Can you still play sports with braces? And what about playing music with braces? Our Southington Orthodontics team has great news for you. Under the expert care of Dr. C at our Southington office, you can continue to enjoy sports and music. Yes, even with braces. Orthodontic treatment should enhance your life, not limit it. Whether you’re aiming for the next goal on the soccer field or hitting the high notes on your trumpet, Southington Orthodontics is here to ensure your smile treatment conforms to your active lifestyle. Let’s look at the different kinds of braces and non-braces treatments we offer. Then, you can work with Dr. C to make the best decision for you and your family.
Braces
Braces are a powerful tool in your path toward a perfect smile. They give you a durable and effective solution for correcting dental issues. Whether you’re dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, or misalignments, braces provide a method to bank on for achieving straight teeth and a healthy bite. They do improve the appearance of your smile. But that’s not all they do. Braces also contribute to better oral health, making cleaning easier and reducing the risk of decay. At Southington Orthodontics, Dr. C and our team use the latest advancements in braces technology to keep your treatment as comfortable and smooth as we can.
Clear Braces
Clear braces combine the success rate of traditional metal braces with a conveniently transparent appearance. Clear (or “ceramic”) braces are made from ceramic materials that mesh with the natural color of your teeth. They’re less noticeable, so no one will even know you’re wearing them. They work just as well as metal braces (some patients even say “better”) in aligning your teeth and rectifying your bite. Are you a parent looking for a less obvious treatment for your teen athlete or musician? Dr. C suggests clear braces as an excellent alternative to traditional braces.
Clear Aligners
In orthodontics, clear aligners have revolutionized how people in Southington think about straightening teeth. Offering a virtually invisible treatment option, clear aligners allow you to work on your perfect smile without the world knowing. They’re removable, making eating, brushing, and flossing a breeze, which helps maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment. Yes, you read correctly. Clear aligners can be taken out! At Southington Orthodontics, Dr. C embraces this technology to provide customized treatment plans for your lifestyle and needs.
The Role of Mouthguards in Sports
What if you and Dr. C decide that aligners aren’t for you? What should you do if you need braces but are playing sports or a musical instrument? No problem! At Southington Orthodontics, Dr. C recommends using a mouthguard to protect your smile. Let’s break down the types of mouthguards to keep you safe on the field or court.
Standard mouthguards can be purchased at any sports store. They’re ready to go right off the shelf, and no prep work is necessary! They might not hug your braces perfectly, but they’re a good start for sudden game invites.
A Google search might tell you about boil-and-bite mouthguards or customized mouthguards. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are boiled in hot water. When they cool, you bite into them to make a cast of your teeth. The mouthguard takes the shape of your bite. Customized mouthguards are just what they sound like—a guard tailored to your specific bite. Dr. C and our team advise you not to invest in these.
Instead, we recommend you wear loose-fitting mouthguards. Why? They help allow your teeth to move during your treatment.
Mouthguards are your best defense against bumps and knocks in sports. Wearing one will keep your smile a hundred times safer. Dr. C and our team at Southington Orthodontics are here to help you pick the right one!
Playing Musical Instruments with Braces
Are you worried that braces might dampen your musical talents? Don’t be! Dr. C and our team are experts at helping musicians like you keep the music flowing, even with braces. Playing with braces is possible whether you’re a wind instrument virtuoso or a brass band star.
Adjusting braces might take a little time, especially if you play wind or brass instruments. But with a few tips and tricks, you’ll return to making beautiful music in no time. First, we recommend using orthodontic wax on your braces. Orthodontic wax can help prevent discomfort against your lips. It acts like a smooth barrier, letting you play without skipping a beat.
But we must stress extra patience for brass players as you get used to the feel of your mouthpiece against your braces. And for those blowing into woodwinds, finding the right angle that feels comfortable might be your ticket to harmonious play.
Play On With Southington Orthodontics
They say practice makes perfect. That’s true on the court, field, stage, or concert hall. Fortunately, the show (or game) will continue with braces or clear aligners from Southington Orthodontics! Visit us here to schedule your free consultation with Dr. C in our amazing Southington office.
