Why Mouth Guards Matter in Sports Safety with Braces

If your child is starting a new sports season with braces, you may be wondering how to keep their smile safe on the field. The truth is, not all mouthguards are created equal. Athletes with braces need specialized protection to cushion impacts, prevent injuries, and keep treatment on track.

Sports Mouth Guards serve several crucial purposes, whether or not an athlete has braces:

1. Cushioning impact to teeth: Mouth Guards absorb the force of a hit, reducing the chance of chipped or broken teeth.

2. Protecting the jaw joint (TMJ): By covering the chewing surfaces of teeth, they soften the blow if the lower jaw slams into the upper jaw.

3. Guarding soft tissues: They prevent the lips, cheeks, and tongue from being cut or bitten during collisions.

For athletes with braces, the stakes are even higher. Braces may help keep teeth in place during an impact, but they also create sharp edges that can cut into soft tissue. A direct hit without a mouthguard can lead to:

1. Painful lip and cheek injuries

2. Broken brackets or wires

3. Orthodontic treatment delays

4. Higher risk of dental emergencies

Simply put: a mouthguard is non-negotiable for braces wearers in sports.

What Makes an Orthodontic Mouthguard Different?

Not all mouthguards are created equal. Athletes with braces need a design that works with orthodontic appliances rather than against them.

Key Differences:

1. Room for brackets and wires

   Orthodontic mouth guards are crafted with extra space, so they don’t push against braces or cause irritation.

2. Protection for lips and cheeks

   The material cushions the soft tissue, preventing cuts from sharp brackets during an impact.

3. Flexibility for moving teeth

   Since braces gradually shift teeth, orthodontic mouth guards are often re-moldable. Many are “boil-and-bite” designs that can be re-formed as the smile changes.

4. Durability under stress

   Fall sports often involve repeated contact. Orthodontic mouth guards are built to withstand stronger impacts without losing shape.

Think of them as a double shield – they protect both your braces and your smile.

Popular Sports Requiring Mouthguards in Fall Season

Fall brings some of the most high-impact sports of the year. If your child plays any of these, a mouthguard is essential:

1. Football: Constant tackles and collisions make mouth guards mandatory.

2. Soccer: Flying elbows, headers, and unexpected collisions pose risks.

3. Field Hockey: Fast-moving sticks and balls can cause direct facial impact.

4. Lacrosse: Both contact and high-speed projectiles put teeth at risk.

5. Cheerleading & Gymnastics: Even non-contact sports carry fall-related risks.

No matter the level – youth league, high school, or college – sports safety with braces starts with the right mouthguard.

How to Choose the Right Mouthguard for Braces

With so many options available, here’s what to look for when selecting an orthodontic mouthguard:

1. Labeled for braces use – Always choose one specifically designed for orthodontics.

2. Re-moldable – A boil-and-bite option allows adjustments as teeth move.

3. Durable material – Look for guards that withstand heavy impact.

4. Comfortable fit – The mouthguard should stay in place without causing pain.

5. Easy to clean – Hygiene is critical for braces wearers.

Brands like Shock Doctor, SISU, and OPRO make orthodontic-specific models, but your orthodontist is the best source of recommendations.

Orthodontist Insight: Why Generic Mouth Guards Won’t Cut It

Dr. Sander and the team at Sander Orthodontic Arts emphasize that generic, over-the-counter mouthguards aren’t ideal for patients with braces.

While a standard sports guard may offer basic protection, it won’t account for:

1. The space needed for brackets and wires

2. The risk of cuts to cheeks and lips

3. The fact that teeth are constantly shifting during treatment

A poorly fitting guard can even damage braces or delay treatment progress. That’s why orthodontic mouth Guards are the gold standard for athletes with braces.

Caring for Your Mouth guard

Like braces themselves, mouth Guards need proper care to stay effective:

1. Rinse before and after each use

2. Store in a ventilated case

3. Clean regularly with mild soap or denture tablets

4. Avoid leaving it in hot cars (heat can warp the shape)

5. Replace if worn down, damaged, or no longer fitting properly

A well-maintained mouthguard can last a full sports season – sometimes longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I wear a regular sports mouth guard with braces?

Not recommended. Regular guards don’t fit well over brackets and can cause injury or damage.

2. How often should I replace my orthodontic mouth guard?

Typically once per sports season, or sooner if it becomes damaged or too tight due to tooth movement.

3. Are custom orthodontic mouth guards worth it?

Yes. They offer the best fit and comfort, though boil-and-bite options are a good alternative.

4. Do all sports require mouth guards with braces?

Any sport with potential for contact, collision, or falls should involve a mouthguard.

Protecting Braces and Smiles at Sander Orthodontic Arts

At Sander Orthodontic Arts, we understand that braces shouldn’t stop you – or your child – from enjoying fall sports. With the right orthodontic mouthguard, athletes can play confidently, knowing their smile and treatment are protected.

If you or your child are starting a new season, schedule a visit with our team. We’ll help recommend the best mouthguard for braces so you can focus on the game, not dental emergencies.

Ready to protect your smile this season? Schedule a consultation with Sander Orthodontic Arts today.