SISU is a great mouth guard for braces! The SISU mouthguard for braces is thin and you can remold it as your teeth are shifting, but before you run for the bowl of hot water, we want to walk you through how to fit a mouthguard with braces. Please make sure to read through the rules below to help you with your fitting and avoid damaging your brackets:
1. USE THE RIGHT SIZE
All athletes wearing braces ages 7 and up must use the Aero Medium, Aero Large, or Max. (You cannot use Aero Small with braces)
2. CONSIDER A MOUTHGUARD FOR YOUR BOTTOM TEETH
SISU Mouthguards can be fitted to the top or bottom teeth. If you have braces, we recommend that you buy an additional guard to fit on your bottom teeth to prevent your lips from getting cut on the brackets. *NFHS wrestling rules require a top and bottom mouthguard for braces
3. YOU MUST USE A BARRIER BETWEEN THE BRACKETS AND THE GUARD
When fitting SISU with braces, you need to cover the brackets with dental wax or aluminum foil. SISU is a custom fit mouthguard that fits perfectly to your teeth. Without a barrier over the brackets, the SISU will create a vacuum tight seal around the brackets and be hard to get off. The good news is that you only need to use the barrier during the fitting process. Once fitted, you can wear the guard right over the braces.
4. YOU SHOULD WORK WITH YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL
Braces are an investment in time and money, so you want to do it right. During critical times when your teeth are undergoing rigorous adjustments, your orthodontist may recommend an alternative solution, so not to hinder the progress of your treatment. Work with your dental professional to help you fit, and re-fit, your SISU when you come in for your adjustments.
5. AS YOUR TEETH SHIFT, YOU SHOULD REFIT THE GUARD
As your teeth shift during the orthodontic treatment, the mouthguard should be adjusted to fit your new shape. The guard is remoldable for up to 20 times, so you can continue using it, as your teeth shift and move. Simply bring it with you for each adjustment and it can be re-fitted right in the office with a bit of hot water (and the barrier). No impressions required!
6. HOW DO I REMOVE A GUARD THAT IS STUCK TO MY BRACES?
Please follow these steps to safely remove the guard.
Gather the following tools: A cup of very hot water, cotton swabs, cotton balls, cotton gauze, a pair of tweezers, and a washcloth.
Take care to protect the mouth to prevent burns due to hot water exposure! Use the washcloth or cotton gauze to absorb excess hot water when applying the soaked material to the guard.
Begin by using the tweezers to apply hot water-saturated cotton swabs or cotton balls to the guard area surrounding the brackets, to soften the guard.
As the guard softens, use the tweezers to slowly and gently, pull the guard away from the brackets. Focus on smaller areas, progressing until the guard can safely be removed. (Reheat the water as necessary to maintain the temperature needed to soften the guard.)