Playing Sports With Braces

Getting braces doesn’t mean sitting out the season. Kids, teens, and adults with braces or aligners play soccer, surf, run, and compete in just about every sport imaginable. What changes is how you protect your mouth. Brackets and wires add hard surfaces that can cut the lips and cheeks during an impact, and a single collision can loosen an appliance. This guide covers how to stay protected, which mouthguards to consider, and what to do if a hit happens.

Why Protection Matters More During Treatment

Fixed braces can make an injury more complicated. A blow to the mouth may loosen brackets, bend the wire, or shift teeth in ways that set treatment back. Teeth that stick out well past the lower teeth can also be more exposed during falls and collisions, a pattern described in our guide to common bite problems.

Even so, many athletes skip protection. Only about 35% of orthodontic patients are reported to routinely wear a mouthguard during sports, according to research archived by the National Library of Medicine. Closing that gap is one of the simplest ways to protect a smile during treatment.

Mouthguards Are Recommended With Braces

The American Association of Orthodontists strongly recommends wearing a mouthguard with braces to help protect against dental injuries. A well-fitted guard covers the braces and cushions the lips and cheeks, reducing the chance of cuts and appliance damage. Wearing a guard at every practice, not just games, helps it feel natural sooner and makes mouthguards for athletes an easy habit to build.

Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards generally fall into three groups, and each has tradeoffs for patients in treatment.

Stock guards. Ready to wear and inexpensive, but they often fit loosely and can be uncomfortable over braces.
Boil-and-bite guards. Softened in hot water and shaped at home. Some are designed for braces, though molding them too tightly around brackets can make them hard to remove.
Custom guards. Made from a mold or scan of your mouth for a closer fit. The AAO notes that having your orthodontist take the mold is recommended for the most protective fit during treatment.

Because teeth move during treatment, a guard that fits well today may not fit a few months from now. Bring your mouthguard to appointments so the team can check it, and replace it when it no longer fits comfortably or after a growth spurt.

Contact and Non-Contact Sports

Football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and martial arts all carry a clear risk of contact to the face. Mouthguards are a smart choice for these sports at both practices and games. Non-contact activities like skateboarding, gymnastics, cycling, surfing, and volleyball still involve falls, stray balls, and equipment, so it’s worth asking your orthodontist whether a guard makes sense for your activity as well.

For younger players, sports safety for kids with braces also means packing wax, a spare guard, and a case in the sports bag so small problems don’t end the game early.

Playing Sports With Clear Aligners

Aligners cover the teeth, but they aren’t designed to absorb impact. Many athletes remove them for games and wear a separate mouthguard, then put the aligners back in right after. Since aligners only work when they’re worn, keep time out of the mouth as short as possible and store them in their case, not in a pocket or gym bag. Our guide to braces or clear aligners explains how each option fits an active lifestyle.

Musicians and Other Activities

Braces can take some getting used to for students who play wind or brass instruments. Soft wax over the front brackets can make practice more comfortable in the early weeks, and most players adjust over time. Talk with your orthodontist and music teacher if discomfort continues.

What to Do After a Hit to the Mouth

If a hit causes heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, a possible broken jaw, or a knocked-out permanent tooth, seek emergency care right away. For smaller injuries, rinse gently, check for loose teeth or bent wires, cover sharp spots with orthodontic wax, and call the office. Contact your general dentist as well, since X-rays may be needed to check the teeth. Our guide to orthodontic emergencies walks through each situation. Many families only start thinking about sports injuries and mouthguards after an accident, so planning ahead pays off.

Stay in the Game

Dr. John Redmond is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and has served the San Clemente community for years through roles with the San Clemente Educational Foundation, including as past president and current treasurer. His office treats children, teens, and adults, including families searching for a San Juan Capistrano orthodontist. To talk through treatment that fits your sport and schedule, request an appointment for a complimentary consultation.

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Patient Reviews

    
 
 
         
   Stella M 
 
 
 
  John Redmond Orthodontics is such a wonderful place. The staff is always so kind and helpful, they are flexible with scheduling, the services are top notch. The best!
  
 
        
   Whitney L 
 
 
 
  This office is the best!! Everyone is always so friendly and helpful. Dr. John has made both my kids smiles perfect!
  
 
        
   Katelyn C 
 
 
 
  I currently have three kids going through braces here!  The staff is so friendly and helpful, especially with changes in insurance. They are mindful of each patient…who is fearful, etc and talk them through each new phase. We have been so happy here!
  
 
        
   Stacy F 
 
 
 
  Dr. Redmond and all of his staff have been amazing. We have been going here for years as he treated all three of our kids! Highly recommend.
  
 
        
   Austin 
 
 
 
  Going to rate 5 stars since John and the back-of-house staff are excellent; kind, professional, and skilled. Unfortunately, the front desk are not quite up to par. When I called about retainer removal, I was told about a fee that wasn’t accurate/true, and when I asked for clarity, I was met with dismissive responses like “we can talk about it when you get here,” despite the fact I live over an hour away. On arrival, I wasn’t greeted and was instead cut off with “you’re checked in” before I could speak. The hostility from the receptionists was obvious and unprofessional, which overshadows the otherwise great clinical team.
  
 
        
   Ella I 
 
 
 
  I came to Dr. Redmond a little over half way through my 4- year braces journey. As soon as I stepped through the doors, He and his team welcomed me in with excellence and enthusiasm. I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible amount of detail and dedication Dr. Redmond puts into ensuring each of his patients leave his doors looking and feeling confident with their smile. Not only is Dr. Redmond is a master at his craft, he is an incredibly likable and down to earth person. His exemplary attitude, work ethic, and leadership are reflected in each one of the wonderful dental assistant/staff. The office is pristine, with every single detail you can think of taken care of! From upbeat music to refreshments upon walk in, John Redmond Orthodontics is the best of the best! The staff is organized, professional, and absolutely the kindest people ever! A big thank you to each of them for providing such thoughtful and thorough care. After finishing my treatment, I can surely say I have never been more confident in my smile!
  
 
        
   Shellee C 
 
 
 
  Dr John is an excellent communicator. He gave me a clear understanding of my options and allowed me to make my decision. I’m so happy with the results. The progress has been wonderful and the staff is extra friendly! Happy that I’m a customer! 😀
  
 
        
   Jack F 
 
 
 
  Great orthodontist. friendly and helpful staff. very clean and quick service. cannot recommend them enough!
  
 
        
   Landan Y 
 
 
 
  Dr. John and his team are the best staff. He fixed my and my siblings teeth and made us all very happy with our smiles. I recommended John Redmonds Orthodontics to anyone who wants to feel confident in their smiles!