Braces and cycling?

[jem]

Three questions:

1. Have you ever got flies caught in your braces whilst cycling (yuck)? It has not happened to me yet but it is probably only a matter of time!

2. If you wear invisalign or have clear retainers, how do you cope with consuming energy drinks whilst riding if you are supposed to avoid consuming sugary drinks whilst wearing invisalign/clear retainers?

3. If Mark Cavendish could ride that fast with braces, why can't I?

Jem

[amyhenna]

I was just biking last night, getting bugs in my eyes and on my face, wondering how my braces looked!

I agree, I figure it's just a matter of time.

[Kipepeo]

Jem, I ride mountain bikes, so I don't really go fast enough to worry about bugs like you're talking about. But I do run into bugs in the woods!! I've never gotten them caught in my braces, but I have swallowed them!

I use a Camelbak for hydration, and I only put water in it. I get electrolytes from tablets or chewables on the ride.

However, once again, you bring up an excellent point. With braces it hurts to bite on the bite valve on my Camelbak, especially after an adjustment. What am I going to do when in retainers? I'll have the tray type, top and bottom. I'm curious if anyone who reads this has used a Camelbak type hydration pack with tray retainers. Maybe (hopefully) it's a non issue.

[OldBikerBag]

My ortho told me I'll only have to wear retainers at night. That would make the beverage question moot. Of course, you could get sugar free drinks like Powerade Zero. I prefer them anyway.

As far as bugs...I ride motorcycles. Always just considered it extra protein. I haven't had to pick them out of my braces. I guess I just ride with my mouth shut.

If you're riding bicycles, you can train yourself to exercise with nasal breathing. I remember when I was in training (not for bicycles) I had to fill my mouth with water, run a mile and then spit the water out to show my trainer I hadn't swallowed it...and to show I was training via nasal breathing.