A common concern for individuals getting braces is whether there will be any restrictions while playing sports. While mouth injuries are possible for athletes with braces, there are several ways to prevent them and many treatment options that may even require fewer precautions. Life with braces shouldn’t keep you from playing your favorite sports.
Can I Play Sports with Braces?
The short answer is yes; you can play sports and wear braces simultaneously. However, there is an increased risk of mouth injury with the possibility of getting hit in the face with a ball, colliding with other players, etc. While these injuries are typically not life-threatening, they can be extremely painful and costly to fix. A quick way to reduce your chances of mouth injury is to wear a mouthguard while you play sports.
Should I wear a mouthguard when I play sports?
When playing sports, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your mouth from injury. The key to getting the most protection is wearing the correct mouthguard. An orthodontic mouthguard can reduce the risk of injury, even more so than a standard mouthguard. Orthodontic mouthguards are made with slightly more width, fit snugly, and cover the entirety of your braces, gums, and teeth.
Are there more sports-friendly orthodontic treatments?
Traditional braces may not be suitable for you, and that’s okay! Luckily, many orthodontic options are available that may be a better fit for your lifestyle. Here are a couple of options:
- Invisalign – Clear retainers must be worn 20-22 hours per day. These are removable as needed. No metal, wires, or brackets.
- Impressions – BRO’s home-managed, clear retainers must be worn 20-22 hours per day but are removable at the patient’s need.
- Lingual Braces – Custom-made metal braces are fashioned behind your teeth, so the front of your smile is free from wires and brackets.
Preparing to play sports while wearing braces
Prepare for your upcoming sports season by visiting your local western NC orthodontist, Blue Ridge Orthodontics. Our doctors will help you determine the best treatment for your lifestyle and manage your treatment while you play sports. Be sure to consult with your doctor about protecting your teeth during your practices and matches. Don’t let a mouth injury dismantle your orthodontic treatment. Contact us to set up a free consultation.
FAQs
The short answer is yes; you can play sports and wear braces simultaneously.
Can you play sports while wearing braces? ›
The good news is you can absolutely play any sport while wearing braces! While you can still play sports, we don't want you to tackle the whole football team just for kicks! To ensure your teeth and mouth stay safe while participating in sports, you should take a few safety measures.
What are you not allowed when you have braces? ›
Sticky lollies like caramel are a big no-no, while nuts and popcorn can also cause problems. Tough meat and beef jerky should also be avoided. Read on for the full list of foods you can and can't eat with braces...
Can I do physical activity with braces? ›
Don't Give Up Playing Sports Because of Braces!
There is no reason to avoid physical activities because of braces. We are happy to talk with you about any of your questions or concerns about playing sports at your initial orthodontic consultation or during one of your regularly scheduled appointments.
Do you need a mouthguard for soccer if you have braces? ›
When you have braces or aligners you can definitely still use a mouthguard. The archwires of braces actually help to support the teeth, and a mouthguard will not only help to absorb the impact of a blow but also protect the soft tissues (cheeks and lips) from laceration caused by the braces.
Can I play with braces? ›
The short answer is yes, you can still enjoy your favourite sports whilst wearing braces to straighten your teeth. However, there are some guidelines that you do need to follow in order to protect your teeth and braces.
Is it OK to wrestle with braces? ›
An orthodontic mouthguard should be used for all contact sports, including soccer, football, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, and hockey. Please don't hesitate to ask our friendly staff or Dr. Ross about which orthodontic mouthguard we recommend.
Should I play with my braces? ›
For braces patients playing sports, we recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their mouth from any potential injury. With the use of a proper orthodontic mouthguard, any contact sport can be played with braces.
Do braces affect athletic performance? ›
If you're an athlete, you might also be worried about playing sports with braces and how they will affect your performance or even continue playing. This is a common concern, but not a common problem! You can play any sport you want during your orthodontic treatment.
Is it OK to make out with braces? ›
We have good news for anyone who's concerned about kissing someone with braces. Yes, you can kiss your Valentine whether you're wearing braces, he or she is wearing braces, or you're both wearing braces. The idea that you can't kiss while wearing braces is a common myth!
The answer is a resounding "yes!" as long as he wears a football mouthguard for braces. Let's go over the important steps you can take to make sure you get the appropriate mouthguard for your child and how best to instruct them on cleaning and replacing it.
How to play soccer with braces? ›
Mouthguards are very accessible to almost everyone, easy to use, and a highly effective option for protecting your braces and your smile. While they are especially useful for high-contact sports, we recommend you wear them even when participating in light contact or low-impact sports, too.
What happens if you don't wear a mouthguard with braces? ›
Even with gentler sports, accidents happen, and an impact to the face can result in serious injury without proper protective gear. A mouthguard absorbs the shock from a blow to the face, which can cause bitten lips and cheeks, chips and cracks, knocked-out teeth, broken bones, and dislocation.
Do athletes wear braces? ›
For sports that require a lot of lateral movements and quick direction changes, like basketball or soccer, wearing ankle braces is more common. These braces can help with sudden shifts in weight and direction, reducing the risk of rolling or twisting an ankle.
Can you play in the NFL with braces? ›
This quick answer to this question is yes! Of course you can still participate in the activities you love while you have braces, whether it is football, dance, cheerleading, soccer, or anything else.
Can you play in the NBA with braces? ›
Wearing braces will not stop you from playing. Kids and adults playing sports need to protect their teeth and their investment in treatments for getting a beautiful smile. In many sports, the players have close contact with other players. While having contact with another player, accidents can happen.
Can you go on rides with braces? ›
For your safety and the safety of others, riders may be required to remove medical devices, half or full length orthotics, braces, crutches, canes, prosthetics and any other type of medical assistance device that is not permanently affixed to the rider's body to prevent hazards or loss due to ride forces.
