If you’re someone who enjoys regular exercise and dedicates time each day to it, you understand the indescribable pleasure and energy that comes from physical activity—a joy that brings health, enhancing both your body and spirit.
Exercise can be done at any age, whether it’s a simple daily walk or a more intense workout. However, sometimes individuals need orthodontic treatment to correct misalignments in their teeth or jaw, which often involves wearing orthodontic appliances for an extended period. Naturally, these appliances require careful maintenance to achieve the best results.
But what if you’re someone who loves to exercise and can’t give it up during your orthodontic treatment? How can you manage both, and does orthodontic treatment mean you need to take a break from your fitness routine?
This question becomes even more important considering the significant costs and time involved in orthodontic treatment. A lack of caution could jeopardize the progress you’ve made after investing time and money into the treatment.
In the past, people undergoing orthodontic treatment were often discouraged from engaging in any sports activities for an extended period. However, with advances in technology and the development of various types of orthodontic treatments, it’s now possible to combine orthodontics and exercise. For certain types of removable orthodontic appliances, you can simply remove them while exercising and put them back in afterward.
That said, it’s important to avoid sports that could cause direct injury to the face, jaw, or teeth, as orthodontic appliances are delicate. Engaging in sports that don’t risk damage to these appliances is advised.
Good News:
In recent years, in addition to removable orthodontic options, mouthguards have been introduced as a solution for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Mouthguards:
Mouthguards are protective devices that fit inside the mouth to prevent sudden impacts from injuring the teeth, lips, tongue, and soft tissues like the cheeks. Below are the types of mouthguards available and how they work:
- Ready-Made Mouthguards: These are the most basic and widely available types of mouthguards, sold in three sizes at pharmacies. However, they offer the least protection and are not customized for your teeth.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: This type is customizable to the size of your teeth. You can buy them at a pharmacy and shape them at home. To do this, place the mouthguard in boiling water for 30 seconds to one minute, remove it, allow it to cool until it’s safe to handle, then place it in your mouth and bite down firmly for 30 seconds. Finally, rinse it under cold water to set the shape. If you’re not comfortable with the fit, you can repeat the process until you achieve the desired shape.
- Custom-Fit Mouthguards: These are the most effective and comfortable type, designed specifically for each individual in orthodontic clinics. Custom-fit mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort, though they may need to be replaced during the course of treatment as the alignment of your teeth changes. Several impressions might be taken throughout your treatment to ensure the guard fits perfectly.
By using a proper mouthguard and selecting the right activities, you can enjoy both your orthodontic treatment and the benefits of regular exercise without compromise.