Can you still play sports with braces? Yes! Jensen Orthodontic Arts has you covered better than a custom mouthguard (but more on that later!)! Dr. Jensen’s practice in McKinney understands the needs of young athletes. Braces shouldn’t hold you back from the field, the mat, the track, or the arena. You can keep your smile safe with the proper precautions, like mouthguards and regular check-ups. Plus, if you have had teeth lost or damaged when playing sports, Dr. Jensen can help with that too!
EmBRACE Your Sport
Playing sports with braces is easier than you might think! At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we offer a variety of braces to suit your lifestyle, including metal braces, lingual braces, and clear braces. Each type requires some special considerations when it comes to athletics.
Armor Up With Metal Braces
Metal braces are our most common and durable option. They’re great for active sports since they’re sturdy. But you’ll need a mouthguard to protect your mouth from any impacts. Regular check-ups with Dr. Jensen keep everything in place so you can focus on your game, not your braces.
Lean Into The Lingual Side
Lingual braces give you a totally one-sided victory! How? Our team places them on the back of your teeth, which makes them really hard to see when you’re smiling. If you want straighter teeth without worrying about the extra fanfare of metal braces, these are the tools for you. Just like with other braces, using a mouthguard during sports is essential.
Clear The Way, You’re Coming Through!
Clear braces remain an in-demand choice for young athletes who prefer a more subtle look. These braces mesh with your teeth, making them less noticeable than other treatment options. While they are made of ceramic and can be slightly more fragile, using a mouthguard helps keep them safe while you play your favorite sports.
Protect Your Investment
Protecting your braces while playing sports is crucial. A mouthguard is the best way to protect your teeth and braces from impact. It cushions any blows to the face and reduces your risk of injury.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Told you we’d revisit these! What sets them apart? Dr. Jensen and our team make them in-house! That’s right? Who better to design your mouthguard than the experts who made your orthodontic appliances? Custom mouthguards offer the best protection and comfort for your braces and teeth.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These mouthguards are softened in boiling water and then molded to your teeth and braces. They provide a decent fit and are readily available at most sporting goods stores. So you can find them just about anywhere.
Stock Mouthguards
Pre-formed and ready-to-wear, these are the most affordable and easy to find. You can slide them on right out of their packaging.
Safety Tips for Athletes with Braces
Playing sports with braces requires a few extra precautions to keep your smile safe. Here are some essential safety tips:
Regular Check-Ups
- Visit Jensen Orthodontic Arts regularly to confirm that your braces are in good condition.
- Promptly report any issues, such as broken brackets or loose wires.
Mouthguards Are Mandatory
- Always wear a mouthguard during sports to protect your teeth and braces.
- Choose the right type of mouthguard for your needs: custom-fitted, boil-and-bite, or stock.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
- Always brush and floss after games or practice to remove food particles.
- Use orthodontic brushes and floss threaders to clean around braces effectively.
Hold Off On High-Contact Sports
- If possible, avoid high-contact sports like boxing or wrestling, where facial injuries are more likely.
- If you do participate, ensure you have the appropriate protective gear.
Never Wait To Hydrate!
- Consume plenty of water to keep your mouth clean and prevent irritation from the braces.
Cross Out Crunchy Foods
- Steer clear of hard candies, nuts, and other foods that can damage your braces.
- Slice food into tinier pieces to make eating easier and safer.
Rehabilitating Injured Smiles
In addition to orthodontics, Dr. Jensen also specializes in prosthodontics (that’ll win your Scrabble game for sure!). What does that mean? It means that Dr. Jensen is one of only a select few dual practitioners around. If you’re an athlete who’s suffered from broken or impacted teeth or have some teeth that are MIA, our team can help! Prosthodontics involves repairing or rehabilitation injuries to your face, jaw, and teeth. It might involve crowns, implants, restorations, bridges, and the like.
Suitable Sports for Braces
We know you and your family love athletics. Many of our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team members are athletes in McKinney, too. So, which sports are best for braces? Which sports aren’t?
Non-Contact Sports
Non-contact sports like swimming, tennis, and track and field are ideal for athletes with braces. These activities have minimal risk of impact on your face. You can play without much concern for your orthodontic gear.
Low-Contact Sports
Sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball are manageable with braces. Although there is some risk of impact, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard provides sufficient protection. Regular dental check-ups will help keep your braces intact while you stay active.
High-Contact Sports
High-contact sports like football, rugby, and hockey are possible with extra precautions. A specialized mouthguard is essential to protect your braces and mouth. Additionally, using a face guard or helmet adds another layer of protection, allowing you to participate safely.
Sport Some New Braces in McKinney
Dr. Jensen wants your smile to score the winning goal! To get there, it’s time to start your orthodontic training at Jensen Orthodontic Arts in McKinney. Go here to schedule your free consultation and get your sporty smile on the field today!