Picture this: your child is on the field, just a step closer to leading their team to a crushing victory. But then it happens. They get hit in the face by a ball. And while they’re okay, at the end of the day, you worry if the sudden injury is going to set their orthodontic treatment back.
Humphrey Orthodontics understands how chaotic these situations can be. That’s why we think it’s important for you to invest in the right protection for your child’s braces, so they can keep their new smile while doing what they love.
Enter mouthguards. These protective appliances effectively protect your child’s teeth and mouth against sports-related injuries, and ensure that a hard hit won’t set their treatment back.
So, let’s break down all the facts about mouthguards, why you need them, what kind is best for you, and how to keep them fresh and clean.
Why Do I Need a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are the best kind of protection for your child’s teeth during orthodontic treatment, especially when they’ve got brackets and wires. If your child gets hit in the mouth by a rogue basketball or they get popped in the chin by a stray baseball bat, their mouthguard acts as a layer of defense to keep their teeth safe and in place.
Mouthguards are also easily accessible. Store-bought guards are easy to find online, but if you want a custom-fitted guard, you can come into our St. Peters or Wentzville offices, where Dr. Humphrey can fit you with a custom-made mouthguard that will keep your child and their braces safe from injury.
Up next, we’re going to break down the types of mouthguards and which one is best for you and your child’s treatment plan.
What Kind of Mouthguard Should I Get?
In the world of teeth, there are three main types of mouthguards: stock-made, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted mouthguards (which Humphrey Orthodontics creates for their patients). All three types are great for protecting your child’s teeth, but there are some primary differences you should keep in mind:
Stock-Made Guards
Stock-made guards come straight out of the box and into your child’s mouth. These are not molded to your child’s teeth or around their brackets, so they can be uncomfortable at times if they’re rocking clear or metal braces. However, it’s important to note that stock-made guards are the most affordable option.
Boil-and-Bite Guards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are slightly more expensive than stock-made guards. These are created out of medical-grade plastic or silicone, creating more of a flexible shape to the guard. To use, you boil the guard in water, making the silicone more flexible, and then fit the appliance into your child’s mouth. While this can be more effective than stock-made guards, boil-and-bite guards are still a one-size-fits-all option, which may not work for your child.
Custom-Fitted Guards
Custom-fitted guards are the most expensive form of guards on this list, but are by far the most effective option for an orthodontic patient. Using our iTero digital scanner to create a 3D model of your child’s mouth, Dr. Humphrey can create a personalized mouthguard that will fit smoothly over their metal or clear braces. Custom-fitted guards are also the most durable guards, as they’re typically able to last a few seasons before they need to be replaced.
So, which guard option is the best for your child? A custom-fitted mouthguard is the best investment you can make for your child’s sports future. Its personalized fitting will prevent most types of sports-related injuries, and if you take excellent care of it, you’ll get the best bang for your buck with its excellent durability.
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of mouthguards, let’s make sure you know how to keep them clean!
Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your Mouthguard
There are a lot of ways to make sure that your child’s mouthguard stays clean and fresh during their treatment. Here are a couple of tips that the team at Humphrey Orthodontics will probably tell you to keep the guard at its cleanest:
Dos:
- Rinse the guard in warm water after each use. This will remove any debris and keep dental plaque from building up in the guard.
- Regularly clean the mouthguard with a toothbrush and a nonabrasive cleaning agent. This can be baking soda, mouthwash, a gentle toothpaste, or even just soap and water.
- Store the guard in its case when not in use. Once your mouthguard is dry, store it in its case so you don’t lose it. (Don’t forget to clean your case too!)
- Replace the guard at the start of a new season. The lifespan of a mouthguard will depend on its type and how often you wear it, but most guards can last a whole sports season. Be sure to watch for cracks and tears in the guard, though!
Don’ts
- Don’t chew or bite your mouthguard. It may look cool when NBA players do it, but chewing on the guard will make it less secure on your teeth over time.
- Don’t wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you get a custom-fitted guard, Dr. Humphrey will be able to give you a guard that can accommodate your braces and your teeth, no extra bulk required.
- Don’t leave your guard out in the sun or in water. You risk the guard becoming deformed, warped, or melted by leaving it anywhere that’s not its storage case.
Whether your child has a mouthguard issue or you just want to re-evaluate their current guard, the team at Humphrey Orthodontics is just a call away! We’ll be able to answer your questions, fix or replace the current guard, and get your child back on the sports field in no time.
Humphrey Orthodontics – A Slam-Dunk Option
The world of sports can be a dangerous game if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, but with the help of Dr. Humphrey and the team here at Humphrey Orthodontics, you can be sure that your child’s teeth will stay safe and their treatment will go smoothly. Book your free consultation at our St. Peters and Wentzville office to get started on your child’s orthodontic treatment today!