Sports and Braces: How to Protect Your Smile During Orthodontic Treatment

Playing sports is a fantastic way to stay active and develop teamwork skills, but it can also pose certain risks for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. Whether you're an adult or a child with braces, it's essential to take extra precautions to protect your smile during physical activities. At Orthodontics of Montclair, we emphasize the importance of safeguarding your braces and teeth during sports. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can enjoy your favorite sports while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.

The Importance of Protecting Your Smile During Sports

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health and appearance. Protecting your teeth and braces is crucial for ensuring the success of your treatment and preventing costly damage. Injuries to the mouth, teeth, or braces can result in extended treatment times, additional discomfort, and even permanent damage to your teeth.

Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Whether you're playing contact sports like football or non-contact sports like tennis, accidents can happen. Some common sports-related dental injuries include:

Broken Brackets and Wires : Impact from a ball, equipment, or another player can damage your braces, bending wires or breaking brackets.
Chipped or Fractured Teeth : A direct blow to the mouth can cause teeth to chip or fracture, compromising your orthodontic treatment and oral health.
Knocked-Out Teeth : In severe cases, a collision or fall can knock out a tooth entirely, creating a dental emergency that could disrupt orthodontic progress.
Soft Tissue Injuries : Braces can irritate or cut the inside of your mouth, especially if you're hit in the face.

Preventing these injuries is key to maintaining the integrity of your orthodontic treatment.

Mouthguards: Your Best Line of Defense

The most effective way to protect your smile during sports is by wearing a mouthguard. A mouthguard acts as a barrier between your teeth, braces, and the surrounding soft tissues, absorbing the impact from any blows to the face or mouth.

Types of Mouthguards

There are several types of mouthguards available, each with varying levels of protection and comfort. Choosing the right one is crucial for ensuring that your braces and teeth are adequately protected.

Custom-Fit Mouthguards

Pros : Custom-fit mouthguards are made specifically for your teeth, ensuring maximum protection and comfort. They are designed to accommodate your braces and the shifting of your teeth during treatment.
Cons : These mouthguards are more expensive than other options but offer the best protection.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Pros : Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be softened in hot water and molded to fit your teeth. They provide a better fit than stock mouthguards and are more affordable than custom-fit options.
Cons : While they offer decent protection, boil-and-bite mouthguards may not fit as securely as custom options and may require adjustments as your teeth move.

Stock Mouthguards

Pros : Stock mouthguards are pre-made and ready to wear. They are the most affordable option and widely available at sporting goods stores.
Cons : These mouthguards offer the least protection because they are not adjustable or custom-fitted. They may feel bulky and uncomfortable, which can make it difficult to speak or breathe.

Why Custom-Fit Mouthguards Are Best for Braces

Custom-fit mouthguards are the top recommendation for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. Unlike standard mouthguards, custom options are designed to fit comfortably over braces without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment. They provide superior protection against impacts and can be adjusted throughout your orthodontic journey to accommodate the movement of your teeth.

Best Sports for Braces

While wearing braces, you can still enjoy most sports. However, some activities pose a higher risk of dental injury than others. Here's a breakdown of sports and the level of protection needed:

Contact Sports (e.g., football, hockey, basketball)

Risk Level : High
Protection Needed : A mouthguard is essential in all contact sports to protect against collisions that can damage your braces or teeth.

Non-Contact Sports (e.g., tennis, running, swimming)

Risk Level : Moderate
Protection Needed : While the risk of injury is lower in non-contact sports, it's still a good idea to wear a mouthguard, especially if there's a chance of falling or coming into contact with equipment.

Individual Sports (e.g., gymnastics, skateboarding, cycling)

Risk Level : Moderate to High
Protection Needed : Even in individual sports, there is a risk of falling or accidental impact. A mouthguard is recommended to protect your braces during these activities.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health During Sports

In addition to wearing a mouthguard, here are some tips to help protect your smile while playing sports with braces:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining oral health, especially if you're wearing braces. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can get trapped around your braces, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth and braces after meals and snacks, particularly if you've been eating sugary or sticky foods. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong.
Floss regularly using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean between teeth and braces. This will help prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy gums.

Inspect Your Braces Regularly

After playing sports, check your braces for any signs of damage. If you notice loose brackets or wires, contact your orthodontist immediately to schedule a repair.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods

Hard and sticky foods can damage your braces, increasing the risk of injury during sports. Avoid foods like popcorn, nuts, and chewy candies to prevent any accidents.

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing how to handle common orthodontic emergencies can help minimize damage and keep your treatment on track.

Broken Brackets or Wires : If a bracket or wire breaks during sports, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges that could cause discomfort. Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for a repair.
Mouth Irritation : If your braces irritate your gums or the inside of your cheeks, use orthodontic wax to create a barrier and reduce irritation.
Knocked-Out Teeth : In the event of a knocked-out tooth, try to place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root. If this isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva and see your orthodontist or dentist immediately.

A Confident Smile on and Off the Field

Playing sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you have to compromise on protection or performance. With the right mouthguard and a commitment to good oral hygiene, you can enjoy your favorite activities while keeping your smile safe.

At Orthodontics of Montclair, we are dedicated to helping our patients stay active and confident throughout their orthodontic journey. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your options for mouthguards and learn more about protecting your smile during sports. Contact Orthodontics of Montclair to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track while you enjoy a fun, injury-free sports season!