Many of our young braces patients at Petrous Orthodontics (and maybe even a few older ones) enjoy playing sports. We love encouraging our patients to take part in sports. Staying active is great for your health, but sports accidents can damage braces. That’s why we recommend using a mouth guard. 

Can you wear braces and mouthguards together? Absolutely! Mouthguards for braces protect both the braces and the patient’s teeth, as well as the mouth's soft tissues.

But is a braces mouthguard the same as a sleep apnea mouthguard or a mouthguard for grinding teeth? Let’s explore the different types of mouthguards and their uses.

What Are the Types of Mouthguards?

The three main types of mouth guards are boil-and-bite, professional, and stock. All three have pros and cons regarding mouth guards with braces. 

Boil-and-Bite Mouth guard

A boil-and-bite mouthguard uses hot water to make it pliable so it can be customized to your mouth. As its name suggests, you simply boil water, soak the mouthguard, and then bite it to mold it around your teeth and braces. 

Most boil-and-bite mouth guards will have enough space to be worn with braces, but look for mouth guards that aren’t too narrow. These devices have advantages in that they tend to be relatively inexpensive, then can be custom-molded around braces, and can be reshaped later as your teeth move simply by heating them again.

The downside is that even by following the instructions, boil-and-bite mouth guards don’t always have the best fit. They also tend to last for less time than professional-grade mouth guards.

Professional Mouthguard

Your dentist or orthodontist creates a professionally made mouthguard using detailed digital images of your teeth. This creates a precise mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly. These mouthguards are high-quality and last longer than store-bought ones. 

The disadvantage of professional mouthguards with braces is that they can be reshaped as your teeth move during braces. Your mouthguard may not fit properly after a few months with braces. Because they’re professionally made, it can be costly to replace them repeatedly. 

Stock Mouthguard

A stock mouthguard is a pre-made mouthguard sold in stores. A football mouth guard for your child’s team may be an example of a stock mouth guard. They are easy to find in stores and are usually inexpensive. They also can provide a lot of protection.

The problem with stock mouthguards is that they cannot be adjusted for braces because they are pre-made. As a result, they probably won’t fit correctly with braces, and they may even damage your braces. In short, a stock mouth guard is not an ideal mouth guard for braces.

Why Do I Need a Mouthguard for Braces?

Why do you need to use a mouthguard with braces? It is dangerous enough to be hit in the mouth accidentally during sports. A football or baseball can loosen or knock out a tooth, bruise your cheeks, and cut the inside or outside of your lips. 

Now imagine if you were hit in the mouth with braces brackets on your teeth. While today’s braces brackets are smaller, more rounded, and more comfortable than before, they are still made of a hard material like metal or ceramics. 

The impact of a ball pushing your cheek or lips against braces brackets can cause severe cuts or bruises. An impact can also damage your braces. All this can lead to delays in your braces treatment while repairs are made and you heal.

Wearing a Mouth Guard with Braces

Wearing a mouthguard with braces is essential for protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances, especially during contact sports. A football mouthguard or any sports mouthguard should fit snugly and comfortably to help prevent injuries.

Unlike standard mouthguards, a custom-fit mouthguard is designed to fit your teeth and braces, offering better protection and comfort. One-size-fits-all mouthguards don’t always fit well over braces, making them uncomfortable and less effective.

For the best results, a custom-fit mouthguard is recommended. It molds precisely to your teeth and braces, ensuring a snug, secure fit. Whether playing football or other contact sports, wearing a mouthguard designed for braces helps prevent oral injuries and keeps your orthodontic treatment on track.

Mouth Guards for Grinding Teeth

What if you grind your teeth with braces? Grinding your teeth is known as bruxism, and it’s a fairly common condition, mainly when a person sleeps. Bruxism can lead to: 

• Excessive tooth wear
• Chips
• Cracks
• Broken teeth
• Jaw pain
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
• Neck aches
• Headaches

Mouthguards can help prevent bruxism by providing a barrier between the upper and lower jaws. A mouthguard will also help position your jaws so they don’t move in your sleep. 

Night Guards for Sleep Apnea and Snoring

A night guard for teeth is a device designed to protect against grinding and clenching, but it can also aid in treating sleep apnea and snoring. Unlike most mouthguards, which only cover the upper teeth, a night guard can cover just the upper teeth or both the upper and lower teeth. These guards are typically available as boil-and-bite devices or custom-made professional appliances.

Unlike a standard mouthguard, a night guard for teeth is designed to hold the jaw and/or tongue in place during sleep to prevent them from shifting backward. When the lower jaw or tongue moves backward, it can block the airway, leading to snoring or sleep apnea.

For those with braces, specially designed night guards are available that fit securely over them and help prevent snoring and sleep apnea. Similarly, a sleep apnea mouth guard is a custom-fitted device that maintains an open airway during sleep by repositioning the jaw or tongue.

If you need a night guard for your teeth while wearing braces, we recommend talking to us to ensure you get a good fit that protects your braces and keeps your jaw aligned.

Braces and Mouthguards in Royal Oak, MI

A mouth guard for braces is a great idea, especially if you play sports or participate in activities that involve objects that could make contact with your face. A good mouth guard will protect your teeth, mouth, and braces. 

Are you planning to participate in sports, or do you need a nightguard for bruxism, snoring, or sleep apnea? Schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics in Royal Oak, MI, to discuss the best options for your braces. We’re happy to guide you to the best mouthguard for braces.