Finding the Best Mouthguard for Your Braces
When searching for the best mouthguard to suit your needs, look for the following factors:
Comfort for Easy Breathing and Drinking
Many times, braces mouthguards are rubbery, bulky, and can cause gagging or restrict breathing. Your mouth guard should allow you to speak, drink, and breathe with ease while remaining in place during practice or a game. If your mouthguard restricts speaking, breathing or drinking, it’s not the right fit.
Customized Fit for Effective Protection
Every smile is unique and not every mouthguard is created equally. There are pre-made mouthguards and “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguards available at most sporting goods stores and pharmacies. If you choose one of these options, be sure the mouthguard is well-fitted to your mouth and that it is comfortable.
Another option is a custom mouthguard. This kind of mouth guard is specially designed to fit your mouth and braces, offering a secure fit and the best protection from injury.
Consider also wearing a mouthguard on your bottom teeth, in addition to your top teeth. This will help to protect your lips, tongue, and inner cheek from getting cut by the brackets on your braces.
Room for Movement
As your braces slowly move your teeth into a perfect smile, be sure they have the room to move freely into position. When choosing a mouthguard, it is essential to find one with a secure fit that offers room for growth. If your mouthguard fits too tight or presses up against the brackets, it can impede on the progress of your orthodontic treatment.