Many kids, teens, and adults who begin orthodontic treatment share the same concern: Can I still play sports with braces?
The good news is that braces should never stop you from staying active or participating in the sports you love. Whether you play basketball, soccer, football, baseball, or martial arts, orthodontic treatment does not mean you have to sit on the sidelines.
However, wearing braces does mean that you need to take extra steps to protect your teeth, lips, and orthodontic appliances while playing.
Sports involve movement, speed, and sometimes contact. Without proper protection, a hit to the face could damage braces, cause cuts inside the mouth, or even injure teeth.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to stay safe while continuing to compete and perform at your best.
We’ll explain how braces affect sports, what risks athletes should be aware of, and how the right protective gear can help you stay in the game.
Can You Play Sports with Braces?
Yes, you can absolutely play sports while wearing braces. Orthodontists encourage patients to remain active because physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
Thousands of athletes at the youth, high school, college, and professional levels compete while wearing braces.
However, there are a few precautions athletes should take to protect both their smile and their orthodontic appliances.
Why Braces Require Extra Protection During Sports
Braces include brackets, wires, and other components attached to your teeth to gradually move them into proper alignment.
During sports, a blow to the mouth can cause these components to press against the inside of the lips or cheeks.
This can lead to:
- Cuts or irritation inside the mouth
- Broken brackets or wires
- Damage to teeth
- Orthodontic treatment delays
Because of these risks, orthodontists strongly recommend wearing a sports mouthguard during athletic activities.
The Importance of Wearing a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is one of the most important protective tools for athletes with braces.
It acts as a cushion that absorbs impact and protects both the teeth and orthodontic appliances.
Mouthguards help reduce the risk of:
- Broken brackets
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tooth fractures
- Jaw injuries
Even sports that are not traditionally considered contact sports can involve accidental collisions or falls, which makes mouth protection important.
Types of Mouthguards for Athletes with Braces
There are several types of mouthguards available, but athletes with braces should choose one specifically designed for orthodontic use.
Orthodontic Mouthguards
These mouthguards are specially designed to fit comfortably over braces while allowing room for teeth to move during treatment.
They are made from flexible materials that protect both the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These mouthguards are softened in hot water and molded to the teeth for a semi-custom fit.
While they can work for some athletes, they may need to be replaced more often during orthodontic treatment as teeth shift.
Custom Mouthguards
Some orthodontic offices provide custom mouthguards designed specifically for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment.
These offer the highest level of comfort and protection.
Sports with the Highest Risk of Mouth Injuries
Some sports involve more contact and therefore carry a higher risk of dental injury.
Athletes with braces should be especially careful when participating in:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Martial arts
- Wrestling
- Skateboarding
- Mountain biking
However, mouthguards are recommended for almost all sports activities because accidents can happen unexpectedly.
What Happens If Your Braces Get Hit?
Even with protection, accidents sometimes happen.
If your braces experience impact during sports, you may notice:
- A loose bracket
- A bent wire
- Discomfort in the mouth
- Small cuts on the lips or cheeks
If this occurs, it’s important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to evaluate the damage and prevent treatment delays.
Tips for Athletes Wearing Braces
Staying safe while playing sports with braces is simple when you follow a few key guidelines.
Always Wear a Mouthguard
This is the single most important step you can take to protect your teeth and braces.
Carry Orthodontic Wax
If a bracket becomes irritating during practice or a game, orthodontic wax can create a smooth barrier and prevent cuts.
Bring a Braces Emergency Kit
A small kit can include wax, floss, and a small mirror for quick adjustments if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration helps keep your mouth comfortable and reduces irritation during intense physical activity.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Keeping up with orthodontic appointments and wearing elastics as prescribed ensures your treatment stays on schedule.
Can Invisalign Be Better for Athletes?
For some athletes, Invisalign can provide additional convenience during sports.
Because Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and are removable, they can be taken out during certain athletic activities if recommended by your orthodontist.
However, a mouthguard should still be worn to protect the teeth.
Many athletes prefer Invisalign because:
- There are no brackets or wires
- The aligners are smooth and comfortable
- They can be removed briefly if needed
Your orthodontist can help determine whether braces or Invisalign is the better option for your lifestyle and activities.
Orthodontic Treatment Should Never Stop Your Lifestyle
One of the biggest misconceptions about braces is that they limit what you can do. In reality, orthodontic treatment is designed to fit into your daily life.
With the right precautions, athletes can continue training, competing, and performing at high levels while improving their smile.
Many athletes actually become more disciplined about dental care during orthodontic treatment, which helps build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
How we can help
At My LA Braces, we provide expert orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults throughout Montebello and East Los Angeles. As the highest ranked orthodontic office in East Los Angeles, our team is committed to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles while maintaining their active lifestyles.
We offer advanced orthodontic treatments including braces and Invisalign, with personalized treatment plans designed to fit each patient’s needs and activities.
If you or your child plays sports and is considering orthodontic treatment, our team can help guide you through the best options and provide recommendations for protecting your smile during athletic activities.
Schedule a consultation with My LA Braces today and learn how orthodontic treatment can work seamlessly with your lifestyle while helping you achieve the smile you deserve.