Will Wearing Braces Affect Your Favorite Activities?

Dental patients get braces to straighten their teeth when one or more of them are out of alignment. Dental professionals provide braces according to how severe the alignment problem is. Some braces may work better for some patients than others. For example, if the teeth are very crooked, the patient will generally need metal or ceramic braces to correct their alignment. With less-severe cases, patients could get clear aligners to push the teeth back into proper alignment. When wearing braces, there are some limitations for the patients that may include their favorite activities.

1. You Can Get Removable Braces

Dental patients could get alternatives to traditional braces and avoid the restrictions. Invisalign is braces that are clear and conform to the teeth as they are forced into their proper position. Patients can remove the braces whenever they need to. This could include eating, brushing their teeth, or participating in their favorite activities. Traditional braces are installed permanently for up to two years, and the Invisalign braces are worn according to the patient’s progress. Patients can learn more about the braces by setting up an Invisalign consultation now.

2. Mouthguards Are Great For Sports

Dental professionals prescribe mouthguards for patients that participate in sports. The mouthguard will protect the teeth and the braces and decrease the risk of accidents. It will cushion the teeth and stop direct contact from breaking the braces or displacing them. The mouthguards are fitted over the patient’s teeth and conform to the teeth with the braces on them. Dental professionals will examine the patient’s progress and provide a new mouthguard after the teeth have moved.

Dental professionals recommend mouthguards for all patients who are participating in any contact sports or any sport that could lead to facial injuries. The mouthguard can decrease the risk of tooth loss and deep cuts caused by the metal or ceramic braces.

3. You’ll Have to Wait Before Playing Wind Instruments

If the patient gets traditional braces, they must wait until their mouths adjust before playing any wind instruments. Dental professionals may recommend waiting up to six weeks for the mouth to adjust to the braces, and the patient can return to playing wind instruments in the band or for recreation. The position of the mouth when playing the wind instruments could present serious issues as the patient is getting used to the traditional braces and the pressure they apply.

4. There Are Some Food Restrictions

Patients cannot consume sugary snacks or chew gum while wearing braces. While wearing traditional braces that are installed permanently, the patient must avoid any sugary snacks as they increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The sugar could find its way underneath the brackets and allow decay to form on the tooth enamel.

Patients are not allowed to chew gum when wearing the metal or ceramic braces since it will stick to the brackets and wires. This could present them with a messy situation, and they may have to visit their dental professional to remove the chewing gum.

Dental patients need braces to force their teeth back into proper alignment and improve their smiles. By straightening their teeth, the patients could gain more self-confidence and feel better about themselves. They can also speak and chew more effectively. For some patients, the process gives them better job opportunities and more options when it comes to meeting new people. When choosing braces, patients must consider their lifestyle, as braces can prevent them from participating in some activities.

When you’re ready to get your braces but do not know where to start, you can search for a phrase like “dentist near me kiln creek” and it should give you some directions.