Athletes often face unique challenges when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Whether you wear traditional braces or Invisalign, playing sports can increase the risk of injury or damage to your orthodontics. However, athletes can protect their smile and enjoy long-term treatment success while staying active with the right orthodontic care, like mouthguards and proper maintenance.
Importance of Mouthguards
Mouthguards are essential for the protection and prevention of injuries to both your teeth and braces during sports activities. A sudden impact from a ball or collision can cause significant damage to your braces or even your teeth, resulting in painful and costly repairs. Wearing a mouthguard acts as a buffer, absorbing the force and reducing the likelihood of injury. For Invisalign wearers, you can pop them out and put them in your Invisalign case and put in your sports mouthguard before practice or a game.
In order to best protect your teeth and orthodontic treatment, it’s important to get a custom fitted mouthguard. Unlike generic or over-the-counter versions, a custom fit keeps your mouthguard in place, making it more comfortable and lowering the risk of injury. It also fits around braces to provide an additional layer of protection.
Choose the Right Foods
Caring for your braces during sports is important both on and off the court or field. When it comes to eating right, avoid hard, sticky and crunchy foods such as nuts, ice, and hard candy, as they can damage your braces by bending wires or loosening brackets. Similarly, limit sugary drinks and desserts, like soda and ice cream, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay. While enjoying occasional sweet treats is perfectly fine, it’s important to be mindful of how certain foods can affect your braces and overall dental health.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing will help keep your teeth and orthodontic appliances clean. Be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day, and more often if you’re engaging in sports. This routine helps remove plaque and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and keeping your smile healthy throughout your treatment.
Tips for Active Lifestyles
Maintaining braces while living an active lifestyle requires extra attention and care. Athletes should be aware of activities that may pose risks to their orthodontics and take precautions to avoid damage. Here are some additional key tips:
- Avoiding Damage: In addition to wearing a mouthguard and staying away from hard foods and sticky snacks, athletes in high-contact sports might need extra protection. If it’s not already required, protective gear such as masks and helmets can be used to safeguard the face and head.
- Orthodontic Check-Ups: Regular check-ups allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and address any damage from sports or activities promptly. If you experience any issues with your braces after a game or practice, schedule an appointment to avoid further complications.
- Swimming with Invisalign: For athletes who wear Invisalign and enjoy swimming, there is an added benefit. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be worn while swimming, though it’s still important to rinse your aligners after exposure to chlorine or saltwater to keep them clean and prevent discoloration.
By following these tips, athletes can protect their braces and make sure that their orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly. With proper care, maintaining your smile during sports can be a hassle-free experience.