Mouth Guards for Braces

Do you or your child participate in contact sports?  Are you eager to start braces in Vacaville but don’t know which mouth guards for braces to try?  Are you in braces, but you started a new sport that requires mouth guards?  You’re in the right place!  We have a list of orthodontics-friendly mouth guards for you!  But first, a little bit about why you need a mouth guard:

 

Why do you need a mouth guard for braces?

Protect your teeth

The mouth guard acts as a cushion to dissipate forces that may cause you to lose teeth, break teeth (fractures), and traumatize teeth.  Your teeth need to last you a lifetime, so you want to make sure they are protected as much as possible.

Protect your lips 

In addition to protecting your teeth, a mouth guard will protect your lips from cuts if your face is hit.  This is especially true with braces.  You can prevent ugly and painful cuts to your lips.

Protect your tongue

Mouth guards can prevent you from biting your tongue during trauma, especially the ones that cover both upper & lower teeth (see below)

 

Recommended Mouth Guards

Different mouth guards are meant for different activities.  In addition, different people may find that certain mouth guards fit better than others.  You may have to try a few different brands to see which one is the most comfortable and suitable for you.

  • Shock doctor 
    • Designed specifically for braces
    • Comes in strapped and strapless options (for helmets)
    • Upper & lower teeth protection
    • Non-moldable
  • Under Armour 
    • Designed specifically for braces
    • Comes in strapped and strapless options (for helmets)
    • Upper & lower teeth protection
    • Non-moldable
  • Sisu
    • Moldable & re-moldable as your teeth shift
    • Can be used even without braces
    • Thinner
  • In a pinch? Any over-the-counter nightguard or mouth guard will work.
    • Do NOT boil & suck them over your teeth to mold them – they will get stuck to your braces.
    • Instead, trim the mouth guard with scissors until they seat more comfortably.

 

Do you have any other questions about mouth guards? Are you ready to start your orthodontic journey with our Vacaville ABO Board-Certified orthodontist?

Call (707) 474-4707 or message us at our Vacaville orthodontic office for your complimentary initial consultation!