You absolutely can and should wear a mouth guard with braces, especially when participating in sports or activities that involve physical contact or a risk of impact to the face. A mouth guard is a protective device that covers the teeth and gums, and it becomes even more important when orthodontic appliances are present. A properly fitted mouth guard is a simple, effective way to protect your investment and prevent potentially severe injuries. The American Dental Association recommends a mouth guard for anyone participating in contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey, and even for non-contact activities such as skateboarding or gymnastics where falls are possible.
Why Wearing a Mouth Guard is Necessary with Braces
Wearing braces significantly increases the risk of injury because the metal wires and brackets create potential hazards inside the mouth upon impact. A sudden blow to the face can lead to serious complications that delay your treatment progress. The primary concerns fall into two categories: protection from external forces and prevention of internal soft tissue damage.
An external impact can cause immediate damage to the orthodontic appliance, resulting in broken brackets, bent wires, or dislodged braces. Such damage requires unplanned visits to the orthodontist for repairs, which can extend the overall treatment timeline. A mouth guard helps absorb and distribute the force of the blow, protecting the hardware and the underlying teeth from fractures or being knocked out.
The braces themselves can cause severe internal injuries when a force pushes the lips or cheeks against the sharp metal components. The brackets and wires can result in painful lacerations, cuts, and punctures to the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, and tongue. The mouth guard acts as a cushion and a barrier, physically separating the soft tissues from the abrasive surfaces of the braces and significantly reducing the likelihood of these soft tissue injuries.
Choosing the Right Orthodontic Mouth Guard
The type of mouth guard you choose is important because a standard guard will not properly accommodate the braces or the movement of the teeth. Stock mouth guards, which are pre-formed, are often too bulky and offer a generic fit that does not provide adequate protection over the braces. Their poor fit also makes it difficult to speak or breathe comfortably, and they can shift out of place during activity.
Standard boil-and-bite mouth guards, which soften in hot water to be molded around the teeth, are also problematic for braces wearers. If molded too tightly, they can interfere with the gradual tooth movement dictated by the braces, potentially hindering the orthodontic process. The thermoplastic material may flow into the spaces around the brackets and wires, making the guard difficult or painful to remove.
The recommended option is an orthodontic-specific mouth guard, which is designed to fit over the brackets and wires. These guards are typically made of a softer, more flexible material, such as high-grade silicone, that creates a buffer between the braces and the soft tissues. They are designed with extra space to accommodate the continuous movement of the teeth without requiring constant re-molding or replacement as the teeth shift. While custom-made guards from an orthodontist offer the best fit, they are generally more expensive and may need frequent replacement as the teeth move.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Mouth Guard
Proper cleaning of your mouth guard is necessary to maintain hygiene and ensure the appliance lasts throughout your treatment. After every use, rinse the mouth guard thoroughly under cool water to remove saliva and loose debris before they dry and harden. This simple step prevents the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can lead to odor and potential oral infections.
For a more complete clean, gently brush the mouth guard’s surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild, non-abrasive soap or toothpaste. It is important to avoid using hot water for cleaning, as the heat can permanently warp the thermoplastic material and compromise its protective shape and fit. Once clean, rinse the guard completely to remove all soap residue.
When not in use, the mouth guard must be stored in a hard, ventilated case that allows air to circulate. Storing it in a sealed, non-ventilated container can trap moisture, promoting the growth of bacteria and mold. Periodically check the fit of the mouth guard; if it feels too tight or loose, consult your orthodontist, as it may need a slight adjustment or replacement to remain effective.