Orthodontics And Sports: Protecting Your Smile On The Field

Participating in sports is a great way to stay active and healthy but it also puts your teeth at risk for injury. As an athlete it’s important to protect your smile while on the field court or rink. Orthodontics can help ensure your teeth are safe during sports activities.

Why You Need Protection

When you engage in physical activity there is always a risk of sustaining an injury to your mouth. Whether you play a contact sport like football or a non contact sport like basketball accidents can happen at any time. Without proper protection your teeth could be damaged or knocked out entirely.

The Role of Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of teeth and jaws. While many people associate orthodontics with braces or Invisalign orthodontists can also provide mouthguards to athletes. These custom fitted mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth and provide maximum protection for your teeth while playing sports.

Here are a few ways that orthodontics can help protect your smile on the field –

Prevent tooth fractures – Mouthguards act as a cushion to absorb the impact of a blow to the face reducing the risk of tooth fractures.
Prevent tooth loss – Mouthguards can prevent teeth from being knocked out during sports activities preserving your smile.
Protect braces – If you have braces a mouthguard can help protect them from damage caused by contact sports.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three main types of mouthguards available for athletes –

Stock mouthguards – These are pre formed and come in standard sizes. While they are the most affordable option they often don’t fit properly and can be uncomfortable to wear.
Boil and bite mouthguards – These mouthguards can be customized to fit your mouth by boiling them in hot water and then biting down on them to create an impression. While they provide a better fit than stock mouthguards they may still be bulky and less comfortable.
Custom fitted mouthguards – These mouthguards are made by your orthodontist to fit your teeth perfectly. Custom fitted mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort making them the preferred choice for athletes.

Benefits of Custom Fitted Mouthguards

Custom fitted mouthguards offer several advantages over stock or boil and bite mouthguards –

Superior protection – Custom fitted mouthguards provide the best protection for your teeth reducing the risk of injury.
Comfortable fit – Because they are made specifically for your mouth custom fitted mouthguards are more comfortable to wear during sports activities.
Durable and long lasting – Custom fitted mouthguards are made of high quality materials that are built to last ensuring that you are protected game after game.

Consult with Your Orthodontist

If you participate in sports regularly it is essential to consult with your orthodontist about getting a custom fitted mouthguard. Your orthodontist can take impressions of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits perfectly and provides optimal protection. Don’t wait until it’s too late – protect your smile on the field with a custom fitted mouthguard from your orthodontist.

Remember your smile is an important part of your overall health and well being. By taking the necessary steps to protect your teeth during sports activities you can prevent unnecessary injuries and maintain a beautiful smile for years to come.

Orthodontics plays a crucial role in protecting your smile while participating in sports. Custom fitted mouthguards provided by orthodontists are the best way to ensure your teeth are safe from injury during physical activity. Don’t let a sports related accident ruin your smile – take proactive steps to protect your teeth and enjoy playing sports without worry.