Playing Sports with Braces: What You Need to Know
How to Stay Safe, Protect Your Smile, and Keep Playing the Sports You Love!
For kids, teens, and even adults in orthodontic treatment, sports are an important part of everyday life. With the right precautions, you can continue participating in the activities you love while keeping your teeth, braces, and smile protected.
At Little Smiles of Port Washington, families often ask whether braces make sports more dangerous or if athletes need to stop playing during treatment. The good news is that braces and sports can absolutely coexist.
The Connection Between Sports and Oral Injuries
Athletic activities are one of the leading causes of dental injuries among children and teens. A collision, fall, flying ball, or accidental elbow can result in chipped teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks, or damage to orthodontic appliances.
When braces are involved, protection becomes even more important. Brackets and wires can cause additional irritation or injury inside the mouth if an impact occurs. Fortunately, a properly fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce these risks.
"We want our patients to stay active and enjoy all the benefits that come with sports participation," says Dr. Melissa Kornhaber of Little Smiles of Port Washington. "The key is making sure their teeth and orthodontic appliances are protected. A quality mouthguard can make a tremendous difference in preventing injuries and helping treatment stay on track."
Why Mouthguards Matter for Athletes with Braces
A mouthguard acts as a cushion between the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth. During an impact, it helps absorb and distribute force, reducing the chances of:
Broken or chipped teeth
Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and gums
Damaged brackets and wires
Orthodontic treatment delays
Jaw injuries
Many organized sports already recommend or require mouthguard use, particularly for contact sports such as football, hockey, wrestling, and lacrosse. However, mouthguards can also be beneficial during activities that may not seem high-risk, including basketball, baseball, softball, skateboarding, and gymnastics
Choosing the Right Mouthguard While Wearing Braces
Not all mouthguards are created equal, especially for orthodontic patients.
Because teeth are actively moving throughout treatment, traditional custom-fitted mouthguards are generally not appropriate while braces are in place. A custom appliance that fits perfectly today may no longer fit properly as teeth shift into their new positions.
Instead, orthodontic patients should use braces-friendly mouthguards specifically designed to accommodate moving teeth and brackets. These mouthguards are made with additional space to protect both the braces and the athlete.
Features to look for include:
Orthodontic-specific design
Comfortable fit
Adequate shock absorption
Ability to breathe and speak comfortably
Durability for frequent athletic use
A dental or orthodontic team can help families select the best option based on the child's sport and treatment stage.
Questions & Answers: Sports and Braces
Q: Can I play sports while wearing braces?
Absolutely. Most patients can participate in any sport they choose while undergoing orthodontic treatment. The most important consideration is wearing appropriate protective gear, particularly a mouthguard.
Q: Do I need a mouthguard for every sport?
While mouthguards are essential for contact and high-impact sports, they are a smart choice for nearly any athletic activity where falls, collisions, or flying equipment could occur.
Q: What happens if I get hit in the mouth during a game?
If an injury occurs, inspect your mouth carefully. Look for broken brackets, bent wires, cuts, swelling, or loose teeth. Contact your orthodontist or dentist as soon as possible if anything appears damaged.
Q: Will a mouthguard interfere with my braces treatment?
No. Braces-friendly mouthguards are designed specifically to protect your orthodontic appliances while allowing teeth to continue moving throughout treatment.
Q: Can Little Smiles of Port Washington make a custom mouthguard?
Yes, we can create custom sports mouthguards once active orthodontic treatment has been completed and teeth have finished moving into their final positions.
During orthodontic treatment, we recommend braces-friendly mouthguards designed to accommodate tooth movement and orthodontic appliances. Once treatment is complete, a custom-fitted mouthguard offers superior comfort, protection, and performance for athletes who continue participating in sports.
What to Do if Your Braces Are Damaged During Sports
Even with proper protection, accidents can happen. If you experience an impact:
Stay calm and check for bleeding.
Examine brackets, wires, and teeth carefully.
Use orthodontic wax if a wire is irritating your cheek or lip.
Save any loose bracket if possible.
Call your orthodontist to determine whether a repair appointment is needed.
Prompt attention can often prevent more significant issues and help keep treatment progressing on schedule.
The Long-Term Benefits of Protecting Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health and confidence. Taking a few simple precautions during sports can help prevent setbacks, emergency visits, and unnecessary discomfort.
Mouthguards don't just protect braces. They protect the healthy teeth and beautiful smile you're working hard to achieve. For athletes, that protection is well worth the effort.
Key Takeaway
You can safely play sports while wearing braces. The most important step is wearing a braces-friendly mouthguard to protect your teeth, lips, and orthodontic appliances during activity. Once active orthodontic treatment is complete, Little Smiles of Port Washington can create a custom-fitted sports mouthguard for optimal comfort and protection.
Have Questions About Sports Safety During Orthodontic Treatment?
The team at Little Smiles of Port Washington is happy to help families navigate orthodontic care while staying active in sports and extracurricular activities. Whether you need guidance on selecting a braces-friendly mouthguard or are interested in a custom sports mouthguard after treatment is complete, we're here to help protect every smile both on and off the field.
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