Getting braces can have many effects on your life from the foods you can eat to your oral hygiene routine, but many patients also wonder if braces will interfere with activities such as sports. Our Langley orthodontists are here with the answers.
What To Expect From Life With Braces
People often stay away from braces because they are concerned about the impact they will have on their daily life. Thankfully, the fear is often worse than the reality. Thanks to advancements in orthodontic treatment, wearing braces everyday is easier than ever, and they don’t have the negative impact on daily living that you may have heard of in the past.
You may experience slight changes such as having to avoid foods that will damage your braces, nad you have to be careful not to damage the wires but our orthodontic team will help you prepare so you can make the transition as seamless as possible.
Can I Play Sports With Braces?
Many athletes and their dedicated parents are concerned about whether or not they will be able to play their favourite sport while they undergo orthodontic treatment.
The good news is, you can play any sport you want during your orthodontic treatment. However, you need to take certain precautions to keep your braces (and mouth!) safe.
Tip: Wear a mouthguard
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is common in many sports, and it's the same for athletes with and without braces.
We recommend that all patients who plan on playing sports while wearing braces consider investing in an orthodontic mouthguard custom-made by their orthodontist. Regular mouthguards provide some protection and are better than nothing, but they can’t keep up with your teeth’ movement because they’re rigidly molded. Regular mouthguards molded out of thermoplastic can end up working against your braces. This may interrupt the straightening process.
Can I play instruments with braces?
Those who play woodwind instruments may have to adjust their bite and their breath to play more comfortably once they start orthodontic treatment. Brass players may have added difficulty when it comes to playing their instrument comfortably. Due to your lips being pressed together with a mouthpiece, it may take some time and practice to get used to playing with braces.
Instruments with larger mouthpieces, like a tuba or baritone, may be easier to play with braces because they require less mouth pressure. Instruments like flutes or trumpets have a smaller mouthpiece which may be more challenging when playing with braces. Smaller mouthpieces require more mouth pressure and may need more adjustment.
Tip: Use orthodontic wax
Our orthodontists in Langley will provide orthodontic wax to apply to your braces. This helps to smooth the edges where your braces press against the lips. This will keep your braces and wires from irritating the inside of your mouth while you’re playing your instrument.
Tip: Consider alternative orthodontic treatments
Invisalign clear aligners can be a viable solution for those who need orthodontic treatment but don't like the look or feel of traditional braces. They are removable so there will be no interference while you play your instrument.
Keep in mind that successful Invisalign treatment requires them to be worn for 22 hour a day so plan accordingly.