Mouthguards are an excellent way to protect your teeth and braces from potential injury during physical activities. Dr. Morrow recommends using mouthguards for patients with braces, especially for those who play contact sports. However, mouthguards can also be useful for other activities such as skateboarding or rollerblading. By wearing a mouth guard, you can prevent chipped teeth, broken brackets, and other dental injuries. If you are interested in getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth and braces, be sure to speak with your orthodontist.

Should I wear a mouthguard with braces?

Braces can increase your risk of injury to your teeth and gums while participating in sports such as football, soccer, hockey, or basketball. To protect your oral health, our North York orthodontist recommends wearing a mouth guard during these activities. Mouth guards form a protective layer over the teeth, distributing the force of impact across the teeth rather than concentrating it on one tooth. This can reduce the risk of injury to the teeth and gums. At York Mills Orthodontics, we offer custom-made mouthguards for adults and children with braces. Protect your progress in orthodontic treatment and your overall oral health by using a mouth guard while playing sports.

Can a mouthguard help with grinding my teeth if I have braces?

If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from wear and potential damage, particularly if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. Teeth grinding during sleep can cause oral health problems and harm your dental health in the long run. It may also be a sign of a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping can prevent your teeth from grinding against each other, reducing the risk of waking up with a sore jaw and protecting your teeth from wear. This can be especially useful if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces.

Why is it important to have a custom-made mouthguard?

Some people may be hesitant to use a custom sports mouthguard due to concerns about cost or comfort, but it’s important to consider the benefits of a properly fitting mouthguard. Custom-fit mouthguards, which are made specifically to fit your mouth, tend to be more comfortable and provide better protection than one-size-fits-all mouthguards that you can buy at a sporting goods store. These off-the-rack options may not fit properly and may not provide adequate protection.

Custom sports mouthguards can save you time and money in the long run by preventing dental emergencies or injuries that would require a visit to the dentist or orthodontist. If you have braces, it’s especially important to have a mouthguard that fits properly, as a poorly fitting guard can interfere with your braces or get caught on the wires or brackets.

Wearing a mouthguard during orthodontic treatment can also protect your appliances from damage if you suffer a blow to the mouth. Because teeth are more susceptible to injury during orthodontic treatment due to being slightly looser, a mouthguard can help reduce the risk of damage to your teeth during impact.

Ask our orthodontists about a custom sports mouthguard or night guard

Sports and physical activities can be enjoyable and beneficial for your overall health, but they also come with a risk of accidental injury, including to your teeth and mouth. To protect yourself and your orthodontic treatment, it is a good idea to invest in a custom sports mouth guard. These dental appliances are designed to fit your mouth specifically and provide an extra layer of protection to your teeth and braces during contact sports or other physical activities. They can also be worn at night to prevent teeth grinding, which can cause damage to your teeth and appliances over time. At York Mills Orthodontics, our dentists can help you choose the right mouth guard, fit it properly, and answer any questions you may have about its use. With the proper protection, you can confidently participate in sports and other physical activities without worrying about dental injuries.

If you are interested in getting a custom-fitted sports or night mouth guard, schedule an appointment with our North York orthodontist – Dr. Morrow at York Mills Orthodontics. Our team can help you choose the right mouthguard, fit it properly, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to book a consultation.