Safeguarding the Smiles of Active Kids with Braces in West New York

When it comes to orthodontic care, we understand the importance of keeping your braces and your oral health in the best possible condition. At My Orthodontist in West New York, NJ, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their dream smiles while ensuring their orthodontic journey is as comfortable and trouble-free as possible. 

For active kids with braces, participating in sports or other physical activities can be a concern. That’s where orthodontic mouthguards come into play. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of orthodontic mouthguards and how they can protect both your braces and your precious smile.

Orthodontic Mouthguards: A Shield for Your Braces

Active kids love to participate in various sports and activities. However, if they have braces, it’s essential to take extra precautions to prevent damage to the orthodontic appliances and minimize the risk of injury to their mouths. Orthodontic mouthguards are specially designed to serve this purpose. They are a vital piece of protective equipment that can make all the difference in keeping your child’s braces intact and their teeth and gums safe.

Why Do Active Kids with Braces Need Mouthguards?

Active kids are often involved in soccer, basketball, wrestling, or even skateboarding. These activities can pose a risk to the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth. The reasons why active kids with braces need mouthguards are:

1. Braces Protection: Brackets, wires, and bands can easily be damaged during physical activities. Even a minor impact can lead to costly orthodontic repairs and prolonged treatment. Mouthguards act as a barrier, absorbing and dispersing the force to protect the braces.
2. Gum and Lip Protection: The sharp edges of braces can potentially injure the gums and lips during a sudden impact. A mouthguard cushions the area, preventing cuts and sores.
3. Tooth Protection: Active kids can accidentally hit their teeth against each other or a hard surface. Mouthguards reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth, which can be especially problematic for individuals with braces.
4. Jaw Joint Protection: Mouthguards can also help reduce the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries, which may occur during contact sports or high-impact activities.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

Regarding orthodontic mouthguards, there are two primary options: custom-made and over-the-counter (OTC). At My Orthodontist, we strongly recommend custom-made mouthguards for our patients in West New York, NJ. Here’s why:

Custom-Made Mouthguards

Custom orthodontic mouthguards are explicitly designed for your child’s mouth. These mouthguards offer superior protection, comfort, and longevity compared to OTC options. Here are some of the advantages of custom-made mouthguards:

• Precision Fit: Custom mouthguards are tailored to fit your child’s unique dental arch, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. This provides proper protection and minimizes the risk of dislodgement during sports activities.
• Enhanced Protection: Custom mouthguards offer superior protection because they are made from high-quality materials that can absorb and dissipate impact forces effectively.
• Longevity: Custom mouthguards are designed to last, and their durability can save you money in the long run compared to replacing OTC mouthguards frequently.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Mouthguards

While OTC mouthguards are readily available and may be more affordable, they have several drawbacks, including:

• One-Size-Fits-All: OTC mouthguards are not customized to your child’s unique dental structure, so they may not provide the same level of protection and comfort as custom-made ones.
• Limited Protection: OTC mouthguards are generally less effective in preventing damage to braces and injuries to the mouth, teeth, and gums.
• Short Lifespan: OTC mouthguards are often made of lower-quality materials, so they may wear out or become less effective relatively quickly.

How to Get a Custom-Made Orthodontic Mouthguard in West New York

At My Orthodontist, we make it easy for active kids with braces to get a custom-made orthodontic mouthguard that fits their needs perfectly. Here’s the process:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Contact our West New York practice to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, we will assess your child’s orthodontic condition and discuss their activity level and the type of mouthguard needed.
2. Custom Impression: We will take a precise impression of your child’s teeth to create a mouthguard that fits like a glove.
3. Fitting Appointment: Once the mouthguard is ready, we will have a fitting appointment to ensure it is comfortable and effective.
4. Regular Check-ups: We will schedule regular check-ups to ensure that the mouthguard is still in good condition and that it continues to offer optimal protection.

Get Your Orthodontic Mouthguards in West New York

Orthodontic mouthguards are a crucial investment for active kids with braces in West New York. They protect both the braces and the mouth, providing peace of mind for parents and comfort for their children. While OTC mouthguards are readily available, we strongly recommend custom-made options for superior protection, fit, and durability. 

At My Orthodontist, we are committed to providing the best orthodontic care for our patients, and we’re here to help you keep your child’s smile safe and beautiful throughout their orthodontic journey. Don’t let sports or physical activities hinder your child’s path to a perfect smile – protect their braces with a custom orthodontic mouthguard.