Orthodontic Treatment and Sports: A Guide for Athletes and Active Kids
If you or your child plays sports, you’ve probably got a mental checklist of gear from mouthguards, helmets, shin guards, the works. Orthodontic treatment, though? That one usually doesn’t make the list. But if braces or aligners are part of the picture, it’s worth knowing how to handle both at once. The great news is that you absolutely can. With a bit of preparation and some simple precautions, athletes can keep doing what they love from the very first appointment all the way to the last.
So, Can You Actually Play Sports With Braces?
One hundred percent, yes. Athletes at every level, recreational league players, competitive club kids, high school varsity starters, go through orthodontic treatment every single day without skipping a practice. It really just comes down to being prepared and knowing what to look out for.
The main thing to be aware of with braces and contact sports is the potential for mouth injuries. If you take a hit to the face, brackets and wires can catch the inside of your lips and cheeks and that’s no fun. That’s exactly why wearing a mouthguard isn’t just a smart idea, it’s a must. A good mouthguard puts a cushioned barrier between your braces and your soft tissue, which dramatically cuts down the risk of cuts and lacerations.
What Kind of Mouthguard Do You Need?
Here’s the thing, a standard off-the-shelf mouthguard isn’t always built to accommodate brackets and wires. You’ll want one that’s specifically designed for orthodontic patients. These tend to be more flexible and roomier, so they can fit comfortably over your braces without feeling like you’re cramming something in that doesn’t belong there. Dr. Susan Bae can help point you toward the right option and make sure you’re actually protected, not just technically wearing a mouthguard.
If you’re going through treatment with clear aligners, things are actually a little simpler. Since aligners are removable, you can take them out for contact sports and wear a regular mouthguard instead. Just make sure they go right back in when you’re done because consistent wear is what keeps your treatment moving on schedule.
What If Something Gets Damaged During a Game?
It happens. An athlete takes a hit, and suddenly there’s a wire that’s poking somewhere it shouldn’t be, or a bracket that’s come loose. First things first, don’t panic. Rinse your mouth out, check for any sharp spots, and grab some orthodontic wax to cover anything that’s causing irritation. Then give Bae Orthodontics in Cerritos a call to get it checked out. Most minor issues can be taken care of pretty quickly, but you don’t want to leave it alone because damaged brackets or wires can throw off your treatment timeline if they’re not addressed.
A Few Handy Tips for Athletes in Treatment
Keep water with you at all times because dry mouths are more prone to irritation, especially with braces during intense activity, so hydrating before, during, and after practice is essential. Watch your snacks too, since grab-and-go options like granola bars, pretzels, and raw carrots can pop brackets off faster than you’d expect, making softer choices the smarter call during treatment. And if a big tournament or demanding training season is coming up, let Dr. Susan Bae know in advance so appointments and adjustment timing can be arranged to avoid post-adjustment soreness during your most important competitions.
The Bottom Line
Being an athlete and going through orthodontic treatment at the same time is genuinely manageable, not just in theory, but in practice. Plenty of patients at Bae Orthodontics in Cerritos, CA compete in sports throughout their entire treatment and come out the other side with a great smile and their athletic life completely intact. It just takes a little planning and honest communication with your orthodontist.
If you’ve got questions about how treatment fits into your schedule, or your child’s, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We love helping patients figure out how to make treatment work with their real life, because that’s exactly what it should do.