Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment for all athletes playing contact sports. As an athlete with braces, finding the right mouthguard can be challenging. With research suggesting that up to 80% of all dental injuries could be reduced or alleviated if a good fitting, protective mouthguard is worn, it is important to get this right.
Athletes who wear braces need to be aware that they are not only protecting their teeth, but also their soft tissues (lips and cheeks) from the braces and attachments themselves. In addition, braces can add extra bulk and sensitivity to the mouth, making it challenging to find a comfortable and effective mouthguard.
In this blog post, we will explore the ideal qualities and characteristics that a mouthguard should have for athletes wearing braces.
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Custom-fit design
A mouthguard that fits well and holds in place securely is paramount in providing the best protection for all athletes. Athletes with braces are no exception. Mouthguards that shape well to fit the unique shape of your mouth, teeth and orthodontic appliances (braces/aligners), ensure maximum protection and comfort. This can be achieved with a dental-made mouthguard or a good mouldable “boil & bite” style of mouthguard.
Neomorph is a triple layered re-mouldable mouthguard that incorporates 2 materials to ensure a secure custom fit.
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Ability to remould
Mouthguards should be made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of athletic activity. Look for mouthguards made from materials such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This material is used in both dental-made mouthguards (which are thermoset and do not change once they have been made), and mouth-formed mouthguards that are thermoplastic and can be remoulded to change as teeth move.
Unlike the dental made mouthguard, the Neomorph Mouthguard is entirely mouldable. Both the outer and internal layers of Neomorph are made from thermoplastic materials that are heat mouldable and can be re-moulded as teeth move throughout orthodontic treatment. Neomorph can be remoulded up to 10 times which in most cases will last your orthodontic treatment.
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Thickness
The thickness of a mouthguard is critical for athletes. A mouthguard protects by absorbing and dispersing (spreading) the energy from an impact. Without considering the materials, research has shown that the thicker the mouthguard the more protection it provides. This makes sense. However, it also shows that the thicker the mouthguard the less comfort and athlete compliance. A mouthguard should be thick enough to provide adequate protection against impacts yet not so thick that it interferes with your comfort, braces or makes it challenging to speak and breathe.
The Neomorph Mouthguard is only 3.5mm thick.
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Comfortable fit
Comfort is essential when it comes to mouthguards, especially for athletes with braces. A big complaint for athletes wearing over-the-counter mouthguards is that they are often bulky and uncomfortable. This is primarily due to the materials that they are made of, and the concern with incorporating hard plastic sections that do not mould.
It is essential to find a mouthguard that fits securely, feels smooth to the lips, cheeks and tongue, and does not have any hard bulky parts that dig in or do not conform securely around the teeth and mouth.
The entire Neomorph Mouthguard is mouldable. Neomorph is custom fitting, protective and comfortable.
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Mouthguards and Aligners
Aligners are an alternative to braces. They are sometimes referred to as ‘invisible braces’ or “clear plates”, because they are transparent and custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth (a bit like a super thin mouthguard). They are extremely popular and often known by the manufacturer’s name, such as Invisalign®, Spark® or 3M Clarity.
It is common for Aligner treatment to also require “attachments”. These are small tooth coloured ‘buttons’ that are attached to your teeth with dental adhesive. They work by giving the aligner a ‘handle’ or ‘gripping point’ on the tooth which improves the effectiveness of the aligner.
How to fit a mouthguard with aligners
If you have aligners you will need to remove the aligners (clear plates) when you fit and wear a mouthguard. The attachments are stuck on with dental adhesive and always stay adhered to your teeth until the dentist/orthodontist/hygienist removes them. Neomorph will effectively mould around these without any problem. The aligner (clear plates) on the other hand, needs to be removed during moulding and mouthguard use.
The aligner (clear plates) on the other hand, needs to be removed.
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Easy to clean
Mouthguards should be easy to clean and maintain.
Rinse mouthguards with cool fresh water after each use – do not exceed 35°C/95°F. Clean with a regular toothbrush, soap and water. Dry and store in a clean mouthguard case. Store at room temperature, in dry conditions and protect your mouth guard from warm environments, such as hot dashboards in cars. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Every Neomorph Mouthguard is supplied with a mouthguard case.
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Does not interfere with orthodontic treatment
It’s essential to choose a mouthguard that does not interfere with your orthodontic treatment. Mouthguard manufacturers should note if their mouthguard is suitable to be worn with braces or not. Some manufacturers may require that the sportsperson place a barrier between the mouthguard and the braces to ensure that the mouthguard will not attach or conform too tightly to the bracketing system. If this is a recommendation, ensure that you follow the instructions carefully as it can be extremely difficult to remove the mouthguard if a barrier is not used properly (sometime requiring a dentists/orthodontist intervention to drill it off). It is recommended to consult with your orthodontist before selecting a mouthguard to ensure that it is safe for your orthodontic treatment.
Although all sports people are now wearing the Neomorph Mouthguard it was originally designed to wear with Braces and Aligners. It just so happens that it works really well for people without Braces and Aligners too.
In conclusion,
Athletes with braces require a mouthguard that is securely fitting, made from durable materials, comfortable, easy to clean, and does not interfere with their orthodontic treatment. By selecting a mouthguard with these qualities and characteristics, athletes can ensure maximum protection and comfort while participating in their sport. Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the mouthguard can be worn with braces or aligners and consult with your dental professional or orthodontist to ensure that it is the right fit for you.
If you’re an athlete with braces, the Neomorph Mouthguard is the best mouthguard for you to ensure maximum protection and comfort during your games or practice sessions.
Neomorphs triple layered system was specifically designed to work seamlessly with braces and aligners. Neomorph offers a secure and protective mouth-formed mouth guard that is re-mouldable to adjust for moving teeth whilst conforming tightly around, but not adhering to, orthodontic appliances (braces or aligners).
No more bulky ill-fitting mouth guards that dislodge on impact. The Neomorph triple layered system was purposefully developed to meet the needs of people with orthodontics – the added bonus being that it works perfectly without orthodontic appliances also!
Neomorph can be remoulded up to 10 times which in most cases will last your orthodontic treatment.
We encourage anyone that had given up on mouldable mouthguards to experience the Neomorph difference.