Game on! March Madness is almost here, and the competition is heating up. Who’s got your support this season — Georgia Bulldogs, South Carolina Gamecocks, Duke Blue Devils or another favorite?
Whether you’re hitting the court for a school tournament, a pickup game with friends, or just perfecting your shot in the driveway, one thing’s for sure—basketball is intense, and so is the risk of dental injuries.
A split-second impact could do more than just knock you out of the game; it could damage your teeth, gums, or braces. The good news? You can play hard and stay protected with the right mouthguard.
Here’s everything you need to know about mouthguards, Invisalign and braces from your team at Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics!
Expert Orthodontic Care for Your Family
We help athletes of all ages and sports to protect their smiles, while achieving a perfect bite. With two locations in Georgia, we have an orthodontic office near you in Augusta, GA or Grovetown, GA!
Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Andrews, specializes in providing personalized orthodontics, and providing the guidance you need for a safe and efficient smile transformation. Dr. Andrews is recognized for his Invisalign experience, as a Blue Diamond Invisalign provider – the highest distinction achievable!
If you’re looking for affordable Invisalign or braces near you, or have any questions about treatment, we’re here to help! Book a complimentary consultation to get all the answers you need to start your journey to a confident smile.
Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about protecting your teeth during March Madness and beyond.
Why Mouthguards Matter
What do mouthguards do?
A sports mouth guard is a protective device worn over your teeth to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
In contact sports, it’s no secret that accidental collisions, falls, balls and stray elbows can cause serious damage to the person on the receiving end of that impact. Your mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, distributing the force of the impact to reduce the risk of chipped teeth, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw injury.
They also provide a protective barrier that can reduce the likelihood of concussions by stabilizing the jaw and minimizing the force of impact. For athletes, this small but significant investment can be the difference between playing a full season and sitting on the sidelines with an injury!
What is a mouthguard used for?
Mouthguards help prevent:
- Chipped or broken teeth – Direct impact can lead to painful fractures.
- Knocked-out teeth – A common injury in contact sports.
- Cuts to lips, cheeks, and tongue – Braces and wires can increase the risk of soft tissue injuries.
- Jaw fractures – A severe impact can damage the jawbone.
- Concussions – While mouthguards don’t fully prevent concussions, they help absorb impact forces that could contribute to head injuries.
Beyond these immediate injuries, long-term dental complications can also arise from failing to wear a mouthguard. Without protection, repeated trauma to the teeth and gums can lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss over time. A properly fitted mouthguard ensures that your teeth remain intact and healthy throughout your athletic career.
Did you know…
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries — yikes!
Choosing the Right Mouthguard with Braces & Invisalign
Not all mouthguards for athletes are the same! There are specific types of mouthguards that are ideal to wear during orthodontic treatment to ensure that your transformation stays on track.
Specialized braces mouthguard have a few key features designed for people with braces:
- They’re made from medical-grade silicone to fit comfortably over brackets
- They’re flexible enough to allow tooth movement
- They absorb shock to protect both your braces and your teeth
Braces mouthguards are specially designed to accommodate orthodontic adjustments, ensuring that they continue to fit as your teeth shift.
We advise you not to use a boil-and-bite mouthguard during orthodontic treatment. Biting into the mold can damage your brackets or wires, and these can work against the tooth movement we’re achieving with your treatment.
Recommended mouthguards for braces:
What about mouthguard with Invisalign?
Should you wear a mouthguard over Invisalign? If your mouthguard fits over your Invisalign trays, you can wear both while you play. If you have a custom-fitted mouthguard, you’ll want to take your aligners out during practice or games, then pop them right back in when you’re done playing!
Recommended mouthguards for Invisalign
- Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard – Designed for use with braces and Invisalign.
- SISU Aero Mouthguard – Thin, breathable, and allows easy communication on the field.
- Venum Challenger Mouthguard – Provides strong impact resistance with a comfortable fit.
Do Mouthguards Prevent Concussions?
Mouthguards do not completely prevent concussions, but they can help reduce the severity of an impact. By absorbing some of the shock from a collision, a properly fitted sports mouth guard can minimize the force transferred to the skull and brain.
Mouthguards help stabilize the jaw, preventing sudden movements that could contribute to head trauma; however, they should always be used in combination with other protective equipment, like helmets, for maximum safety!
Expert Tips for Protecting Your Smile During Sports
- Always wear a properly fitted mouthguard to prevent dental injuries.
- Keep your mouthguard clean by rinsing it after every use and storing it in a protective case. You can use a non-whitening, non-abrasive toothpaste, or mild antibacterial soap to clean your mouthguard. You can also soak them in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes maximum.
- Stay hydrated to maintain saliva production, which helps protect teeth from bacteria.
- Regularly check your braces or Invisalign for damage and visit your orthodontist if you notice any issues.
Stay in the game — protect your smile!
March Madness is all about fast breaks, big shots, and unforgettable moments—but don’t let a dental injury take you out of the action. A properly fitted mouthguard is your best defense against costly and painful damage.
At Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics, we’re here to help you protect your smile while achieving your best results with braces or Invisalign.
Need guidance on choosing the right mouthguard? Have questions about your orthodontic treatment? Our team is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Book a complimentary consultation at one of our orthodontic offices near you in Augusta, GA or Grovetown, GA!