Best Football Mouthguards for Braces: A Comprehensive Review (2023)

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As a football player with braces, you know how crucial it is to protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances during high-impact sports.

But with so many mouthguards available on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the best football mouthguards for braces, diving into their features, pros, cons, and more. Let’s kick off by taking a snapshot of the top contenders.

Snapshot of the Best Football Mouthguards for Braces

The wide array of mouthguards available can seem daunting. Therefore, we’ve put together a selection of the top options, tailor-made for athletes with braces:

1. Best Overall: Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard

2. Comfortable and Effective: Under Armour Braces Mouthguard

3. Best Remoldable: SAFEJAWZ Mouthguard for Braces

Best Overall: Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard

Price: $15.24

Check Latest Price For: Shock Doctor

Specifications

• Special Ortho-Channel: Fits around upper & lower teeth brace brackets

• Material: 100% medical-grade silicone

• Helmet Tether: Quick-release helmet tether (strap model)

• Designed for upper teeth protection

• BPA Free: Yes

• Phthalate Free: Yes

• Made in the USA

Pros

• Offers superior protection and comfort

• Specifically designed for athletes with braces

• Available in strapped and strapless versions

• Warranty: $10,000 Dental Warranty

• No fitting required

• Adapts to teeth adjusting

Cons

• Does not come with a case

• May not fit as well as a custom mouthpiece

The Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard is a top choice for athletes with braces, providing excellent protection and instant comfort.

Features

• Made of 100% medical-grade silicone

• Designed to conform to both upper and lower brace brackets, preventing lacerations and ensuring a secure fit

• Ortho-Channel design allows for comfortable breathing

• Available in both strapped and strapless versions

• Does not come with a case, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Rating

• Protection: 5/5

• Comfort (fit comfortably): 4.5/5

• Value: 4/5

The Shock Doctor braces mouthguard meets national and state high school rules requiring full coverage of teeth. It has no latex, BPA or phthalates. The strap offers a quick release feature for a helmet tether.

Comfortable and Effective: Under Armour Braces Mouthguard

Price: $22.00

Check Latest Price For: Under Armour

Specifications

• Brand: Shock Doctor

• Instant Fit

Pros

• Great value

• Great protection

• Not fitting required

• Huge range

Cons

• A little bulky

• May not fit as well as a custom boil and bite mouthpiece

The Shock Doctor Mouthguard is a popular choice among athletes, known for its robust protection and tailored fit. Its unique design features a comfortable gel interior and a tough rubber exterior, providing optimal protection and shock absorption.

The gel inside the mouthguard molds easily to the shape of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. However, some users have reported that the mouthguard can become slightly loose over time and may feel a bit bulky for some.

Rating

• Protection: 4/5

• Comfort: 3.5/5

• Value: 4.5/5

Best Remoldable: SafeJawz Mouthguard for Braces

Price: $24.99

Check Latest Price For: SafeJawz

Specifications

• Brand: SafeJawz

• Color: Ice Blue

• Materials: Gel, Rubber

Pros

• Trademarked Brace Harbour protection

• Perfect Fit Guarantee

Cons

• Needs to be fit properly after boiling

The SafeJawz is a popular choice for those who don't want a strap on their mouthguard. It has an easy fitting process and is re-mouldable. If you don't get the perfect fit first time, you are able to repeat the fitting process multiple times until you're happy.

Rating

• Protection: 4/5

• Comfort: 3.5/5

• Value: 4/5

Essential Accessory: Shock Doctor Mouthguard Case

Price: $9.97

Check Latest Price For: Shock Doctor Case

Specifications

• Color: Trans Blue (other colors available)

• Size: OSFM

• Made in the USA

Pros

• Heavy-duty, ventilated design

• Carabiner attachment system for easy transport

• Holds two mouthguards or one lip guard

Cons

• Doesn’t fit all mouthguard brands

The Shock Doctor Mouthguard Case is a must-have accessory for athletes with braces. This heavy-duty, ventilated case offers the following features:

• Keeps your mouthguard clean and secure, reducing exposure to bacteria and dirt

• Carabiner attachment system allows for easy transport, making it convenient to carry your mouthguard to practices and games

• Can hold two mouthguards or one lip guard, giving you flexibility in your choice of protective gear

However, note that the case may not fit all mouthguard brands, so double-check compatibility before purchasing.

Rating

• Protection: 4/5

• Convenience: 4.5/5

• Value: 4/5

Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Your Braces

In the process of choosing mouth guards for braces, comfort, protection, and compatibility with orthodontic appliances should be key considerations. Look for mouthguards specifically designed for braces, as they provide the necessary protection and adapt to the shape of your orthodontic appliances. Gel-based interiors are recommended for a comfortable and precise fit. Additionally, smooth sides on a mouthguard can prevent discomfort or abrasions to the cheek tissue or gums.

Consult with your dentist or orthodontist for personalized recommendations based on your unique needs. Lastly, consider the level of protection and durability you require, especially if you plan to participate in contact sports regularly. Investing in the best mouthguard can save you from potential injuries and costly orthodontic repairs down the line.

Importance of Mouthguards for Braces in Football

For football players, especially those who wear braces, wearing mouthguards serves as a vital protective shield. They protect the mouth, teeth, jaw, gums, and lips from high-impact collisions and falls that can happen during a game.

Wearing a mouthguard specifically designed for braces can help ensure that your orthodontic appliances are adequately protected during high-impact sports.

The National Federation of State High Schools acknowledges the significance of mouthguards and has enforced mandatory mouthguard regulations, resulting in a decrease of oral injuries to under 1 percent. As a football player with braces, it’s essential to prioritize your oral health and invest in a suitable mouthguard to keep you protected on the field.

Maintaining Your Mouthguard

Maintaining your mouthguard correctly is vital for its cleanliness and durability. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Clean your mouthguard regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste or mild soap and water.

2. Rinse it thoroughly after each use.

3. Store your mouthguard in a clean and ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth and protect it from damage.

Avoid exposing your mouthguard to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as this can cause warping or degradation of the material. Regularly check your mouthguard for signs of wear or damage and replace it as necessary, ideally every six months or after each football season, depending on its quality.

Summary

In conclusion, choosing the right mouthguard for braces is essential for football players looking to protect their teeth and orthodontic appliances during high-impact sports.

Our comprehensive review of the best mouthguards for braces highlights key considerations such as comfort, protection, and compatibility with orthodontic appliances. With proper maintenance and care, you can ensure the longevity of your mouthguard and focus on excelling in your sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear a football mouthguard with braces?

Yes, you can wear a football mouthguard with braces. Special mouthguards are designed to fit over braces and provide more room to protect teeth, gums and braces.

When wearing braces, a mouthguard can help absorb the impact of a blow and protect soft tissues from laceration caused by the braces.

What kind of mouthguard do you wear with braces?

For braces wearers, the best mouthguard is a high quality reheatable model, which may come with a warranty. However, they can be expensive.

How often should I replace my mouthguard for braces?

Replace your mouthguard every six months or after each football season to ensure the best quality.

Are mouthguards for braces mandatory in high school football?

It is mandatory to wear full coverage mouthguards for football players who have braces, according to the National Federation of State High Schools regulations.