Book Appointment
Braces are a valuable investment in your (or your child’s) long-term dental health and smile. But if you’re active in sports, wearing braces adds a new layer of concern: How do you protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances while playing?
The good news is, you don’t have to choose between a straight smile and staying on the field. With the right precautions — particularly using a sports mouthguard — you can play safely and confidently.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top safety tips for athletes with braces, types of mouthguards available, and how to protect both your teeth and your orthodontic gear.
🏈 Why Sports Safety Matters When You Wear Braces
Whether you’re playing contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball, or non-contact sports like soccer or skateboarding, there’s always a risk of impact to your face.
For athletes wearing braces, the risks are even higher:
- Lacerations to cheeks, lips, and gums
- Broken brackets or wires
- Tooth injuries or misalignment
- Delays in orthodontic progress
A blow to the mouth without protection can result in painful injuries, costly repairs, and longer treatment time. That’s why a mouthguard isn’t just a recommendation — it’s a necessity.
🛡️ Safety Tips for Playing Sports With Braces
1. Always Wear a Mouthguard
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is the most effective way to protect your mouth while playing sports. It cushions impact, distributes force, and prevents direct contact between braces and soft tissues.
Even in sports that don’t require contact (like tennis or gymnastics), accidental collisions can happen — so it’s wise to wear a mouthguard for all athletic activities.
2. Use an Orthodontic-Specific Mouthguard
Standard mouthguards aren’t always designed to accommodate braces. Choose a mouthguard that’s made specifically for orthodontic wearers — more on this below.
3. Replace Damaged Mouthguards Promptly
Mouthguards can wear down, tear, or become deformed. A damaged mouthguard won’t offer full protection and may even be uncomfortable to wear. Replace it as soon as it shows signs of damage or outgrows your orthodontic changes.
4. Keep Braces Clean and Intact
After sports practice or games, rinse your mouth and clean your braces. Check for any broken brackets or wires. If something feels off, contact your orthodontist immediately to avoid setbacks in treatment.
5. Store the Mouthguard Properly
Keep your mouthguard in a ventilated case when not in use to avoid bacterial buildup. Clean it regularly with cold water and mild soap — never with hot water, as it can warp the material.
🦷 Types of Mouthguards for Braces
There are three main types of mouthguards — each with its pros and cons. Here’s what to know when choosing the right one for braces:
1. Stock Mouthguards (Ready-to-Wear)
- Pre-formed and sold at sporting goods stores
- Inexpensive but least protective and least comfortable
- Often too tight or loose over braces
- Not recommended for braces wearers
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
- Soft plastic that’s molded after boiling
- Better fit than stock options
- Affordable and widely available
- May not always adapt well to braces — ask your orthodontist before using
Some boil-and-bite brands now offer braces-compatible versions, which are larger and designed to accommodate orthodontic changes.
3. Custom Orthodontic Mouthguards
- Made by your dentist or orthodontist using a mold of your teeth and braces
- Best fit, comfort, and protection
- Can be adjusted as teeth move during treatment
- More expensive, but worth it for serious athletes
If you or your child play sports regularly or at a competitive level, custom mouthguards are the safest choice.
🧒 Is It Safe for Kids to Play Sports With Braces?
Absolutely! In fact, many children and teens get braces at the same time they’re active in school or community sports.
The key is:
- Wearing a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard
- Avoiding rough play during practice
- Reporting any discomfort, bracket damage, or tooth pain to your orthodontist quickly
Many schools and sports leagues now require or strongly encourage mouthguard use, especially for kids with braces.
🗣️ What Happens If You Get Hit With Braces?
If you take a hit while wearing braces and experience:
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Broken or loose wires
- Tooth pain or swelling
- A loose bracket or band
… contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. Immediate care can prevent infection, minimize discomfort, and avoid major disruptions to your treatment.
✅ Final Thoughts
Playing sports with braces doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. With the right safety measures, especially wearing an orthodontic mouthguard, you can stay protected and focused on the game — not your teeth.
Mouthguards don’t just protect your smile — they protect your investment in orthodontic treatment and help you avoid emergency dental visits.
📞 Call to Action
Got braces and love playing sports? Ask your orthodontist about a custom mouthguard today to keep your treatment on track and your smile safe!