The practitioners of MMA and boxing are at an increased risk of getting struck in the face due to the nature of the sport.
That could be more problematic if you wear braces. So can you do either sport with braces?
The simple answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider.
What Are Braces?
Braces are devices that are used to correct alignment issues with teeth.
They’re most commonly associated with teenagers, but adults can get them too.
They consist of bands and wires that are used to help straighten the teeth.
Generally, they need to be worn for a few years, with adjustments done periodically.
They also contain metal brackets that are glued to the front of the teeth.
A wire connects the brackets.
The metal and wires can be irritating, especially if they’re not properly adjusted.
They can also make it difficult to eat certain foods.
Will Braces Affect Your Ability To Do MMA Or Boxing?
For the vast majority of people, braces should not affect your ability to do either sport.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you need to be careful when you get hit in the mouth.
There’s a chance that you could damage your braces or, even worse, injure your teeth.
When sparring, you could also get kicked or punched in the mouth, which could dislodge your braces.
Hence, it might be good to keep the sparring light if you don’t have adequate protection.
A Mouthguard Is Essential
A mouthguard will be essential if you want to complete MMA and boxing.
There aren’t any specific rules against wearing braces in MMA and boxing, but your mouthguard is intended to protect you in the event of being hit.
It’s important to wear a mouthguard whenever you participate in either sport.
A mouthguard will help protect your teeth and gums from damage.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your orthodontist before you start doing either sport.
They can give you specific instructions on how to take care of your braces and what to do if you do get hit in the mouth.
In some cases, you may be able to get a custom-made mouthguard that will provide extra protection for your braces.
The custom-made braces will provide extra padding for your braces, so your teeth are less likely to be hurt.
If you wear them correctly and protect yourself during training, you should have no trouble doing either sport with braces.
Conclusion
Overall, it should be fine to do either MMA or boxing if you wear braces.
Keep in mind the possibility of getting hit in the mouth and follow any advice from your orthodontist regarding reducing this risk.
If possible, invest in custom-made mouthguards to provide additional protection for your teeth.
