Sports are a very important part of life for many adolescents and adults. There’s no need to let braces get in the way of that. If you have braces, and your sport’s season is rapidly drawing nearer, there are a couple of things you need to know regarding how to safely play sports with braces. Read on to learn more about Orthodontics in St. Augustine.
Wear an Orthodontic Mouthguard
The mouthguard you picked up at the sporting goods store was not designed specifically for the purpose of orthodontics in St. Augustine. It was designed to protect your teeth when playing sports. Unfortunately for people with braces, regular mouthguards just aren’t as large as orthodontic mouthguards. This means they are not as comfortable and will not cushion any impact and protect your braces for adults in St. Augustine.
Contrastingly, orthodontic mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from damage at different times throughout your orthodontic treatment. Whether you play sports or not, orthodontic mouthguards are constructed from a soft silicone material and are large enough to comfortably fit over your braces. The silicone is soft enough that it can comfortably absorb the impact of an accident. Wearing an orthodontic mouthguard mitigates the risk of your teeth being forced out of alignment.
What to Do If You Get Injured
Wear an orthodontic mouthguard any time you play a sport, even if it’s not a high impact sport. Falls and other accidents can still happen and any impact can significantly damage your teeth or braces. If you don’t wear a mouthguard and your mouth is impacted, you could find yourself with broken teeth, bleeding gums or broken wires and brackets.
If you suffer a sports injury, call your orthodontist in St. Augustine immediately. Depending on the extent of the injury you received, you may want to go to the emergency room. Neither your orthodontic health nor your overall health should be taken lightly.
Other Tips for Sports and Braces
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Be prepared for a minor orthodontic emergency, such as a loose bracket, by having our number in your phone. To prepare for an injury that affects your overall wellbeing, keep a first-aid kit on the sidelines and always know where the nearest ER is located.
Play With Caution
Accidents happen. However, you can mitigate the risk of a sports injury happening to you by always being aware of your surroundings. It may be easy to start daydreaming if the ball has been on the other side of the field for the past three minutes. However, that ball can come flying at your face at any time. Whether you are on the field or on the sidelines, do not let your guard down.
Wear Other Protective Gear As Needed
While it’s essential that you wear a mouthguard regardless of the sport you play, don’t forget to wear the rest of your protective gear. Depending on your sport of choice, you may need to wear such protective items as safety glasses, a faceguard or a helmet. If you’re unsure of what safety gear you will need to participate in a sport, ask!
Have Fun
Braces require little care and maintenance. But there is no reason why you cannot enjoy sports just like everyone else. The most important things to know about playing sports with braces: always wear a mouthguard, wear other protective gear as needed, be prepared for emergencies, always keep your head in the game, and have fun.
Contact Henry Orthodontics in St. Augustine Today to Learn More about Sports and Braces
Braces don’t have to get between you and your favorite sport. If you’re looking for information about orthodontics in St. Augustine, Henry Orthodontics can help. Whether you need braces or you just want to learn more about sports and braces, contact the orthodontic specialists of St. Augustine today to book an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you and answer all of your burning questions.
