Teens in Raleigh, NC, who wear braces have a lot to manage when it comes to protecting their orthodontic progress. Braces require extra care, from maintaining good oral hygiene to following dietary guidelines. One thing many teens might not consider is the importance of mouthguards. Whether playing sports or participating in other high-energy activities, mouthguards are essential for protecting both their teeth and braces. Here’s why they’re so important and how they can keep your child’s smile safe while preserving their orthodontic progress.
1. Protecting Braces and Oral Health During Sports
Teens are often active in sports like soccer, basketball, football, or lacrosse, where physical contact or fast-paced movement is part of the game. Even seemingly non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding come with a risk of falls or impacts. For teens wearing braces, these activities present a higher likelihood of oral injury.
Brackets and wires don’t just align teeth; they can also cause additional damage to the soft tissue of the lips or cheeks during an accident. A custom-fitted or orthodontic-specific mouthguard acts as a cushion, minimizing the risk of severe injuries by shielding the inside of the mouth and deflecting forces from the braces and teeth.
Wearing a properly designed mouthguard ensures that your teen can stay active in their favorite sport without compromising their braces or risking unnecessary damage to their teeth or gums.
2. Preventing Costly Repairs
Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your teen’s oral health. Damaged braces from sports accidents can lead to unplanned trips to the orthodontist and costly repairs, adding both inconvenience and additional expense. A broken wire or dislodged bracket could also delay treatment progress, extending the amount of time your teen needs to wear braces.
Mouthguards are a simple yet effective way to avoid these problems. By absorbing the shock of impact, they help protect the hardware of braces, keeping treatment on track and avoiding interruptions. Investing in a mouthguard now can save you both time and money in the long run.
3. Caring for the Teeth Beneath the Braces
For teens with braces, preserving the health of the teeth underneath is just as crucial as avoiding damage to the wires and brackets. Serious impacts to the mouth can result in chipped or broken teeth, especially if unprotected.
Wearing a mouthguard helps by ensuring that teeth are cushioned and can withstand the high forces of impact during sports or accidents. With one simple precaution, teens can safeguard their long-term dental health and avoid unnecessary complications down the road.
4. Designed For Comfort and Effectiveness
Not all mouthguards are created equal, and teens with braces require models designed to fit comfortably over their orthodontic hardware. Unlike standard mouthguards, orthodontic mouthguards are specifically crafted to adjust to the positions of brackets and wires. This ensures a secure fit that won’t interfere with treatment.
At Laster Orthodontics, we can help families select the best mouthguards for teens with braces. We recommend high-quality options that allow for the natural movement of growing teeth and effectively protect orthodontic hardware.
5. Confidence While Staying Active
Wearing braces shouldn’t mean sitting on the sidelines. With the right precautions in place, teens can stay active, participate in team sports, and enjoy all the physical activities they love. Mouthguards give both teens and parents peace of mind, ensuring smiles stay safe no matter how intense the game becomes.
By prioritizing safety with mouthguards, teens can focus on their performance without worrying about damaging their braces. This balance of confidence and protection helps them make the most of their active lives while working towards a beautiful, aligned smile.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If your teen wears braces and is involved in sports or physical activities, don’t overlook the importance of mouthguards. A simple and effective precaution, the right mouthguard can make all the difference in keeping their smile safe and their orthodontic progress on track.
Need advice on selecting the best mouthguard for your teen? Laster Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at one of our convenient locations in Raleigh, Rolesville, or Zebulon.