3…2…1 KICKOFF! But wait…Can you wear a mouthguard with braces? Yes, you can! You don’t have to worry about being benched this football season if you’ve started braces or Invisalign treatment.
Our experienced orthodontists in Northwest Florida do recommend you wear a mouthpiece for braces when playing any athletic activities— even at practice! Why? To protect your smile of course! Nearly 3 million teeth are knocked out during sports events each year. Wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during athletic activities can save you from a painful trip to see our emergency orthodontists or a costly ER trip!
Here’s what you need to know about how to wear a mouthguard this football season:
Types of Football Mouthguards for Braces
How to fit a mouthguard depends on the type of mouthpiece you choose! There are 3 common types of orthodontic mouthguards: boil-and-bite, stock, and custom-fit are all great options for football mouthguards for braces!
Molding a Football Mouthguard for Braces
Stock mouthguards
Stock mouthguards require no molding! They are one-size-fits-all mouthguards that are relatively easy to put in place and take out, but are generally bulkier and are the least protective type of mouthguard.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards
With a boil-and-bite mouthguard, you mold it to fit your teeth! Here are the steps on how to mold a mouthguard:
- Test the fit. See how the mouthpiece fits against the back of your mouth. A gentle bite into the plastic will help give you a guide of where your teeth sit.
- Trim accordingly. Carefully cut the ends of your mouthpiece by a fraction of an inch (it’s better to cut too little than too much!)
- Keep testing the fit until your mouthguard doesn’t feel like it’s too long! This one-size-fits-all mouthguard won’t fit perfectly around your teeth at this step, but it shouldn’t irritate the back of your mouth. Rough edges will soften after boiled.
- Bring a quart of water to a boil or microwave water in a microwave-safe dish for 4-5 minutes. This should be a full, rolling boil.
- Turn off heat/remove from microwave.
- Gently submerge your mouthguard for about 30 seconds. Using a ladle strainer spoon works best if your mouthpiece didn’t come with a strap.
- Remove from boiled water and let cool for 20 seconds.
- Place your mouthguard in your mouth. Gently biting and pressing with your tongue and fingers to mold your mouthguard to your teeth.
- Suck excess water out mouthguard, while keeping it in your mouth. This helps suction and tighten your mouthguard to your teeth and mouth!
- Place in cold water for 20 seconds. Once you’re happy with the fit of your mouthguard, putting it in cold water will help it fully set.
- Once dry, place in your mouthguard container.
Custom-fitted mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most comfortable mouthguards and provide the best protection. These football mouthguards for braces are custom-designed to fit your unique smile. As a certified provider of Under Armour performance mouthguards, we can custom-fit a mouthguard for you that will fit snugly over your braces and provide enhanced protection. So you don’t have to worry about how to mold a mouthguard, we’ll take care of that for you.
Considering all your football mouthguard options? Any of our experienced orthodontists can make a recommendation for you. Depending on the level of impact you experience when you’re playing football, one type of mouthguard may be better suited for you.
What if your kid is playing football with braces this year? Mouthguards aren’t just for teens and adults, but for kids as well! In fact, children account for more than half of the 7 million sports injuries that happen every year. So it’s important to help protect your child’s smile by making sure they get the right gear!
Still have questions about how to mold a mouthguard?
Request a complimentary exam for your child today! If you’re hesitant, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We love to hear from you.
We’re here to guide you and your child through the treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Northwest Florida, we’d love to meet you!
