As your provider of orthodontics in San Antonio, we at San Antonio Orthodontics are glad to help our patients with any of their questions and concerns. One such question that we frequently get from patients (and parents of patients) who are new to braces is about whether they can still participate in sports. While an immediate thought may be to stop playing sports during orthodontic treatment, we strongly discourage this option. Engaging in physical activity is vital for a person’s health – especially when they’re at a young age. Not only will it provide a person with valuable exercise, but it can fulfill the need for mental stimulation and social camaraderie as well. So instead of quitting sports, we’ve got a much better idea – wear an orthodontic mouthguard when you’re going to play sports.
About
Orthodontic Mouthguards
Many contact sports already require mouthguards. These include football, lacrosse, field hockey, and ice hockey. However, an orthodontic mouthguard is different from a regular mouthguard. Orthodontic mouthguards are built with your orthodontics in San Antonio in mind as they have a larger design so that they can accommodate a patient’s braces. Also, unlike regular mouthguards that are made of hard plastic and can sometimes damage a person’s mouth or braces during an impact, an orthodontic mouthguard is made from silicone, which makes it much more comfortable to wear. It can even prevent your lips from bumping against the teeth. If you fall or get hit in the face, your teeth, mouth, and orthodontics are all much more likely to emerge intact. Whether you’re playing a contact sport that requires you to wear a mouthguard or you’re involved in any other sport, we highly recommend wearing an orthodontic mouthguard.
Cleaning
Your Mouthguard
We should also mention that it’s important to clean your orthodontic mouthguard in the same way as you would our San Antonio Invisalign. You’ll be able to clean it with toothpaste or rinse it with an antimicrobial solution. Remember to clean it before and after you wear it to make sure that it’s always fresh.
Also, if the mouthguard starts to get cracked or it gets damaged by impact, let your orthodontist in San Antonio know. You should consider replacing it and getting a new one immediately.
Come Visit Your
Orthodontist in San Antonio!
If you’re interested in braces or Invisalign in San Antonio, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us sometime. To do so, feel free to either fill out our online appointment request form or give us a call at (830) 455-4990. We’re looking forward to giving you a great orthodontic treatment – and keeping your teeth safe while doing so!