A sports mouth guard helps cushion the teeth and surrounding tissues during athletic activity. A well-fitting guard is especially important for athletes wearing braces, where an impact can affect the lips, cheeks, brackets, wires, and teeth. COCO Smiles Orthodontics provides custom sports mouth guards for children, teens, and adults in Coconut Grove and surrounding Miami communities.
Dr. Sibel Eljach considers your teeth, bite, appliance, sport, and stage of growth or treatment when recommending a guard. No mouth guard can prevent every injury, but a properly selected and maintained appliance is an important part of athletic preparation.
Mouth Guards for Athletes With Braces
Teeth continue moving throughout orthodontic treatment, so a guard used with braces needs space for brackets and planned movement. The appliance should not lock tightly around brackets or interfere with the wire. Dr. Eljach can check the fit as treatment progresses and tell you when replacement is appropriate.
Bring your guard to orthodontic visits if it feels different, becomes damaged, or no longer seats comfortably. Never trim or heat an orthodontic guard unless the team specifically instructs you to do so.
Custom Fit and Care
The process begins with an evaluation and digital scan or impression when appropriate. Once the guard is ready, the team checks its fit and reviews insertion, removal, cleaning, and storage. Rinse after use, clean it as directed, allow it to dry, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat and pets.
When to Replace a Guard
Growing athletes and patients in active orthodontic treatment may outgrow a guard. Replace it if it becomes loose, uncomfortably tight, torn, distorted, or unable to cover the intended areas. If a dental injury occurs, seek appropriate dental or emergency care even if a mouth guard was being worn.
Families considering early care can also learn more about orthodontic evaluations for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a custom sports mouth guard?
A custom guard is made from a scan or impression of your teeth, allowing the fit and coverage to be planned for your mouth. Dr. Eljach can also account for orthodontic appliances and expected tooth movement.
Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, but it must allow room for brackets and ongoing movement. Do not use a rigid guard that was made before braces without asking the orthodontic team to evaluate it.
How often should a sports mouth guard be replaced?
Replacement depends on growth, tooth movement, wear, damage, and fit. Children and orthodontic patients may need more frequent checks because their mouths are changing.
What should I do if the guard feels tight or damaged?
Stop using a guard that no longer fits properly, has sharp edges, or interferes with your appliance. Contact the office so the team can evaluate whether adjustment or replacement is needed.
Explore our orthodontic services, meet Dr. Sibel Eljach and the COCO Smiles team, or review orthodontic financing and payment options.
Protect Your Smile During the Season
Request an evaluation for a custom sports mouth guard in Coconut Grove.
Request a Mouth Guard Visit