If you or your child play sports and wear braces, you might be wondering how to keep that smile safe while staying active. Contact sports and orthodontic treatment can go hand in hand, but taking the right precautions is essential to avoid injury or damage to your braces.
At Sprayberry Orthodontics in Auburn, AL, we want to ensure that athletes of all ages can confidently play their favorite sports without compromising their orthodontic treatment. Read on to learn how to protect your braces and keep your smile in top shape on the field, court, or mat!
Can You Play Sports with Braces?
Absolutely! Having braces doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite sports. However, contact sports and activities with a high risk of impact require extra care. A direct hit to the mouth can cause injuries to your lips, cheeks, and gums, or even damage your braces.
With the right protective gear and some simple precautions, you can continue playing safely while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.
Common Risks for Athletes with Braces
Sports-related injuries can happen at any time, and for athletes with braces, the risks are slightly higher. Here are some common issues that can arise if you don’t take the necessary precautions:
- Cuts and Sores: Brackets and wires can cut the inside of your lips or cheeks if you get hit in the mouth.
- Broken Brackets: A strong impact can break a bracket off your teeth, requiring an emergency orthodontic visit.
- Bent Wires: A hit to the face can bend your archwires, which may affect how your teeth are moving.
- Tooth Damage: Without proper protection, an impact could cause chipped or knocked-out teeth.
- Delayed Treatment: If your braces get damaged, it could extend the length of your orthodontic treatment.
The Importance of Mouthguards for Athletes with Braces
One of the best ways to protect your braces and teeth while playing sports is by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing the impact from hits and reducing the risk of injury.
Types of Mouthguards for Braces
- Orthodontic Mouthguards – Specifically designed for people with braces, these mouthguards are made from high-quality materials that offer a secure fit while allowing space for brackets and wires.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – These can be molded to your teeth for a more customized fit, but they may not provide as much flexibility for your changing teeth during treatment.
- Stock Mouthguards – A one-size-fits-all option that provides basic protection but may not be as comfortable or secure as other options.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards – Made by your orthodontist for the best fit and protection, ensuring maximum comfort and safety.
For athletes with braces, an orthodontic mouthguard or a custom-fitted mouthguard is the best choice. These options provide extra room to accommodate brackets and wires while offering excellent protection.
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?
Some sports pose a higher risk of dental injuries than others. If you participate in any of the following activities, wearing a mouthguard is strongly recommended:
- Contact Sports: Football, hockey, boxing, wrestling, rugby, lacrosse
- Ball and Stick Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, softball
- Extreme Sports: Skateboarding, mountain biking, martial arts
- Gymnastics & Cheerleading: Even sports without direct contact can lead to falls or accidents that could damage your braces.
No matter the sport, if there’s a risk of contact or falls, wearing a mouthguard is a smart choice to protect your braces and teeth.
Additional Tips to Protect Your Braces While Playing Sports
Aside from wearing a mouthguard, there are other steps you can take to ensure your braces and teeth stay protected:
1. Wear a Helmet
For sports like football, hockey, and baseball, wearing a helmet with a faceguard adds an extra layer of protection. Helmets can absorb impact and help prevent injuries to your face and mouth.
2. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods Before a Game
Eating hard or sticky foods before playing sports can weaken brackets and wires, making them more prone to damage if you get hit.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dry mouth and irritation caused by friction between braces and the inside of your mouth.
4. Carry Orthodontic Wax
If you experience irritation from your brackets or wires while playing, orthodontic wax can provide relief by covering sharp edges.
5. Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency
If your braces get damaged during a game, don’t panic! Follow these steps:
- Broken bracket? Cover it with orthodontic wax and schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.
- Poking wire? Try gently pushing it back with a clean cotton swab or eraser, and use wax to cover sharp edges.
- Severe injury? If a tooth is knocked out or there is serious bleeding, seek emergency dental care immediately.
Why Choose Sprayberry Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Needs?
At Sprayberry Orthodontics in Auburn, AL, we understand that young athletes want to continue playing sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment. That’s why we offer custom-fitted mouthguards and expert advice to help you stay active and protect your braces.
When you choose Sprayberry Orthodontics, you get:
- Personalized orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults
- State-of-the-art technology for comfortable, effective treatment
- Experienced orthodontists who prioritize your oral health and safety
- Custom mouthguards designed specifically for athletes with braces
Protect Your Smile – Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you or your child play sports and wear braces, don’t take risks with your smile. Schedule an appointment at Sprayberry Orthodontics in Auburn, AL, to get fitted for a custom mouthguard and receive expert guidance on keeping your teeth safe while playing sports.
