Dental professionals recommend that athletes with braces wear a mouth guard over their dental appliances when taking part in a contact sport, including during practice. People with braces can also wear a mouth guard when sleeping for a myriad of benefits that include:
- To reduce the risk of lacerations to the mouth caused by the brace
- To reduce the risk of damaging the wires and brackets
- To reduce the risk of injury to the teeth
Mouth guard for braces when sleeping
Wearing a mouth guard is common practice among professional and even amateur athletes who participate in a contact sport, because they understand the importance of protecting their teeth to reduce dental injuries resulting from traumatic accidents when playing.
For people with braces, a mouth guard can also be instrumental in protecting your mouth and the dental appliance when sleeping or participating in sports. With new technologies, modern mouth guards are made from pliable, impact-absorbing materials such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) that are resistant to abrasion and sufficiently durable to last a whole season of training and competition, or even withstand teeth grinding or jaw clenching at night.
Custom top and bottom mouth guard for braces
Under normal circumstances, you only need mouth guards for your top row of teeth. But if you’re wearing braces on your top or bottom teeth, then you may be in need of custom top and bottom mouth guards that are specifically tailored to fit comfortably in your mouth, without feeling bulky or making it difficult to breathe, speak, or swallow.
Best mouth guard for braces
Dental professionals caution people with braces about wearing off-the-shelf mouth guards. The problem with these standard guards is that they are not designed to accommodate your shifting teeth, meaning that they will quickly become ill-fitting and uncomfortable.
Instead, you should discuss with your orthodontist about the various types of ortho-guard mouth guards available for people with braces.
Common options include:
- Ortho guards – These are specially made, off-the-shelf mouth guards for patients with braces. They are designed with a trough or channel to accommodate the brace and provide room for tooth movement.
- Boil-and-bite mouth guards – These are custom-shaped by softening them in boiling water and then sucking to mould to the shape and contours of your mouth. As your teeth move, you can keep remolding these braces to adjust to the new shape of your mouth
- Custom-made mouth guards – As your teeth shift during your orthodontic treatment, the gum shield would need to be changed regularly to accommodate the new position. With this in mind, the personalised mouth guard should be made in a way that does not restrict the teeth from moving freely during treatment. Custom guards are remoldable, and can be refitted during your orthodontic appointments to maximize comfort as your teeth move during your entire orthodontic journey. Furthermore, the orthodontist will instruct you on the best way to adjust the guard if it feels too tight.
Finding the right mouth guard for you
Depending on your case, you probably only need one mouth guard for the few months of orthodontic treatment. Most of them are made from durable materials that should last long after the treatment is complete, allowing you keep using them as the need arises.
If you’re looking for a mouth guard to protect your mouth and braces, you may consider the following options:
1. Comfort Pro Youth Double Sports Mouthguard
This mouthguard protects both the top and bottom teeth without being overly bulky, which makes it comfortable for speaking and breathing. The mouthguard is fabricated from FDA-approved silicone-grade materials and is latex and BPA free. It can be used by anyone with or without braces. The mouthguard has a strap and is offered in 10 colors. It also complies with NFHS and NCAA safety requirements.
2. Under Armour Braces Mouthguard
This is arguably one of the best mouthguards available for people wearing braces. Thanks to UA’s cutting-edge technology, users can enjoy a dentist-like fit. Other pros include its chew-resistant material that allows easy breathing and talking while playing. Unlike most other mouthguards, you can adjust it to fit your mouth by re-heating and molding it as your teeth change during the course of treatment. It is extremely durable because the material won’t absorb water. This mouthguard complies with National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) requirements, and is accessible in adolescent and adult sizes.
3. Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard
This mouthguard is ideal for both your upper and lower. The Double Braces mouthpiece from Shock Doctor will is ideal for protecting all areas of your mouth while playing sports, including your teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaws. It doesn’t need to be boiled or molded and is made entirely of medical-grade silicone. Simply remove it from the packaging and start playing. Additionally, it will adjust as your braces are adjusted and your teeth move to accommodate changes in your mouth.
