Safeguard Your Smile During Sports, Sleep, and More
Starting orthodontic treatment is a big step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile—but protecting that investment is just as important as the treatment itself. Whether you’re wearing braces, clear aligners, or retainers, one simple tool can make a big difference: the mouthguard.
At Hansen Orthodontics, we believe in protecting your smile at every stage. For our patients in Wichita, Hutchinson, Goddard, and surrounding areas, Dr. Hansen often recommends mouthguards to prevent damage during sports, sleep, or unexpected accidents. Here’s what you need to know about how mouthguards play a critical role in preserving your orthodontic results.
Why Mouthguards Matter During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic appliances—like braces, wires, and aligners—are effective tools for straightening teeth. But they’re also vulnerable to damage. A mouthguard acts as a protective barrier between your teeth and any external impact, helping to:
- Prevent injury to teeth, lips, and cheeks
- Protect brackets and wires from breaking
- Avoid delays in treatment caused by emergency repairs
- Maintain alignment after treatment is complete
Whether you’re an athlete or someone who grinds their teeth at night, a mouthguard can save you time, discomfort, and costly repairs.
Types of Mouthguards and When to Use Them
1. Sports Mouthguards
When to Use: During contact or high-impact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, or hockey.
Why They’re Important:
- Sports are a leading cause of dental injuries among teens and children.
- A blow to the face while wearing braces can damage teeth, soft tissue, and orthodontic hardware.
- A properly fitted sports mouthguard cushions impact and reduces the risk of injury.
At Hansen Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic-specific sports mouthguards that fit comfortably over braces without interfering with treatment.
2. Nightguards for Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
When to Use: If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping—especially during or after orthodontic treatment.
Why They’re Important:
- Grinding can put excessive pressure on your teeth, brackets, or aligners.
- It can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, or even cracked teeth.
- After treatment, grinding can shift teeth out of alignment and affect your results.
- A custom nightguard can protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances while improving comfort and sleep quality.
3. Retainer-Friendly Mouthguards
When to Use: After orthodontic treatment is complete—especially if you’ve been fitted with a permanent or removable retainer.
Why They’re Important:
- Retainers help maintain your results, but they’re not made to absorb impact.
- A mouthguard worn over a retainer helps protect both your smile and your orthodontic appliance.
- It ensures your teeth stay in position without damage from clenching or contact.
Can You Wear a Mouthguard with Braces or Invisalign?
Yes, and you should.
Dr. Hansen provides specialized mouthguards for patients in active orthodontic treatment, whether you’re wearing braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. These mouthguards are:
- Roomier to accommodate brackets and wires
- Flexible to adjust with ongoing tooth movement
- Durable enough to absorb high-impact blows without shifting appliances
For Invisalign users, aligners should typically be removed during sports. A custom-fit mouthguard can be worn instead to protect the teeth while leaving room for your aligners after the game.
Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard from Your Orthodontist
While store-bought mouthguards are available, they aren’t ideal for orthodontic patients. A custom mouthguard from Hansen Orthodontics offers:
- Superior fit and comfort
- Proper coverage of appliances and teeth
- Longer-lasting protection
- Better performance in high-impact situations
Dr. Hansen will take digital impressions of your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits precisely—providing the best protection for your investment.
Don’t Let One Hit Set You Back—Protect Your Smile
Whether you’re on the field, grinding at night, or adjusting to a new retainer, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the best tools to protect your orthodontic progress.
At Hansen Orthodontics, we’re committed to keeping your smile safe during and after treatment. From braces and Invisalign to retainers and beyond, Dr. Hansen offers guidance and custom protection to support long-lasting results.