Wearing braces changes how you protect your teeth, especially if you play sports or grind your teeth at night. Mouth guards for braces help reduce the risk of injuries, prevent cuts inside your mouth, and keep your treatment on schedule. In Yuma, active patients benefit most when they use the right mouth guard built for orthodontic care.
What Is a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is a soft, flexible appliance that fits over your teeth to protect them from damage during sports, nighttime grinding, or accidental impact. For patients with braces, a mouth guard also shields your cheeks and lips from cuts caused by brackets and wires.
There are three main types:
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Stock mouth guards: Pre-formed and ready to wear, but may not fit well with braces
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Boil-and-bite guards: Softened in hot water and shaped to fit your teeth
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Custom mouth guards: Made by your orthodontist for a precise, secure fit
Patients with braces should always choose mouth guards designed to work with orthodontic appliances. Standard models may not provide the protection or comfort needed during treatment.
Why Braces Wearers in Yuma Need a Mouth Guard
Braces help straighten your teeth, but they also create more edges and surfaces that can cause injury during contact or pressure. Here’s why wearing a mouth guard is especially important during orthodontic treatment.
Protection During Sports
Many teens and adults in Yuma participate in contact sports like football, basketball, soccer, or martial arts. These activities come with a risk of getting hit in the mouth, which can lead to broken brackets, damaged wires, or soft tissue injuries.
A properly fitted mouth guard absorbs the impact, reducing the risk of serious injury and expensive repairs.
Preventing Cuts and Irritation
Brackets and wires can irritate the inside of your lips and cheeks, even under normal conditions. During intense physical activity, the risk of cuts increases. A mouth guard acts as a barrier, keeping your mouth safe and reducing soreness caused by friction.
Avoiding Treatment Delays
Injuries that damage braces can add weeks or months to your treatment time. A broken bracket or bent wire may slow progress or require repeat adjustments. Wearing a mouth guard helps you avoid those setbacks and stay on schedule.
Protection During Nighttime Grinding
Some people grind or clench their teeth during sleep. This pressure can damage braces and put unnecessary strain on your teeth and jaw. An orthodontic night guard can ease that pressure and protect both your braces and teeth.
Sports That Require a Mouth Guard
Even non-contact sports carry some risk of dental injury. Here are a few examples where mouth guards are highly recommended:
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Football
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Basketball
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Soccer
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Wrestling
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Hockey
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Baseball or softball
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Skateboarding
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Mountain biking
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Gymnastics
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Martial arts
If your activity involves jumping, physical contact, or sudden movements, using a mouth guard is a smart precaution.
How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard for Braces
Not all mouth guards work well with braces. It’s important to pick one that provides protection without interfering with tooth movement.
Look for Orthodontic-Safe Designs
Mouth guards made for braces provide space to fit over brackets and adjust with your shifting teeth. They allow for growth and changes during treatment, unlike regular guards that might get too tight or press against your Braces in Yuma.
Get Help From Your Orthodontist
Your orthodontist in Yuma can recommend or create a custom-fit mouth guard that works with your current appliances. They can also check for proper fit during your regular appointments.
Consider the Sport or Activity
Some sports call for thicker or double-layered guards, especially contact-heavy ones like football or hockey. For lower-risk sports, a slimmer guard may offer enough protection with better comfort.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
Taking care of your mouth guard helps it last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. Bacteria can build up quickly, especially if you don’t clean it regularly.
Simple Maintenance Tips
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Rinse it before and after each use
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Clean it weekly with mild soap and water
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Let it dry completely before storing
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Keep it in a ventilated case when not in use
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Avoid chewing on it, which can weaken the material
Replace your mouth guard if it becomes damaged, loose, or difficult to clean. Your orthodontist can check it during routine visits and suggest when it’s time for a new one.
Cost of Mouth Guards in Yuma
Mouth guard prices vary depending on the type. Stock models are often less than $20, while boil-and-bite options range between $20 and $50. Custom mouth guards cost more, often between $100 and $300, but provide the best fit and protection.
For patients wearing braces, investing in a mouth guard designed specifically for orthodontic use helps avoid costly repairs and delays. Some dental insurance plans or health savings accounts may cover part of the cost.
What Happens if You Don’t Wear One?
Skipping a mouth guard during sports or night grinding comes with real risks. You might:
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Cut your cheeks or lips on brackets
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Break or loosen a bracket or wire
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Suffer a chipped or cracked tooth
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Add months to your treatment schedule
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Increase overall costs due to repairs or replacements
A single hit to the mouth without protection can undo weeks of progress and lead to pain, inconvenience, and extra office visits.
Why Orthodontics, Inc. Recommends Mouth Guards in Yuma
Orthodontics, Inc. cares about every part of your treatment experience, including protecting your smile outside the office. We provide guidance on choosing the right mouth guard and can help fit a guard that works with your braces .
We see firsthand how a small investment in prevention avoids big setbacks later. Our team will answer questions, offer options, and make sure your appliances stay safe throughout your treatment.
Book an appointment with Orthodontics, Inc. in Yuma to learn more about protecting your braces during sports, sleep, and everyday life.
Conclusion: A Simple Step for Stronger Protection
Wearing a mouth guard might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in protecting your braces and keeping your treatment on track. In Yuma, active lifestyles and orthodontic care often go hand in hand. With the right mouth guard, you can enjoy your favorite activities without worry.
Take a few minutes to protect the investment you’ve made in your smile. Ask your orthodontist which type of guard fits your needs best, and make it part of your routine. Your mouth will thank you.
