7 Tips for Protecting Braces During Sports
Are your kids asking, “Can you play sports with braces?”—the answer is yes.
With the right protection and care, kids and teens can keep up their active lifestyles, all without putting their smiles at risk.
Braces don’t have to be a barrier to sports, but they do add a few extra things to think about. Whether they’re on the footy field, basketball court, or just running around at recess, protecting braces is key to avoiding injuries and staying on track with orthodontic treatment.
Here are seven helpful tips to keep your braces safe while you’re playing sports.
1. Always Wear a Mouthguard with Braces
Let’s start with the most important one—mouthguards. If you only do one thing to protect their braces while playing sport, it should be this.
Braces come with brackets and wires that can easily cut the inside of your lips or cheeks if they get hit in the mouth. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, helping to protect your kid’s teeth, gums, and braces.
Braces themselves are a protection against injuries to teeth and their roots. Adding a mouth guard on top of braces is an added protection.
There are specific mouthguards made just for braces. These are softer, slightly larger, and designed to fit over your brackets properly. Check with your Melbourne orthodontist to find the right fit.
2. Choose the Right Type of Mouthguard
There are different types of mouthguards for people with braces:
- Regular sports mouthguards: Cheap and easy to find, but not ideal for braces. They can be too tight and may even damage brackets.
- Sisu Aero Guard: We fit these for you over your braces, and they can be re-adapted and re-fitted while your teeth move under the braces. They are cost-effective, but very difficult to self-fit as a DIY mouthguard.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Available at chemists and sports stores. These can be molded at home, but still aren’t designed specifically for braces. They may not fit well because of the presence of braces, which may void the warranty or your statutory rights, if not used as per the instructions.
- Orthodontic mouthguards: Custom-made by your children’s orthodontist. These offer the best fit and protection and are well worth the investment if you play a contact sport regularly.
3. Make It Fun—Let Kids Choose the Colour or Flavour
Getting kids to wear a mouthguard can be tricky, especially at first. But it helps if they’re involved in the process.
Many mouthguards come in team colours or fun designs. Some are even flavoured—think bubblegum or berry. This can make wearing them a bit more exciting and encourage kids to build the habit.
The more comfortable and personal it feels, the more likely it is to be worn consistently.
4. Keep the Mouthguard Clean and Safe
A mouthguard should be rinsed with warm, soapy water after each use and stored in a clean container when not in use. Avoid tossing it loose in a sports bag where it can pick up dirt or bacteria.
Look for a mouthguard with a strap if your child wears a helmet, or one that comes with a storage case to keep it safe between games and training sessions.
A clean mouthguard = a healthy mouth.
5. Know When to See a Dentist or Orthodontist
Even with protection, accidents happen. So how do you know if it’s serious?
See a dentist or orthodontist if:
- A tooth gets knocked out or pushed out of position.
- A bracket or wire breaks.
- Your child is in pain, or the bleeding doesn’t stop.
In more severe cases, like trauma to the jaw or multiple broken brackets, it may be best to go straight to the emergency room if we are not available.
6. Use Orthodontic Wax for Quick Fixes
If a wire breaks or a bracket comes loose during a game and you can’t get to the orthodontist right away, orthodontic wax can help.
Apply it over any sharp or poking areas to stop irritation and protect your cheeks and gums. Strong nail clippers can also be used (very carefully!) to trim any loose wires causing discomfort.
This is a great short-term fix until you can get things checked out.
7. Consider Your Type of Braces
Some types of braces are easier to manage for athletes. If your child hasn’t started treatment yet, it’s worth chatting with your orthodontist about the best choice for an active lifestyle.
- Invisalign: These clear aligners might be removed during sports, but that increases the risk of injury. Remember, a mouthguard must be used for sport, an Invisalign clear aligner is not a mouthguard.
- Lingual braces: These sit on the back of the teeth, which means they’re less likely to cause injury in contact sports.
- Traditional braces: Totally fine for sports, as long as a mouthguard is used properly.
Each option has pros and cons, so your Melbourne braces orthodontist will help find what suits your needs best.
So, Can You Play Sports with Braces?
Yes! With the right mouthguard, some planning, and a little care, playing sports with braces is completely possible. Your kids don’t have to give up the activities they love while working on their smiles.
If you’re unsure where to start or want to chat more about braces and sports safety, book a visit with Dr Geoffrey Wexler.
Whether just starting treatment or already mid-season, our team is here to help keep that smile safe on and off the field.
