Whether you’re a student athlete or an active adult, participating in sports is a great way to stay fit, build confidence, and have fun. But if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering: Can I still play sports with braces? The answer is yes, with a little extra planning and protection.
DiMarzio Orthodontics helps patients from Quincy, Braintree, and Milton, and part of our service is making sure athletes of all ages stay safe and smile confidently.
Yes, You Can Play Sports with Braces
Many of our patients are active in school sports, clubs, and local leagues in and around Quincy. But braces do add some vulnerability to your mouth, especially in contact or high-impact sports. That’s why taking proper precautions is key.
Why Braces Need Protection During Sports
Braces have brackets and wires that can cause injury to your lips, cheeks, or gums if you take a hit to the face from a person or an object. A sudden impact can also damage your braces, potentially prolonging your treatment and requiring emergency care.
Common sports that may require extra caution include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
Even non-contact sports like baseball, skateboarding, or mountain biking can pose risks due to accidental falls or collisions.
Mouthguards Are a Must
To protect your smile and your investment in orthodontic care, wearing a mouthguard is vital. Mouthguards act as a cushion upon impact, reducing the risk of injuries to your teeth and braces. But they are not one-size-fits-all, and the type you choose matters a lot to your oral health.
- Store-bought mouthguards are readily available and inexpensive, but they’re often bulky, uncomfortable, and may not fit well over braces. We usually warn patients to be wary of this variety.
- Custom mouthguards from DiMarzio Orthodontics are molded to fit your smile exactly, even with braces. They offer superior protection, better comfort, and usually won’t fall out or cause gagging.
Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard:
- Specifically designed to fit over braces
- Comfortable enough to wear for an entire game or practice
- Offers better protection from trauma and impact
- Reduces the chance of soft tissue injuries
- Less likely to affect breathing or speaking
We strongly recommend custom mouthguards for patients who are playing sports with braces in Quincy, Braintree, or Milton.
Tips for Student Athletes with Braces
For our office’s student athletes balancing school, sports, and braces, a few extra steps can keep smiles safe:
- Always wear your mouthguard during practice and games; accidents happen when you least expect them, so make sure to wear it.
- Carry a braces care kit with orthodontic wax, floss threaders, and an extra mouthguard.
- Stay hydrated to keep your mouth fresh and braces clean.
- Avoid hard or sticky post-game snacks like popcorn or chewing gum, which can also cause damage.
- Check your braces closely after you’ve been active for bent wires or loose brackets, using a mirror or with help from another set of eyes.
Remember, it’s better to take 30 seconds to insert your mouthguard than deal with weeks of delayed treatment due to an injury.
Adult Athletes: You’re Not Off the Hook!
Adults in our community are just as active as teens—whether it’s tennis, running, boxing, or CrossFit. If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and lead an active lifestyle, don’t overlook this manner of protection.
Invisalign clear aligners offer some built-in protection during non-contact sports, but for activities where there’s a risk of facial impact, a custom mouthguard is still recommended.
Talk to Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak about your activity level so they can provide the right guidance for your smile and sport.
What If You Get Hit in the Mouth?
Even with precautions, accidents can happen, especially in a sports environment. If you experience trauma to your mouth while playing sports:
- Check for loose brackets or broken wires
- Apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation
- Call our Quincy office right away so we can assess the damage and get you back on track. If it’s a minor accident or a true orthodontic emergency, time is of the essence to prevent mild issues from becoming bigger ones.
Play Smart, Smile Wide
Playing sports with braces or other orthodontic treatment is all about being smart and preparing properly. With a custom mouthguard, wise habits, and regular checkups at DiMarzio Orthodontics, you can protect your smile while leading a bold and active lifestyle.
Book your free consultation today at our Quincy office and learn more about how we help athletes of all ages keep their orthodontic treatment on track!