Your summer smile questions, answered!

Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun! Now that you have braces, it’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. R. Scott Smith and our team wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?

The best way to protect your smile is by wearing a mouthguard. If you do not have braces on, we can take an impression and make you a custom-fit mouthguard in your choice of colors. Dr. Smith does not charge for this valuable service, because he believes that everyone should wear a mouthguard when playing sports, and cost should not stand in the way.

If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do? What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?

If you should receive a sports injury to your smile, call one of our offices. Follow the emergency prompt and you will be connected to Lynn, our practice manager.

3. Are sports drinks bad for my teeth? What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?

Most sports drinks contain sugar. Water is a great alternative. If you do drink sugary sports drinks, do it in moderation, and remember to brush your teeth afterward.

If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?

Wear your Invisalign when you play sports but you should also wear a "brace friendly" mouthguard.

Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

We will give you a "braces friendly" mouthguard to wear over your braces.