Joint,
I have to admit, they don't teach us about this specific issue in school—and I'm in my fifth year of dental school. We cover "classic" mouthguards, sure, but nothing regarding protection specifically for orthodontic patients. Your question actually prompted me to dig through some literature and search online, but I couldn't find a single professional article or expert advice on the topic, which was honestly surprising. On the other hand, I did find info suggesting that orthodontists abroad handle custom guards for their patients without any trouble; so, your orthodontist isn't right about this.
Of course, that approach is expensive because you have to remove the braces and take a precise impression of the jaw to create a high-quality, fully custom guard. That’s why manufacturers offer guards specifically designed for braces at much lower price points.
I'll list two examples that caught my eye as potentially better options amidst a sea of plastic junk. I can't find any reliable verification of their quality, so I can't recommend them with total certainty—you'll have to use your own judgment:
1. http://www.shockdoctor.com/product/d...outhguard.aspx
In my opinion, these kinds of prefabricated models are the worst. They simply won't fit every jaw or every type of orthodontic appliance. I assume their retention is non-existent and they provide the lowest level of protection.
2.
http://www.oc-j.com/mar06/mouthguard.htmThese seem higher quality to me. They work on the "boil and bite" principle (hot water, soften, then mouth) and adapt somewhat to your situation if you shape them correctly. This requires fitting them properly over the teeth before biting down to ensure there's enough material and even pressure. Don't bite down like a maniac, or you'll make them too thin. That rule applies to standard "boil and bite" guards as well.
I called a colleague who has been in orthodontics for 20 years. She mentioned she has plenty of young patients involved in Tae Kwon Do, basketball, and football who wear braces and mouthguards. They usually pick them up at a place like Dick's Sporting Goods; I'll get the exact store name and address tomorrow and let you know.
Supposedly, they're very satisfied with them. I suspect they might be similar to the ones in the second link because they are "remoldable." This means once you feel they aren't fitting quite right anymore, you can just heat them up and reshape them in your mouth. You can't do that with standard "boil and bite" guards meant for regular teeth.
Finally, start practicing nasal breathing. 🙂
Avoid direct hits as much as possible and warn your partners, regardless of whether you're wearing a guard. Your teeth are constantly shifting due to the braces, which means they are somewhat more vulnerable, and it's not ideal to subject them to extra trauma. Plus, braces can easily pop off while you're eating, let alone from a hit... and getting them glued back on isn't cheap. 😉
Best!