Table of contents
- Understanding Mouth Guards
- Types of Mouth Guards
- Understanding Clear Aligners
- How Do Clear Aligners Work?
- Wearing a Mouth Guard with Clear Aligners
- Factors To Consider When Wearing Mouth Guards and Aligners
- How To Decide For Your Smile?
- Tips For Keeping Your Mouth Guards Maintained
- Protect Your Smile with Aligner32
- FAQs
Clear aligners and mouth guards are two of the most advanced and effective dental appliances introduced in recent times. Clear aligners are the most convenient way to straighten your smile while mouth guards are the ideal shield for your teeth.
What does it mean for athletes who want to protect their smile while undergoing the clear aligner treatment? Wearing clear aligners and mouth guards simultaneously can feel overwhelming. This article explores whether you can combine the two and how to make an informed decision for your smile.
Understanding Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are protective dental devices made of thermoplastic material. They are placed inside the mouth to protect your gums and teeth. Mouth guards act as a shock absorber and prevent your perfect smile from getting damaged by a hard blow or any other external force. If you are an athlete, wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth against sports-related injury is important.
Types of Mouth Guards
The following are the types of mouth guards available in the market offering different levels of protection:
| Stock Mouth Guard | This is a pre-made mouth guard, readily available at a sports goods shop. Since they are already made, they can be too tight or loose for your smile. But if you are looking for the least expensive option, a stock mouth guard might be the solution for you. |
| Boil and Bite Mouth Guard | Boil and bite mouth guard offer a semi-custom fit. By boiling the material and letting it soften, you’ll be able to mold the mouth guard to match the contours of your teeth. They offer better protection than the stock options but aren’t the ideal solution. |
| Custom-Fit Mouth Guard | Designed specifically for your mouth, custom-fit guards offer the highest level of comfort and protection. Based on dental impressions, they are ideal for athletes and individuals seeking superior performance. |
Understanding Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of dental trays that are placed inside the mouth to shift your teeth to the desired position. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are made of thin plastic material that is nearly invisible and offers a discreet treatment. With clear aligner treatment, you can transform your smile without letting anybody know.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth and shifting them to the desired position. Each set of clear aligners is worn for a week for 20 to 22 hours a day. The number of dental trays recommended to patients depends on the severity of the dental condition.
Wearing a Mouth Guard with Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are responsible for aligning your smile whereas mouth guards help protect it. But if you are an athlete going through clear aligner treatment, you might want to wear them at the same time. But it’s probably for the best that you don’t.
As clear aligners and mouth guards both offer a perfect fit, you cannot wear them simultaneously. However, you can take advantage of the removability of clear aligners and still wear a mouth guard with it. Take off your clear aligners and wear a mouth guard before you begin your game.
Factors To Consider When Wearing Mouth Guards and Aligners
The following are some important factors you need to know when wearing mouth guards with clear aligner treatment:
Expert’s Advice
Always consult your dentist before choosing a mouth guard. They can guide you toward options that suit your treatment and lifestyle.
Wearing Time
As clear aligners are only effective when worn for the recommended duration, try not to miss the wearing time. If you remove them for sports, ensure they are back in place immediately afterward to avoid setbacks.
How To Decide For Your Smile?
If you want to decide on your smile, the following are the factors you need to consider:
1. Comfort
When it comes to sports, an athlete would always prefer a product that offers a combination of both comfort and protection. A perfectly customized sports mouth guard offers just that! It is tailored according to the dental contours of your mouth and prevents irritation to your gums and inner cheeks.
2. Type of Sport
Your decision for opting a mouth guard also depends on the type of sports you are involved in. For instance, for low-impact sports, you can opt for boil and bite mouth guards as they offer slight customization and protection. On the other hand, for high-impact sports activity, you need to get a customized mouth guard that offers complete protection to avoid any serious damage.
3. Quality
Remember that quality plays a great role when opting for a dental product. You might not want to invest in a mouth guard that is made of low-quality material as it can get damaged easily. Therefore, look for a brand that offers enhanced quality, durable products that work longer.
4. Easier Maintenance
You need to opt for a product that is easier to maintain and clean. Easier maintenance of your mouth guard prevents bacterial buildup, and plaques, and keeps it odor-free. Furthermore, a well-maintained sports mouth guard has a higher chance of improved durability.
5. Cost
Consider your budget and look for an option that is suitable for you. At Aligner32, you can get a budget-friendly mouth guard with durable, high-quality material.
Tips For Keeping Your Mouth Guards Maintained
The following tips will help you keep your mouth guard maintained:
1. Proper Storage
Ensure proper storage of your mouth guard. Keep it safe inside a plastic case to prevent it from getting in contact with germs and bacteria.
2. Rinsing
Rinsing your mouth guard before putting it in your mouth plays an important role. It makes sure no dust or debris is present on the surface that compromises your dental health. You need to repeat the process when you take it off your mouth to remove saliva or debris from the dental product.
2. Dental Hygiene
Maintain your dental hygiene when you are going through a dental treatment or wearing a mouth guard. Make sure you properly brush and floss your teeth twice a day. There should be no food particles left in your mouth as they lead to plaque accumulation. Hence, proper cleaning of your mouth offers enhanced dental hygiene.
3. Inspect Damage
Keep your mouth guard in check to inspect the damage. A slight wear and tear can lose its effectiveness, therefore, it is important to replace it as early as possible.
4. Gentle Brushing
Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your mouth guard. You can also use a nonabrasive toothpaste to clean your mouth guard. This will remove any accumulated plaques and will also help in preventing stains.
5. Do Not Bite
An athlete is likely to bite on the mouth guard under stress or anxiety before the game. You need to avoid biting, as it can damage the material, losing its effectiveness.
Protect Your Smile with Aligner32
Aligner32 offers custom-fit mouth guards tailored to your needs. Here’s how it works:
- Place the order and receive the impression kit at your home.
- Create your dental impressions and send them back to us.
- Receive a sports mouth guard designed just for you.
To sum it up, wearing both clear aligners and mouth guards simultaneously is not feasible, as both appliances require a snug fit. Solution? Simply remove your aligners, wear a mouth guard, and focus on your game. Once the game is over remove the mouth guard and pop the aligners back in for a smooth teeth straightening journey.
FAQs
1. How to select a mouth guard?
The right mouth guard must feel comfortable in your mouth and avoid irritating your gums.
2. How do I know if my mouth guard fits right?
If your mouth guard offers a snug fit to your teeth and does not move from its position, it fits you perfectly.
3. Is a thin or thick mouth guard better?
A thicker mouth guard will provide more protection but is less comfortable, whereas a thin mouth guard offers less protection and high comfort.
