A common question we hear from patients and parents is about sports participation after getting braces. The thought of a soccer ball to the face or an errant elbow on the basketball court can be worrying when you have new orthodontic hardware. We understand the concern completely. You want to continue pursuing your passions and staying active, while also protecting your investment in a healthier, straighter smile.
The great news is that you absolutely can continue playing sports with braces. Thousands of athletes, from school teams to the professional leagues, safely compete while undergoing orthodontic treatment. The key isn't avoiding activity; it's about taking the proper precautions. With a bit of preparation and the right protective gear, you can keep your focus on the game without worrying about your orthodontic appliances. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to stay safe on the field, court, or rink.
Protecting Your Mouth During Sports
The most significant risk when playing sports with braces isn't necessarily to the braces themselves, but to the soft tissues of your mouth. The brackets and wires that make up your metal braces create a rougher surface than your smooth teeth. A direct impact to the face could press your lips and cheeks against this hardware, leading to painful cuts, lacerations, or scrapes. While these injuries are usually not severe, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes cause bleeding.
Protecting your smile is about creating a barrier between your braces and your mouth. A good protective mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of an impact, shielding your lips, cheeks, and gums. This single piece of equipment is the most essential tool you have for preventing sports-related oral injuries while wearing braces. Without it, you leave yourself vulnerable to injuries that could not only be painful but also potentially damage your braces and set back your treatment timeline.
The Essential Role of an Orthodontic Mouthguard
The single most crucial piece of protective equipment for an athlete with braces is a specialized orthodontic mouthguard. Unlike standard mouthguards you can buy at a sporting goods store, orthodontic models are customized for people undergoing treatment. Made from a higher-grade silicone, they are more flexible and durable. This material prevents the mouthguard from catching on your braces' brackets.
Why Standard Mouthguards Fall Short
A regular "boil-and-bite" mouthguard molds tightly to the teeth. While this provides a snug fit, it's a problem for anyone with braces. As your teeth move throughout your treatment, a standard mouthguard will quickly become ill-fitting. Even worse, its tight grip can work against the corrective forces of your braces, potentially hindering your progress. An orthodontic mouthguard, however, provides ample room for the brackets and wires and is designed to accommodate the gradual shifting of your teeth without needing constant replacement. It offers superior protection without interfering with your treatment.
What to Do If You Experience a Sports-Related Oral Injury
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond calmly and quickly to an oral injury can make a significant difference in the outcome. If you take a hit to the mouth while playing sports, the first step is to get off the field or court and assess the situation safely. Check for any bleeding from your lips, cheeks, or gums. Look at your braces to see if any brackets are loose or if a wire is bent or poking out.
If you have a cut or laceration, gently rinse your mouth with water or an antiseptic mouthwash. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your mouth can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. For minor cuts inside the mouth, applying gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze can help stop the bleeding. If a wire is poking you, you can try gently pushing it back into a more comfortable position with a pencil eraser. You can also cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax as a temporary solution.
When to See Your Orthodontist or Dentist
After any significant impact to the face, it's crucial to contact your general dentist. A professional evaluation is necessary to ensure there is no damage to your teeth, jaw, or orthodontic appliances. A loose bracket or bent wire might seem like a minor issue, but it can disrupt your treatment plan and affect the final results. We need to repair any damage promptly to keep your treatment on track. If the bleeding is heavy and doesn't stop, or if you suspect a more severe injury like a fractured tooth or jaw, you should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care clinic.
Maintaining Your Braces and Oral Health as an Athlete
Being an athlete with braces requires a bit more diligence in your oral hygiene routine. After a game or practice, especially if you've been drinking sugary sports drinks, it's essential to thoroughly clean your teeth and braces. Sports drinks and energy gels can contribute to plaque buildup and increase the risk of cavities, particularly around the brackets where food particles can easily get trapped.
Make it a habit to carry a travel toothbrush with you in your gym bag. A quick brush and rinse after athletic activity can go a long way in preventing dental issues. You should also regularly inspect and clean your orthodontic mouthguard. Rinse it with cool water after every use, and occasionally clean it with a toothbrush and toothpaste, or a specialized cleaner, to prevent bacteria from growing. Proper hygiene not only protects your teeth but also ensures your treatment progresses smoothly and efficiently.
Staying Hydrated the Right Way
Hydration is key for athletic performance, but what you drink matters. Water is always the best choice. It has no sugar or acids and helps rinse away food particles and bacteria. While sports drinks can help replace electrolytes during intense, prolonged exercise, you should consume them in moderation. When you do have one, rinse your mouth with water afterward to wash away any residual sugars.
A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Wearing braces does not mean you have to sit on the sidelines. By investing in a high-quality orthodontic mouthguard and taking a few extra safety steps, you can continue to enjoy the sports you love while on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile. The temporary adjustments you make during your orthodontic treatment are a small price to pay for a lifetime of confidence. Protecting your smile during this phase is just as important as the treatment itself. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your path to a perfect smile is safe, effective, and doesn't keep you from scoring the winning goal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Braces
Can a mouthguard damage my braces?
An orthodontic mouthguard is specifically designed not to damage your braces. It's made of flexible silicone and has special channels that fit over your brackets and wires without sticking to them. In contrast, a standard, non-orthodontic mouthguard can potentially get stuck on or damage your braces if it is too tight or doesn't account for the hardware.
What should I do if a bracket comes off during a game?
If a bracket becomes loose or comes off completely during a game, don't panic. If possible, carefully retrieve the bracket and save it. If a wire is poking you, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for temporary relief. Call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We will assess the situation and re-bond the bracket or make any necessary repairs to keep your treatment on schedule.
At Andover Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care for patients of all ages throughout Andover and the surrounding communities. We believe everyone deserves a confident, healthy smile and are here to help you achieve yours. If you have any questions about life with braces or are ready to begin your orthodontic journey, please reach out to us.