Can You Use A Mouthguard If You Have Braces?

Mouthguards have saved many people from broken or lost teeth when playing sports, and they also have protected people suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding). But what about people wearing braces? Can they use mouthguards?

Mouthguards Can Be Worn Over Braces

It is important to remember that braces are not protection for your teeth—they are designed to slowly align teeth into the desired position. This means that blows to the mouth have about the same chance of injury with braces as without braces.

It is crucial to protect your mouth during activities where there is a high risk of oral injuries, such as sports—especially contact sports like American football. This also applies to bruxism patients; braces won’t provide any protection against the consequences of grinding your teeth.

If you need a mouthguard—wear it! You can find off-the-shelf mouthguards at many chain drug stores, or you can have one custom-fitted. But which one should you go for?

Should You Get a Custom Mouthguard?

You might be wondering if it is worth the extra effort to get a custom-made mouthguard over an off-the-shelf one. The answer is yes—especially if you frequently use a mouthguard.

Store-bought mouthguards are typically a “one size fits all” solution, even when separated by sizes. Everyone’s mouth is different, so a store-bought mouthguard won’t sit as comfortably or securely as a custom-fitted one. You will definitely notice the difference in comfort and utility!

If you are interested in getting a custom mouthguard—whether for sports, bruxism, or protection while wearing braces—we are here to help. Call us at the number provided to schedule an appointment. From there, we’ll create a functional, comfortable mouthguard tailored to your needs.