “re-moldable,” meaning they can be reheated in warm water and reformed as the teeth shift, ensuring a protective fit throughout treatment.
The custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard is the gold standard for protection and comfort, fabricated by a dentist or orthodontist. This involves taking an exact impression of the teeth and braces to create a guard tailored precisely to the individual. While the most expensive option, the superior fit provides the best protection, comfort, and durability, though a new impression may be required if the teeth move significantly.
Essential Role of Protection During Sports
Wearing a mouthguard is important when a person has braces because the hardware increases the risk of specific injuries during impact. The brackets and wires create a rigid, sharp surface that can be driven into the soft tissues of the mouth by a blow to the face. This can cause severe lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
A specialized mouthguard absorbs and disperses the force of impact, preventing damage to the orthodontic appliances. Without a guard, a collision or fall can result in broken brackets, bent archwires, or displacement of the appliance. Damage to the braces can delay the treatment timeline and necessitate costly emergency visits.