You’re sprinting down the field, the sun beating down, and the crowd cheering in the distance. Everything slows down for just a second—the ball flying toward you, your teammates shouting, your heart pounding in your chest. Then, out of nowhere, it happens. In a blink, the celebration turns to panic as you feel an impact against your face & braces. Your lips sting, and you can’t help but wonder, “Did something break? Will this set my treatment back?”
Goings Orthodontics knows how easily moments like these can happen. That’s why we created this guide on how to protect your braces while playing sports. Taking these simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping your smile safe while you stay active.
The Anatomy of Braces
Before we break down why it’s important to protect your braces when you play sports, it helps to know about how braces work and what they’re made of. Metal braces and clear braces may look simple, but they involve several small components that work together to guide your teeth into place.
- Brackets: These small, square pieces are bonded to the front of each tooth.
- Archwire: This thin metal wire connects all the brackets and applies gentle pressure to shift your teeth.
- Bands: Some braces use bands around molars for extra support.
- Ligatures: These tiny rubber bands hold the wire in place on the brackets.
At Goings Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on offering Fort Collins and Windsor families top-of-the-line braces for an efficient, comfortable experience and stellar results.
Why Is It Important To Protect Braces During Sports?
It might seem like no matter what happens, your braces will be fine or, at the very least, not going anywhere, since they’re bonded to the teeth. So, it might feel like you don’t need to protect them. But you do!
When you, your child, or your teen play sports, there’s always a chance of accidental bumps, falls, or hits to the face. For anyone with braces, these accidents can be more than just uncomfortable; they can cause serious damage to your orthodontic appliances and your mouth.
- Brackets and wires aren’t designed to withstand direct impact. A hard hit can knock brackets loose, bend wires, or cause the entire appliance to shift.
- The risks don’t stop at your braces, either. Without protection, braces can cause cuts, sores, or deep injuries to the inside of your mouth if you take a hit during a game.
- Your teeth might get damaged, too. Due to the bone remodeling process that aids in teeth movement during orthodontic treatment, your teeth are not as firmly supported as they normally are. This means they are more vulnerable to injuries like chips, fractures, and even tooth loss
In the best-case scenario, you’ll just need an extra visit or two with Windsor orthodontist Dr. Goings for repairs. In the worst-case scenario, it can extend your treatment time significantly. Preventing these kinds of injuries helps keep your orthodontic treatment on track while also protecting your comfort and confidence on and off the field.
How To Protect Braces During Sports
Fortunately, the possibility of most or all of the above issues occurring can be significantly reduced or prevented entirely with the right precautions, such as wearing protective face gear, even if it’s not mandated by your or your child’s league or position (e.g., a pitcher’s mask, a batting helmet with a cage, hockey helmets with a shield, etc.).
Another way to protect your smile is with a mouthguard, which is your smile’s MVP—Most Valuable Protector. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing impact and protecting your teeth, braces, and gums. These can and should be worn with or without facial protective gear, especially if you have braces. They’re not just for high-contact sports, either. Dr. Goings advises that all low and no-contact sports participants of all ages should also wear mouthguards to protect their smiles!
Here are a few key tips for the best mouthguard experience:
- Always Wear It: Don’t skip it, even for casual games or practice sessions.
- Choose the Right Fit: A mouthguard should fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth and braces.
- Clean It Regularly: Rinse your mouthguard after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Replace When Needed: If your mouthguard becomes worn or damaged, replace it immediately.
For What Sports Do We Suggest A Mouthguard?
You might be surprised how many activities require protection. We suggest wearing a mouthguard for any sport where there’s a risk of contact, collisions, or falls.
The American Dental Association suggests that people who play these common sports should wear a mouthguard:
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Combat Sports
- Rugby
- Football
- Soccer
- Handball
- Water polo
- Hockey (Ice and Field)
- Wrestling
- Acrobatics
- Skateboarding
- Baseball
- Skiing
- Bicycling
- Skydiving
- Equestrian Events
- Softball
- Field Events
- Squash
- Gymnastics
- Surfing
- Inline Skating
- Volleyball
- Racquetball
- Weightlifting
- Shot-Putting
Tip: If you’re having trouble getting your child or teen to wear their mouthguard, remind them that even Olympic champions wear them while competing!
What Mouthguard Works Best With Braces?
Not all mouthguards are the same, and finding the right one is important for athletes with braces. The wrong mouthguard can feel uncomfortable, fall out, or fail to offer enough protection.
Here are the main types to consider:
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are heated in water, then shaped to fit your teeth. They’re affordable and offer a better fit than basic options, but may not last as long.
- Custom Mouthguards: Made specifically for your mouth by a dental professional, these offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. They’re ideal for anyone with metal braces or clear braces.
- Orthodontic-Specific Mouthguards: Some mouthguards are designed to fit over braces specifically, offering space for brackets and wires while still protecting your teeth.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, ask your Goings Orthodontics team for recommendations. We can help you select a mouthguard that’s compatible with your treatment.
Stay In The Game. Protect Your Smile.
Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying your favorite sports. Taking a little time to protect your braces means you can fully focus on what matters: playing hard, staying safe, and enjoying every moment out on the field, while still transforming your smile.
Fort Collins orthodontist Dr. Goings and everyone on the Goings Orthodontics crew are always here to answer your questions and make your treatment as comfortable, safe, and fun as possible. Contact us today or click here to schedule a free consultation in Fort Collins or Windsor now!
