Playing Sports with Orthodontic Appliances: What You Need to Know
If you or your child wears braces or aligners and also participates in sports or active hobbies, you might be wondering how to keep everything protected. The good news is—orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to keep you off the field, court, or track. You can absolutely stay active and involved while wearing braces or clear aligners.
However, there are a few extra precautions you’ll need to take to avoid injuries and keep your appliances intact. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to protect your smile, minimize discomfort, and stay on track with treatment while playing sports or doing other physical activities.
Are Braces or Aligners Safe for Sports?
Yes—orthodontic appliances are safe to wear during sports, as long as the right protective gear is used. Whether you play contact sports like football or low‑contact sports like tennis, it’s important to plan ahead.
Without proper protection, a direct hit to the face or mouth can cause:
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Damage to brackets or wires
- Broken or lost aligners
- Delays in treatment progress
The key to safe sports participation is preparation and consistency—especially when it comes to mouthguards.
Why a Mouthguard Is a Must
A properly fitted mouthguard is the single most effective way to prevent oral injuries during sports, especially for athletes with braces.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard:
- Protects brackets and wires from damage
- Reduces the risk of soft tissue injuries
- Prevents teeth from being chipped or knocked out
- Offers added cushion in case of jaw impact
- Helps keep treatment progress on track
There are mouthguards made specifically for orthodontic patients, which are larger and more flexible to accommodate changing tooth positions.
Talk to your orthodontist about the best type of mouthguard for your sport and stage of treatment.
Sports That Pose the Highest Risk
While all physical activity carries some risk, certain sports have a higher chance of contact with the face or mouth. These include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Rugby
- Skateboarding
- Mountain biking
Even non‑contact sports like baseball, soccer, and gymnastics can present unexpected risks, especially during falls or collisions. If you're unsure whether your activity requires a mouthguard, it’s always better to play it safe and wear one.
Caring for Aligners During Sports
If you wear clear aligners, your approach may differ slightly.
- Remove aligners during high‑contact sports. This helps prevent damage to the aligners and reduces the risk of cuts to the inside of the mouth.
- Use a protective case. Always store your aligners in their case while not wearing them—never in a pocket, napkin, or bag.
- Wear a mouthguard. If your activity doesn't allow for aligners, protect your teeth with a mouthguard while they’re out.
- Brush before reinserting. After the game or practice, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Even though aligners are removable, it’s still important to wear them 20–22 hours a day. Just don’t wear them in situations where facial contact is likely.
Tips to Keep Your Orthodontic Appliances in Great Shape
Whether you wear braces or aligners, follow these general tips to keep your treatment on track:
- Wear your mouthguard every time you practice or play.
- Check your braces or aligners after games for any signs of damage.
- Keep wax on hand to smooth out any irritation from brackets or wires.
- Stay hydrated—and rinse your mouth with water after playing.
- Schedule emergency visits if needed. If something feels off, contact your orthodontist right away to avoid delays in treatment.
What If Your Braces Get Damaged During a Game?
Accidents happen—and when they do, the best thing you can do is act quickly.
- If a wire is poking or bracket is loose, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp area.
- If something breaks or falls off completely, save the piece (if possible) and bring it to your orthodontic appointment.
- Contact your orthodontist for guidance and to schedule a repair visit.
The sooner issues are addressed, the better chance you have of staying on schedule with your treatment.
Keep Active Without Compromising Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t get in the way of the sports and activities you love. With the right mouthguard, proper care habits, and a little extra attention, you can keep your smile protected while continuing to compete, train, and stay active.
Stay Safe and Smile On with Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics
At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we help active patients of all ages protect their smiles while getting the orthodontic results they want. Whether you’re an athlete with braces or aligners, our team will help you find the right mouthguard and give you personalized tips for keeping your smile safe during every game, match, or practice.
Schedule a free consultation today to get expert guidance on treatment and sports safety in Ogden!