Calling all athletes — this one is for you! Getting braces is a huge milestone for people of all ages, but if you’re an athlete working on your athletic career, you may be a little concerned about how they will affect your game.
Many of our sports-minded patients are worried that they’ll have to put a pause on their favorite games while they go through treatment. Fortunately, that’s not the case. At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we treat athletes at all stages of their careers, from slow-pitch baseball to competitive cheerleading.
Dr. Damon believes that nothing should hold you back from a beautiful smile. With the proper care, you’ll be able to tackle the field and get your smile in gear, all at the same time. Read below to find out how to keep yourself safe with braces – and what to do if you get hurt.
Choose Your Treatment
Like most of our patients, the most important step for athletes is choosing the treatment option that fits their lifestyle. Be sure to tell us that you’re living an active life, what sport you’re involved in, and when you’ll be starting. All of this information can help us determine which orthodontic treatment method will work best for you so that you can keep your head in the game.
Lucky for you, our team at Szymanowski Orthodontics has a range of different treatment methods that will make your choice easy.
Metal Braces
As the traditional option, metal braces are often the first that come to mind when considering orthodontic treatment. These braces work by tightening the wire attached to a bracket glued to each tooth. With gentle, continuous pressure, your teeth are aligned over a period of 12-36 months, depending on the severity of your case, your mouth’s response to treatment, and your desired outcome. With metal braces, you will need to wear a mouthguard to protect yourself when engaging in physical activity.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces. The difference is that clear braces use white ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth and provide a less noticeable appearance. Because this method is almost identical to metal braces, you’ll need to wear a protective mouthguard with these as well.
Invisalign
This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without the use of wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth with an almost invisible look. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-15 months, you’ll see results in no time. With this treatment method, you could simply remove the trays for the duration of the physical activity – but don’t forget to put them back in as soon as you are done!
Take Care of Your Braces — Wear a Protective Mouthguard
Whether you’re playing football, volleyball, gymnastics, or cheerleading, wearing a mouthguard is an absolute necessity. Most dentists recommend using a mouthguard during sports even if you don’t have braces, but it is especially important when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Not wearing a mouthguard means you risk harming yourself and your braces, which could be painful and expensive. The best way to ensure you can play your favorite sport and straighten your smile is to wear that mouthguard!
Regular Sports Mouthguard
This mouthguard is designed for general sports use and can easily be found at any sporting goods store near you. Convenient and affordable, sports mouthguards protect your teeth, lips, and jaw from any blunt force that may occur while engaging in physical activity.
While they are an excellent option for athletes without braces to consider, these may not be the best choice for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment. That’s because they are not designed with braces in mind and may not even cover your teeth completely, meaning the risk of injury is still pretty high.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguard
You can find these mouthguards at your local pharmacy. Because they are moldable, they offer a fit specific to your mouth. They are also an affordable and convenient option.
While they are far more protective than regular sports mouthguards, the over-the-counter option is not designed for use with orthodontics. Because they are meant to prevent individuals from grinding their teeth in their sleep rather than prevent injury, you may still experience a loose fit over your braces.
Orthodontic Mouthguard
By far the best option for preventing injury and protecting your braces while you participate in athletics, the sole purpose of orthodontic mouthguards is to ensure your braces are safe on the field or in the gym. They are also designed to fit your braces precisely, giving you the best fit possible. Orthodontic mouthguards may be a little more expensive, but they are durable, long-lasting, and practical, meaning you should have no worries about after-school practice.
Remember, having any mouthguard is better than not having one at all – but make sure you consider your options carefully so that you can keep yourself safe no matter the sport you’re playing.
Take Care of Yourself During an Emergency
Typically, athletes are aware of the general risks of participating in their favorite sport or activity. As with anything in life, you could get hurt. But this shouldn’t be a reason to worry, even if you’re living an active life with braces. We all know that accidents happen, but Dr. Damon has some tips for handling an orthodontic emergency if they do.
The most important step is to stay calm and rest easy knowing that there are a series of trustworthy steps that you can take to ensure their injuries are taken care of. Common orthodontic injuries seen on the field include fractured teeth, missing teeth, or extruded or intruded teeth.
It is critical to get immediate care if any of these injuries occur. Be sure to call your orthodontist as soon as possible to set up an appointment to address the orthodontic side of your injury. Depending on the severity of the case, you may want to go to the emergency room.
Keep Your Head in the Game With Szymanowski Orthodontics
Are you an all-star athlete? Szymanowski Orthodontics is your number one fan. Dr. Damon believes you shouldn’t have to choose between a great smile and your favorite sport. By following these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to victory.
If you haven’t set up your free consultation yet, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started today.
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Dr. Szymanowski