Braces and Fall Sports: Keeping Your Smile Safe on the Field

Fall brings a host of exciting activities, from back-to-school season to autumn festivals, and perhaps the most exciting of all: Sports Season! Whether it’s football, soccer, or lacrosse, fall sports provide a thrilling athletic experience and a sense of camaraderie and competition. These enjoyable sports can come with unique challenges for those undergoing orthodontic treatment or those with braces in Orlando. Mouthguards play a pivotal role in safeguarding your smile during this season of intense physical activity. Ready to tackle fall sports with braces? Check out Fravel Brewer Orthodontics’ ultimate guide to protecting your smile below!

The Challenges of Braces and Fall Sports 

If you have braces, you’re already familiar with the extensive care and attention they require. Unfortunately, with their rough and often contact-heavy nature, fall sports can risk your orthodontic progress. Here’s why: 

• Impact and Trauma: Contact sports like football and field hockey can cause extensive damage to braces. A collision, tackle, or accidental elbow to the face can cause brackets to break. If not addressed promptly, this could potentially extend your treatment time.
• Risk of Injury: Mouths with unprotected braces are at greater risk of injuries like broken teeth, lip and cheek cuts, and jaw injuries. These injuries can be painful and require additional dental work. 
• Adapting to Mouth Guards: Initially, athletes with braces may find wearing a mouthguard uncomfortable, especially if it requires adjustments to accommodate braces. Keep in mind this adaptation period can affect athletes’ performance during sports until they become accustomed to the mouthguard.

Maximize Protection with Mouthguards

Mouthguards are the unsung heroes of fall sports when protecting your smile during orthodontic treatment. For the following reason, every Orlando orthodontic patient participating in fall sports should consider wearing one: 

• Orthodontic Protection: Mouthguards cushion braces and reduce the risk of brackets and wires breaking or injuring lips and cheeks during contact sports.
• Tooth and Gum Shield: Mouthguards provide a protective barrier for your teeth, reducing the risk of chipping or breaking them during accidental falls or collisions. 
• Jaw Joint Protection: Mouthguards can also help absorb the impact, reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries, which can be common in contact sports. 

Types of Mouthguards 

There are several types of mouthguards available, and the choice depends on your specific needs and comfort: 

• Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-made and ready to use but may not offer a perfect fit for those with braces. 
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth for a better fit. While they are more customizable, they may need adjustments to accommodate braces. 
• Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Your orthodontist creates these to provide the best fit and ensure maximum protection for your teeth and braces. 

How to Care for Your Mouthguard 

Proper care of your mouthguard is essential to maintain its effectiveness and hygiene: 

• Rinse it before and after each use with cold water or mouthwash. 
• Store it in a well-ventilated container to prevent bacterial growth. 
• Avoid exposing it to high temperatures, as it can deform and lose shape. 
• Regularly check for wear and tear and replace it if damaged. 

Conclusion 

 Protecting your smile and orthodontic progress should be a top priority, even during the thrilling fall sports season. Investing in a suitable mouthguard can make all the difference in ensuring you enjoy your favorite sports while safeguarding your braces and oral health. 

If you’re unsure which mouthguard is best for you or your child, consult your orthodontist! They can provide guidance on the right type and offer custom-fitted options, ensuring that you have the best protection for your unique needs. Remember, a well-protected smile leads to a confident and successful sports season.  

Are you considering braces during your fall sports season? Contact Fravel Brewer Orthodontics now for your no-cost consultation and protect your smile today!