Protect your smile! If you play sports, it’s essential that you wear a mouthguard when you’re on the field or court.
Studies by the American Dental Association show that sports players who don’t use mouthguards have more than twice the increased risk of injury to the face and jaw bones!
Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all mouthguards that are relatively easy to put in place and take out, but these are relatively bulkier and are the least protective type of mouthguard. To wear a stock mouthguard, you simply pop it in place. No molding necessary!
Boil-and-bite mouthguards require you to bite into the mouthguard to mold it to your smile. Please be advised these are NOT for Orthodontic patients. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can stick to your brackets and pull them off, requiring an emergency visit to repair your braces. This type can also prevent your teeth from moving since they are molded to your teeth and will not allow your braces to do their job.
Orthodontic mouthguards are the most comfortable mouthguards! These cover both upper and lower teeth, offering full-protection for your teeth and braces. This type of mouthguard is specially-designed for ortho smiles! So they will not adhere to your teeth or brackets, allowing your braces to continue to work and helping protect your budding smile from a traumatic dentofacial injury.
If you have braces, you’ll place your mouthguard in before you start playing.
If you have clear aligners,
Let us know on your next visit! Dr. Battle can help you make the best decision for your smile. We’ll help you choose the right mouthguard and discuss proper wear and care.
A well-fitted orthodontic mouthguard lowers the risk of injury, but a ball, a fall or an elbow can still knock something loose. Most problems after contact are common orthodontic emergencies: a poking wire, a loose bracket, a broken appliance, or a cracked or lost clear aligner. Our team can usually sort these out quickly with a short visit.
In the meantime, a little orthodontic wax pressed over a poking wire or a floating bracket gives you a temporary cushion. If a bracket comes off completely, save it in a zip-top bag. A cracked aligner or retainer should not be forced back in, because a bent appliance can damage the mouth or the braces. Then give us a call. The steps for orthodontic emergency care explain each situation in more detail.
A loose bracket is not a drop-everything situation, but it should be seen within the week so treatment stays on track. If an injury goes beyond a common orthodontic problem, such as a serious blow to the face or jaw, go to the emergency room right away instead of waiting for an orthodontic appointment.
Dr. Battle knows the playing field himself. Outside the office he plays softball, flag football and tennis, so he understands why athletes want protection that does not get in the way. Let him know your sport at any appointment, and he will help you pick a guard that covers both upper and lower teeth without sticking to brackets.
Families from Avalon Park, Union Park, Bithlo and across East Orlando reach our office at 448 S Alafaya Trl, Ste 10, off SR 408. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you are still deciding on treatment, sports can be part of the conversation. Clear aligners come out for games, while braces stay on and need a guard designed for them. With Triple Option Orthodontics, every option is offered at the same price, and our braces options for teens let young athletes choose what fits their season.
Wear it every time you play. Practices, scrimmages and casual pickup games carry the same risk of contact as a game under the lights.
No. Take your aligners out first and keep them in their case while you play. Afterward, clean the guard and the aligners and put the aligners back in.
Bring it to your next visit. Dr. Battle can check how it fits around your braces and talk through whether a different guard makes sense.
We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Ready to get started? Request your complimentary consultation at our convenient Winter Springs or Waterford Lakes orthodontist office in Orlando today!