When it comes to protecting your teen’s smile, you may be wondering whether mouthguards in Mooresville, NC, are necessary for braces-wearing teens. Braces add a unique challenge when it comes to guarding teeth during sports and physical activities. Ensuring your teen has a reliable and comfortable mouthguard isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. At NC Tooth Docs, we specialize in orthodontic care as well as protective solutions like custom mouthguards, helping parents in Mooresville rest easy knowing their teen’s smile is safe.
The Role of Mouthguards in Protecting Teeth
Mouthguards are crucial for preventing dental injuries, especially in collision or contact sports. Teens who participate in activities like football, basketball, soccer, or even skateboarding are at a higher risk of dental trauma, which braces can complicate. A properly designed mouthguard protects not only the teeth but also soft tissues like the cheeks and gums, reducing the chances of painful injuries and costly emergencies.
For teens with braces, an injury to the mouth doesn’t just mean potential damage to their developing alignment — it can also lead to broken brackets or wires and delays in orthodontic treatment. This is why wearing a mouthguard is even more important if your teen has braces.
Why Braces Make Mouthguards Essential
Teens with braces face some added challenges when it comes to oral protection:
- Extra Risk of Soft Tissue Injury: The metal brackets and wires in braces can act as sharp edges during an accident, making cuts and scrapes on the gums and inner cheeks more likely. A mouthguard forms a barrier to protect soft tissues from these sharp surfaces.
- Bracket and Wire Damage: An impact can knock loose brackets or bend wires, requiring orthodontic repairs and possibly extending the treatment timeline. Mouthguards help absorb the shock of blows to prevent these issues.
- Jaw Alignment Protection: Braces are designed to guide proper jaw alignment, but a hard hit can disrupt this progress. Mouthguards can reduce the force of impact and safeguard both teeth and jaws.
For parents looking into mouthguards in Mooresville, NC, NC Tooth Docs offers excellent solutions that cater specifically to the needs of teens with braces.
Types of Mouthguards for Teens
While there are different types of mouthguards available, not all are ideal for braces wearers. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
Stock Mouthguards
These are pre-formed, ready-to-use mouthguards found in most sporting goods stores. While they’re affordable, they don’t offer a great fit, especially for teens with braces. A poor fit can result in discomfort and limited protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite options are semi-customizable. The user heats the mouthguard and bites into it to create a somewhat personalized fit. While better than stock versions, these still can’t provide the level of comfort or protection needed for teens with braces, as they may not accommodate orthodontic appliances well.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Custom-fit mouthguards are by far the superior choice, especially for braces wearers. Created specifically for your teen by dental or orthodontic professionals, custom mouthguards fit comfortably over braces and provide the highest level of protection. At NC Tooth Docs, we specialize in designing custom-fit mouthguards that adjust as your teen’s dental alignment changes during treatment.
Benefits of Custom Mouthguards for Teens With Braces
Investing in a custom mouthguard offers several benefits for your teen’s oral health and overall comfort:
- Perfect Fit: Custom-fit mouthguards are molded to your teen’s teeth and braces, ensuring they stay securely in place during activity.
- Superior Protection: These mouthguards are made with high-quality materials that provide reliable cushioning to protect teeth, braces, and jaws from impact.
- Comfort and Ease of Use: Unlike stock or boil-and-bite options, custom mouthguards offer a precise fit that reduces discomfort and makes them easy to wear for extended periods.
- Durability: Custom mouthguards are designed to withstand the wear and tear of sports, ensuring long-term use.
Keep Your Teen’s Smile Safe
When it comes to braces care, a mouthguard is much more than just a sports accessory; it’s an essential tool for preventing injuries and protecting your teen’s orthodontic work. If your family is considering mouthguards in Mooresville, NC, NC Tooth Docs is here to provide expert advice and custom-fit solutions.
To learn more about our custom mouthguards or to schedule your teen’s free orthodontic consultation, contact NC Tooth Docs today.