How to Protect Your Braces when Playing Sports

Your braces represent a significant investment in your health in terms of both time and money. While they are sturdy and made out of the best materials available, they are not unbreakable. Damaged braces, damaged teeth, and damage to the mouth can result from participation in sports while wearing braces. With this in mind, today we are sharing some precautions you should take to protect your braces while participating in these vigorous activities.

What Sports Need Additional Protection for Your Braces?

When worn during normal activity, braces are at a low risk of being damaged or causing injury. However, contact sports are another thing entirely. However, there is a line of demarcation in most kind of sports where contact is not expected as a matter of course but may be a result of accidental or incidental moments when things go wrong. While football, hockey, or basketball obviously qualify, even activities such as tennis, track and field, or cheerleading may require protective steps as well. When in doubt, you should ask yourself if it is a possibility that you could receive a high impact anywhere in your lower-face area as a result of normal activity in your sport.

How to Protect Your Braces and Yourself

When it comes to braces, it is better safe than sorry. Whether or not protective mouthguards are required for your sport, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard when performing in any sporting event. There are different mouthguards that you can find, but these may not offer ideal protection or be sufficient to protect your braces. Our orthodontist is able to make you a durable, custom mouthguard that will be much more comfortable and protective of your teeth and their braces.

Additional Steps for Maximum Protection

The most important step that you can take other than wearing your prescribed mouthguard is to properly fit and wear all personal protective equipment the sport requires.

Do you need to take protective measures for your braces before you take the field or step onto the court? Talk to Brodie Bowman, DMD for custom-fitted protection for braces. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment at our office in Fort Walton Beach or Niceville.

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