If you’re used to playing sports without traditional braces, it may take a little while to adjust to doing what you’re passionate about with an orthodontic appliance in your mouth. Fortunately, straightening your teeth doesn’t have to interfere with your athletic dreams. Countless famous athletes wore braces as they were making a name for themselves, such as the four-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin, iconic tennis player Venus Williams, and even famous soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo! With the right help, you can quickly adjust to your orthodontic treatment while continuing to crush the competition. Read on for three helpful tips for athletes who have braces.
Wear a Protective Mouthguard
Sometimes, it can be tempting to play without your mouthguard. However, it’s important to realize that anything can happen at any time, including a collision with an opposing team member or a ball. By wearing a protective mouthguard custom-fitted to your teeth and appliance, not only can you avoid serious jaw and dental injuries, but you can also keep your orthodontic appliance from breaking and setting back your treatment timeline. Plus, when you get one that’s custom-made for your mouth, you won’t have to worry about it being uncomfortable to wear while you’re running or breathing hard.
Be Mindful of Your Braces
At the end of the game, it may be team tradition to toss your MVP’s up in the air to celebrate their accomplishments. The problem with this is that a swift, celebrating elbow that impacts your mouth could break your brackets or wires. Instead, celebrate a more mindful way! Small moments on the field like these can set back your orthodontic treatment and require an unexpected visit with your dentist.
Act Fast If You Have A Collision
If you’re on the field and have a collision that harms your mouth, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait to address a dental emergency, the more serious it could get. Plus, if you have braces and aren’t wearing a mouthguard, it could result in additional damage to your oral tissues. Immediately check your braces to make sure they’re still intact. If they aren’t, it’s important to contact your orthodontic specialist as soon as possible and schedule an appointment to get them fixed.
If you have any questions or want to learn some additional tips and tricks to keep your braces safe while going for athletic glory, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. With their assistance and your diligence, you can keep your orthodontic treatment on the right track.
About the Author
Dr. Dalia Georgy has been providing her community with high-quality dental and orthodontic treatments for the past seven years. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve their dream smiles and improve their oral health with advanced orthodontic services, such as braces and Invisalign. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Glenpool Braces’ website or call 918-201-1414.