Buying Guide for the Best Wrestling Mouthguard For Braces
Choosing the right wrestling mouthguard when you have braces is crucial for both your safety and dental health. A good mouthguard will protect your teeth, braces, and gums from injury during intense matches while also fitting comfortably. Since braces add complexity, your selection should focus on fit, comfort, adjustability, and protection level. Understanding the key specifications will help you confidently pick a mouthguard that keeps you safe and lets you focus on your wrestling performance.Compatibility with BracesThis spec indicates whether the mouthguard is designed to work with orthodontic braces. Not all mouthguards can be safely used with braces because traditional designs can interfere with orthodontic work and potentially damage it. Mouthguards for braces are usually made from a softer, more flexible material and have extra room to accommodate brackets and wires. If you wear braces, always look for a mouthguard that specifically says it’s for braces, as it will provide a better fit and better protection for both your teeth and your orthodontic hardware.
Fit Type (Boil-and-Bite vs. Instant Fit)Fit type refers to how the mouthguard molds to your teeth and braces. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be softened in hot water and then shaped to your mouth, but they may not be ideal with braces since dental structures change as the braces work. Instant fit or ready-to-wear mouthguards are pre-shaped and designed to fit over braces without any molding required. For people with braces, instant fit options are generally better because they can adapt as your teeth and braces change over time, whereas boil-and-bite models can become uncomfortable or unfit as your alignment changes.
Material and ThicknessThe material and thickness of the mouthguard determine how much protection it offers and how comfortable it will be to wear during physical activity. Thicker mouthguards generally provide more shock absorption, but they might be bulkier and less comfortable, especially with braces. Softer, medical-grade silicone offers flexibility and comfort around brackets and wires, while still providing good protection. You’ll want to look for a balance—something thick enough to protect, but soft and flexible enough to fit comfortably over your braces during wrestling.
BreathabilityBreathability relates to how easy it is to breathe and talk while wearing the mouthguard. Wrestling is an intense sport, and you need to catch your breath quickly between moves. Some mouthguards have built-in breathing channels to help you breathe more easily. For braces wearers, pay extra attention to this feature, as a chunkier guard can make breathing and speaking difficult. Choose a mouthguard that doesn’t take up too much room and offers adequate airflow, especially if you’re involved in long or intense matches.
Adjustability and Re-moldabilityOrthodontic mouthguards may need to be adjusted over time, as your braces adjust your teeth. Some mouthguards can be remolded several times, which is helpful as your bite changes. Others have a flexible fit that adapts without remolding. If your orthodontic treatment is progressing quickly, an adjustable or re-moldable mouthguard can provide a more customized fit throughout your treatment, reducing discomfort and keeping your teeth protected as they move.