Braces vs. Sports: How to Protect Your Smile Like a Pro
June 9, 2025Braces and Sports—Can They Go Together?
If you’re an athlete or just love playing sports for fun, you might be wondering how braces will affect your game. Will they get in the way? Will they break? Can you still play contact sports safely? Good news: Braces won’t stop you from staying active! Whether you play basketball, soccer, football, or even martial arts, you can still perform at your best—as long as you take the right precautions. This guide will cover how to protect your braces while playing sports, the best mouthguards for orthodontic treatment, and what to do if you have a braces-related injury.Do You Really Need a Mouthguard If You Have Braces?
Short answer: Absolutely. A mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective gear for athletes, and if you have braces, it’s even more critical. Braces add extra surfaces to your teeth, which means a hit to the mouth can cause more damage to your brackets, wires, lips, and gums. Even if you play a sport that isn’t full-contact, accidental collisions can happen. A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, reducing the risk of injuries like:- Broken brackets and bent wires
- Cuts inside your lips and cheeks
- Chipped or knocked-out teeth
- Jaw injuries
What Type of Mouthguard Works Best with Braces?
Not all mouthguards work well with braces. Some can be too tight and restrict tooth movement, while others may not offer enough protection. Here’s what to look for:1. Orthodontic Mouthguards (Best Option)
These mouthguards are specifically designed for people with braces. They are larger than standard mouthguards, providing room for braces while still offering excellent protection. ✔ Designed to fit over brackets and wires✔ Made from high-quality, shock-absorbing material
✔ Comfortable and allows for tooth movement during treatment
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards (Works in a Pinch)
These are molded to fit your teeth using hot water, but they can be tricky with braces because your teeth are constantly shifting. If you go this route, choose a larger size to accommodate braces. ✔ Available at most sporting goods stores✔ Can be remolded as your teeth move
❌ Can be too tight and put pressure on braces
3. Stock Mouthguards (Not Ideal, But Better Than Nothing)
These are pre-made, one-size-fits-all mouthguards. They offer basic protection but can be uncomfortable and bulky. ✔ Ready to use immediately❌ May not fit well over braces
❌ Can make talking and breathing difficult Best choice? If you have braces, an orthodontic mouthguard is the safest, most comfortable option.
What Sports Are Risky for Braces?
Some sports have a higher risk of facial impact than others. If you participate in any of the following, a mouthguard is non-negotiable:High-Contact Sports (Most Risky)
🏈 Football – Tackles, collisions, and helmet-to-helmet contact can be tough on braces.🥊 Martial Arts & Boxing – Direct hits to the face make a mouthguard essential.
🏒 Hockey – Fast-moving pucks and sticks can lead to injuries.
🏀 Basketball – Elbows and accidental contact can damage braces.
Moderate-Contact Sports (Wear a Mouthguard Just in Case)
⚽ Soccer – Headers and accidental collisions happen more than you’d think.⚾ Baseball & Softball – A stray ball can do some serious damage.
🏐 Volleyball – While not a high-contact sport, diving for the ball can lead to face-first landings.
Lower-Risk Sports (Still Be Careful!)
🏃 Track & Field – Generally safe, but falls can happen.🎾 Tennis – Unlikely to cause injury, but a ball to the face is always possible.
🏊 Swimming – No contact, but be careful with flip turns in the pool. No matter what sport you play, it’s always a good idea to protect your teeth and braces with a mouthguard.
What to Do If You Injure Your Braces While Playing Sports
Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If you take a hit to the face and something feels off with your braces, follow these steps: 1️⃣ Check for damage – Look in the mirror to see if any brackets are loose, wires are bent, or teeth feel different.2️⃣ Use orthodontic wax – If a broken wire is poking you, cover it with orthodontic wax until you can see your orthodontist.
3️⃣ Call your orthodontist – Let them know what happened so they can assess the damage and make any needed repairs.
4️⃣ Stick to soft foods – If your mouth feels sore, avoid hard or crunchy foods until your braces are checked. If you have a knocked-out tooth or severe pain, go to an emergency dentist right away.
Can You Play Sports with Invisalign?
If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment in Portland, you might wonder whether it offers the same protection as a mouthguard. Invisalign trays are NOT designed to protect your teeth from impact, so you should always remove them before playing sports and wear a proper mouthguard instead. ✔ Remove Invisalign trays before wearing a mouthguard✔ Store your aligners in their case during games
✔ Put them back in as soon as possible after the game For lower-risk sports, you can leave your Invisalign in, but for high-contact activities, a mouthguard is essential.
Final Takeaway: Protect Your Smile While Staying Active
Braces don’t have to stop you from playing sports—you just need the right protection. Wearing a mouthguard is the easiest way to keep your braces safe, prevent injuries, and continue enjoying your favorite activities without setbacks. If you need an orthodontic mouthguard, braces-friendly tips, or Invisalign treatment options in Portland, Garfinkle Orthodontics is here to help. Book an appointment today and let’s keep your smile safe on and off the field.We're conveniently located in SW Portland, serving Beaverton, the Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and surrounding areas.
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