Getting braces does not mean giving up the field, the court, or the mat. Plenty of kids, teens, and adults stay active throughout orthodontic treatment. The key is protecting the teeth, the soft tissues of the mouth, and the appliance itself.
This guide covers mouthguard options, how risk differs between sports, and what to do if you take a hit to the mouth while wearing braces.
Why Protection Matters More With Braces
A blow to the face can damage brackets and wires, and those same brackets can cut the lips and cheeks on impact. A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces, according to the American Dental Association’s guide to choosing a mouthguard. It cushions the blow and creates a barrier between the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth.
Protecting your appliance also protects your timeline. A broken bracket or bent wire may need a repair visit, and teeth may not move as planned until it is fixed.
Contact and Non-Contact Sports
Collision and contact sports carry a higher risk for the mouth. Football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, wrestling, baseball, softball, and martial arts all involve balls, sticks, elbows, or falls that can reach the face.
Non-contact activities are not risk-free, though. The ADA notes that athletes in activities such as gymnastics and skating can also have dental injuries. Cheerleading, cycling, skateboarding, and volleyball can involve falls or unexpected contact too. If there is a reasonable chance of a fall or a blow to the face, a mouthguard is worth discussing with your orthodontist.
Types of Mouthguards
Stock Mouthguards
Stock guards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive and easy to find, but they often fit poorly, can feel bulky, and may make breathing and talking harder. Some are designed with extra room for braces.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are softened in hot water and then shaped by biting down. They may fit better than stock guards. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and ask your orthodontist before molding one around braces, since the fit needs to protect the brackets without gripping them.
Custom Mouthguards
A custom guard is made from a model of your teeth. The AAO notes that a laboratory-made guard from your orthodontist can offer better comfort, coverage, and durability than store-bought options. Because teeth move during treatment, your orthodontist can advise you on how the guard should be designed and when it may need to be replaced.
Which Teeth to Cover
Most mouthguards cover only the upper teeth. If you have braces on your lower teeth as well, your orthodontist may suggest protection for the lower teeth too.
Aligners, Retainers, and Lingual Braces
- Clear aligners. Ask your orthodontist whether to wear a mouthguard in place of your trays during games and practices, and how to make up for the time the aligners are out. Our clear aligner treatment page explains how aligners fit into an active schedule.
- Removable retainers. The ADA advises against wearing a retainer or other removable appliance during contact sports. Store it in its case and put it back in afterward. Our guide to retainers after treatment covers how to keep them safe.
- Lingual braces. Because they sit behind the teeth, lingual braces are sometimes chosen by athletes in contact sports. You can learn more about braces behind the teeth at our office. A mouthguard is still recommended.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A mouthguard only helps if it is clean and in good shape. The ADA recommends
- rinsing it before and after each use
- cleaning it regularly in cool, soapy water
- storing it in a sturdy, vented case
- keeping it out of the sun and away from hot water
- replacing it if it is worn, damaged, or no longer fits
Children and teens may need replacements more often because their mouths are still growing.
What to Do After a Hit to the Mouth
Even with good protection, injuries can happen. Here is how to respond.
- Check for serious injury first. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a suspected broken jaw, as advised in the AAO’s guide to orthodontic emergencies. Watch for signs of a head injury as well.
- Look for a knocked-out or loose tooth. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist and get to a dentist right away. The ADA’s dental emergency steps explain how to handle the tooth.
- Rinse and apply cold. Rinse gently with water, and use a cold compress on the outside of the face to help with swelling.
- Check the braces. Look for loose brackets, bent or broken wires, and cuts on the lips or cheeks. Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax.
- Call our office. Even if nothing looks broken, let us know about any hit to the mouth so we can check your teeth and appliance.
Our guide to orthodontic emergency tips explains how to handle broken appliances in more detail.
Everyday Tips for Athletes
- Keep your mouthguard in your sports bag so it is always with you.
- Pack orthodontic wax and a small mirror for tournaments and away games.
- Stay hydrated with water rather than sports drinks when possible, especially with braces.
- Let coaches know you wear braces in case of an injury.
Our life with braces page shares more tips for staying active during treatment.
Get Ready for the Season
If you or your child plays sports, bring it up at your next visit so we can talk through mouthguard options. Families looking for a Birmingham orthodontist can visit our Homewood-area office, and new patients receive a complimentary first visit. Call (659) 734-1740 or contact our office to schedule.