Participating in sports during orthodontic treatment may appear risky, but it does not mean you have to sit out the entire season. By taking a few helpful precautions, you can continue playing while minimizing potential risks. Protecting your investment empowers achieving better alignment and injury-free play.
Wear a Sports Mouth Guard
A custom-fitted mouthguard minimizing trauma to braces during impact is essential for all athletes in contact sports like basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and football. Bring your orthodontic prescription to an oral protector professional for the most durable, teeth-saving fit. Wear it for both games and practices.
Choose Headgear Carefully
For protective headgear in wrestling, football, ice hockey, baseball, and rock climbing, ensure a design enabling easy breathing by only covering the forehead/scalp areas. If allowed by your league rules, it is advisable to avoid using full-face guards that press directly on braces during intense play. This precaution helps reduce the risk of brackets being dislodged.
If mouth breathing causes dehydration or fogged vision, speak to your orthodontist about temporarily switching to a low-profile option with a removable face shield or cage spots minimizing oral appliance contact.
Modify Diet Strategically
Athletes require consistent fuel and hydration to achieve peak performance. Although orthodontic treatment may impose certain dietary restrictions, strategic meal planning helps athletes maintain proper nutrient intake and calorie balance, avoiding unintended restrictions.
To maintain balanced energy levels while wearing braces, consuming nutrient-dense smoothies, protein-rich scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, and vitamin C-packed oranges is recommended. Meal-prepping by pre-cutting firmer fruits and vegetables helps prevent braces mishaps on game day. Timing water intake is crucial for maintaining hydration without relying on sticky sports drinks.
Staying fueled for sports despite braces just takes planning! We can help identify any nutritional gaps in your routine.
By taking proactive precautions tailored to your sport, braces will not sideline you from safely continuing to play at your best. Contact us to discuss customizing protection for your orthodontic treatment plan.
About | Orthodontist Temecula CA Learn more about orthodontic practice in Temecula, CA, on our website. Info on Dr. Christopher Roncone, board certification, FAQ's & more! Roncone Orthodontics - Dr. Christopher Roncone, 32140 Temecula Pkwy Suite 201, Temecula, CA 92592 / (951) 595-8291 / ronconeortho.com / 9/30/2024 / Associated Words: Orthodontist Temecula CA /
Participating in sports during orthodontic treatment may appear risky, but it does not mean you have to sit out the entire season. By taking a few helpful precautions, you can continue playing while minimizing potential risks. Protecting your investment empowers achieving better alignment and injury-free play.