It’s that time of year again—football season. Go Bucs!!!
Football season is a little different for football players than it is for football fans. If you’re relaxing on the couch watching your team on tv, you’re unlikely to experience a football hurtling toward your face… unless you’re using a virtual reality headset and things get too real.
If you’re a football player on the other hand, there is a significant chance that a high-speed football spirals toward your face, or maybe another player’s elbow collides with your mouth. No matter if you’re playing on a middle school team, college team, or you’re Tom Brady, anything can happen in football.
This is where a mouthguard comes into play. Even if you’re not undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s essential that you wear a mouthguard to protect your mouth and other players!
According to the American Dental Association, sports players who wear mouthguards are about 82% to 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial (facial bone and jaw) injuries than sports players who don’t wear a mouthguard.
Did you know that Blue Wave Orthodontics is a certified provider of custom Under Armour mouthguards: ArmourBite® Mouthpiece (featuring patented Power Wedges™). Check it out!
So we know why it’s essential to wear an orthodontic mouthguard and we know of the awesome mouthguards offered at Blue Wave, but how do you wear one properly? Let’s cover the basics:
- Can you wear a mouthguard with braces or Invisalign®?
- How do you mold a mouthguard?
- When should you wear a mouthguard?
Can you wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes you can! Colliding with a football or another player or falling on the ground can leave you clutching your mouth, hoping all of your teeth are still intact.
Wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during football practices and games can prevent some serious damage. It also ensures that you keep your smile in its best shape, so you can experience beautiful, life-long results from your treatment. With all the hard work you’re dedicating to your smile, you’ll want to protect it.
When should you wear a mouthguard?
The best time to wear a mouthguard is any time you’re playing football, or any other sport. Whether it’s a practice or a game, or you’re just throwing around a football with some friends, it’s best to wear your mouthguard just in case.
You won’t regret wearing your mouthguard, but you can certainly regret not wearing your mouthguard.
How do you mold a mouthguard?
There are different types of mouthguards, including stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-fitted mouthguards.
Stock Mouthguards
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
A boil-and-bite mouthguard can be molded to fit your teeth. These mouthguards are made of thermoplastic material that softens when it’s warmed in boiling water. Soak your mouthguard in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
You can then lay the mouthguard on a towel to try, then place it in your mouth and bite into it for about 20 seconds. Once it’s molded, place the mouthguard in ice water for about a minute or two. Voila! Your boil-and-bite mouthguard is molded to your smile.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most comfortable mouthguard; these ones are made to fit your exact smile. Once your custom mouthguard is created, it’ll be a perfect fit. You don’t have to mold it further. Ask us about our easy-to-use, high-quality performance mouthguards!
How to Wear a Mouthguard with Braces or Invisalign
Don’t let your mouthguard collect dust on your nightstand or build bacteria in your sports bag!
If you have braces, you’ll place your mouthguard in before you start playing.
- Rinse your mouthguard out after your game or practice.
- Clean it or soak it in a cleaning solution.
- Clean your case too, then wait until your case and mouthguard air dry.
- Store your mouthguard in its case, back in your cabinet or drawer until your next practice.
If you have Invisalign®,
- Remove your clear aligners before your game or practice, rinse them out and place them in your Invisalign carrying case.
- Place your mouthguard in your mouth and score some touchdowns.
- When you’re done, rinse your mouthguard out, clean it, and place it back in your case.
- Clean your clear aligners, pop them back in your mouth and continue transforming your smile!
Still have questions about wearing a mouthguard?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love to hear from you. We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or East Bradenton, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
