Are you a part of a high school or college team? Do you prefer to exercise with your friends on the tennis court? Maybe you’re into a more solo sport, like golf. Whatever the case may be, you don’t want anything to get in the way of your performance. So, it’s not surprising that both amateur and professional athletes alike want to know if braces will get in the way. To learn the answer, read on!
So, Will Braces Negatively Affect Your Performance in Sports?
In short, the answer is no. While there will certainly be a learning curve when it comes to cleaning your teeth and eating with braces, the metal brackets and wires shouldn’t hinder your ability to play. In fact, it won’t be long before you barely realize they are there!
How To: Protect Your Mouth During Sports
Even during non-contact sports, your teeth are vulnerable to an accidental injury, like a knocked-out tooth from a rogue ball. That’s why it’s so important to wear a mouthguard! An oral appliance like this can protect both your teeth and your braces from damage, saving you a significant amount of time, money, and stress in the long run. Remember, while over-the-counter mouthguards are better than nothing, a custom-made one from your orthodontist is much more effective. Not only are they not a choking hazard since they are custom-made, but they can effectively protect your mouth.
What to Do If You Experience an Orthodontic Emergency
If you do accidentally break a bracket or wire on the field, court, track, or course, do your best not to panic. Instead, take a deep breath and do your best to assess the damage. If you are having trouble swallowing, struggling with uncontrollable oral bleeding, or experiencing any other potentially life-threatening symptoms, then head to your nearest ER or call 911 right away. However, the majority of the time, the best place to call is your orthodontist’s office. Over the phone, the team can get a better understanding of the urgency of your situation before guiding you through the next best steps.
Now you know that braces won’t get in the way of your sports performance! In fact, a straighter and healthier smile can benefit any athlete. After all, who doesn’t want a winning smile at the end of a game?
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we are proud to have two exceptional orthodontists and a team of hand-selected professionals here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Whether you’re interested in metal braces or Invisalign, we can create a custom treatment plan that will address misalignment without getting in the way of your sports performance. If you’d like to learn more about preventing orthodontic emergencies or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 508-473-2002.