It is officially back-to-school season, which means many kids in Wichita are getting back into their favorite fall sports. While you’re preparing for the crazy schedule of practices, games, and competitions, make sure your child has all the proper safety equipment they need! Many athletic leagues require participants to wear mouth guards as part of their protective equipment during some or all of the activity. If the participant has braces, these regulations are often more specific. We’ve put together the answers to some frequently asked questions for athletes with braces for your convenience.
Which Mouth Guard is Right for Me?
Different sports with different intensities and levels of contact have different requirements for safety equipment. For example, wrestling leagues often require that participants wear double mouth guards, especially when they have braces, while tennis leagues typically do not require players to wear them at all. Be sure to find out what your child’s league requires before purchasing anything. It is also important to note that even if a mouth guard is not required, it may still be a good idea if your child has braces.
Should I Buy Off-the-Shelf or Custom-Made Mouth Guards?
When purchasing a mouth guard for your child, you have two basic options: an off-the-shelf mouth guard or a mouthguard that is custom-made by their pediatric dentist or orthodontist. To decide which option is best for your child, you’ll want to consult both their doctor and the sports league’s policy. Some leagues require players with braces to wear ones made by their orthodontists, while others allow either option.
While custom ones will often be more precise, they will also be more expensive. They may not always be the most effective option either because braces are supposed to adjust your teeth, and once your teeth move even a little, they will no longer fit the same mouthguard mold. In some cases, it is much cheaper and more effective to purchase the “boil and bite” mouth guards available in stores that allow customization at home.
Do I Need a Single or Double Mouth Guard?
Some sports leagues only require players to wear single mouth guards, while some require double. Single guards protect the teeth on the player’s upper jaw, while double guards protect the upper and lower jaws. Double guards are often required in high contact sports if the player has braces on their bottom teeth.
Can I Use a Standard Mouth Guard if I Have Braces?
Most brands that make athletic mouth guards also make products specifically designed for players with braces or state on the packaging that their standard mouthguard product is safe to use with braces. In general, mouth guards made specifically for athletes with braces are a little wider and bulkier to accommodate their orthodontic equipment. Single and double moldable mouth guards that are safe for braces should be available at your local sporting goods store. If you can’t find them in-store, there are plenty of options available online.
We hope this information has answered your questions and will help you choose the right mouth guard for your child. One that you can feel good about! Don’t forget to consult with your child’s orthodontist once you know the sport’s regulations or activity in question, as every situation is a little different. If you have any more questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our office today!