Why playing sports with braces need extra protection

Playing sports with braces does require extra care. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your favorite activities, but you will need proper protection to avoid potentially painful and expensive injuries.

How braces increase injury risk
Wearing braces during sports creates a unique set of risks that athletes without orthodontic appliances simply don’t face. Athletes with fixed orthodontic appliances face a significantly higher risk of oral injuries compared to those without braces. Those metal brackets, wires, and bands that are gradually straightening your teeth can easily become a liability on the playing field.

When you take a blow to the face, these orthodontic components are vulnerable to damage. Bent wires, broken brackets, or uncomfortable complications can set back your orthodontic treatment, making what should have been a routine game day into an expensive setback.

But here’s where it gets more concerning. The metal components in your braces can actually become hazardous during impact. If you’re hit in the face, those brackets and wires can cut into your cheeks, lips, and tongue, creating painful lacerations that take time to heal. This combination of orthodontic hardware and athletic activity means you need protection designed specifically for your situation.

Common sports injuries with braces

Sports related mouth injuries typically include lacerations to soft tissues, chipped or broken teeth, and even complete tooth loss. For athletes wearing braces, these injuries tend to be more extensive and expensive to treat.

Here’s what makes braces particularly problematic during sports injuries.  The brackets and wires connect your teeth together, which means that even a minor impact can affect multiple teeth at once. What might have been damage to a single tooth without braces can suddenly involve several adjacent teeth.

Even a seemingly small collision can result in:

• Fractured tooth roots
• Damage to orthodontic appliances
• Cuts to gums, lips, and cheeks
• Trauma to the tooth pulp (nerve)

You don’t need to be playing full contact football to face these risks either. A misdirected elbow during basketball or an unexpected fall while skateboarding can lead to serious dental damage. The combination of orthodontic hardware and any physical activity creates unique vulnerabilities that standard protection simply can’t address.

Why regular mouthguards don't work with braces

Standard mouthguard from the pharmacy isn’t going to protect your orthodontic investment. Regular mouthguards simply weren’t designed with braces in mind, and this creates several serious problems:

• They lack sufficient space to accommodate brackets and wires
• They may interfere with tooth movement during orthodontic treatment
• They cannot be properly molded around braces, which reduces their protective capabilities

The situation gets worse as your orthodontic treatment progresses. Regular mouthguards don’t account for the continual movement of teeth during treatment. As your teeth gradually shift into their new positions, the mouthguard fit becomes increasingly poor, leaving you with compromised protection when you need it most.

Orthodontic mouthguards, however, are specifically engineered with extra room to protect both your braces and oral tissues. Much like how your braces are custom fitted to your teeth, these specialised guards provide a crucial barrier between your orthodontic appliances and soft tissues while allowing your treatment to continue without interference.

The good news is that these specialised mouthguards are designed to accommodate the unique challenges of playing sports with braces, ensuring you stay protected throughout your orthodontic journey.

Types of Mouthguards for Braces

With several mouthguard options available, choosing the right protection for your braces can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down the three main types and help you understand which offers the best protection for your orthodontic treatment.

Stock Mouthguards – Limited Protection

Stock mouthguards are pre-formed, one size fits all devices that come ready to wear. While these represent the most affordable option you’ll find at sports stores, they provide minimal protection for oral and facial tissues.

The benefits:

• Inexpensive and readily available
• No preparation required

The drawbacks:

• Poor fit over braces, rarely comfortable
• Cannot be adjusted or customised
• May cause breathing difficulties and speech problems
• Least effective protection, especially for those wearing braces

Boil and Bite Mouthguards – The Practical Choice

Boil and bite mouthguards, primarily thermoplastic varieties, are currently the most popular choice among athletes. These can be heated in hot water, then placed in your mouth to mold around your teeth and orthodontic appliances.

For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, boil and bite guards specifically designed for braces offer a practical solution since they can be remolded as your teeth shift during treatment. When choosing this option, select adult sizes that provide adequate space for brackets and wires.

The key advantage here is flexibility. Boil and bite guards can be repeatedly reheated and remolded throughout your orthodontic journey whenever the fit becomes loose or uncomfortable. This makes them a cost effective solution for athletes wearing braces.

Custom Fitted Mouthguards – Premium Protection
Custom fitted mouthguards, created by dental professionals from individual tooth impressions, represent the gold standard in protection. These professionally crafted guards are tailored precisely to fit your teeth and braces.

Custom guards provide superior comfort, reduce gag reflex, and help maintain oral health by preserving proper moisture levels. They offer complete coverage for both your teeth and soft tissues with appropriate thickness throughout.

However, custom mouthguards do present one significant drawback for orthodontic patients.  They cannot be remolded as your teeth move. This means you may need new impressions and new guards multiple times during your treatment, potentially making them less practical and more expensive over the long term.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of mouthguard. Choosing the appropriate solution for you will depend on your sport, budget, and individual orthodontic needs.

Caring for your mouthguard with braces

Proper maintenance extends the life of your braces mouthguard and ensures it remains hygienic and effective. Your orthodontic investment deserves the same level of care both on and off the field.

Cleaning and storage tips
Daily cleaning is essential for your sports mouthguard. After each use, rinse it under lukewarm (never hot) water to remove saliva and debris. Use a soft toothbrush with mild soap or denture cleaner.  Avoid toothpaste as its abrasive nature can damage the material.

Deep clean weekly by soaking in denture solution or a mixture of mouthwash and cool water. Rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any residual cleaning agents.

Always let your mouthguard dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case. This prevents bacteria growth that causes unpleasant odors. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can warp the material.

When to replace your mouthguard
Even with excellent care, mouthguards don’t last forever. Athletes with braces typically need replacement every 6 to 12 months due to regular wear. After significant impacts, replace your mouthguard even if no visible damage exists, as its protective structure might be compromised.

Signs your mouthguard no longer fits
During orthodontic treatment, your teeth shift positions. When your mouthguard feels too tight or loose, it’s time for a replacement. Other warning signs include visible cracks, thinning material, rough edges, persistent odors despite cleaning, or discomfort while wearing. Bring your mouthguard to orthodontic appointments so we can evaluate its condition and fit.

Protecting Your Orthodontic Investment

Playing sports with braces doesn’t have to mean compromising your treatment progress. The right mouthguard provides essential protection that standard options simply can’t match, safeguarding both your orthodontic appliances and your oral health during athletic activities.

At Perfect Smiles Orthodontics, we’ve seen firsthand how the right protection makes all the difference. Boil and bite mouthguards designed for braces offer excellent value because they can adapt as your teeth move throughout treatment. Custom fitted options provide superior protection and comfort, though they may need replacement as your treatment progresses.

Getting the right mouthguard in Perth is simpler than you might think. Many local dental practices offer specialised orthodontic protection, and your health insurance may cover much of the cost. Whether you choose a remoldable option or a custom fitted guard, proper care will extend its life and maintain its protective qualities.

The key is taking action before you need it. Bring your mouthguard to your regular appointments so we can assess its fit and condition. Regular cleaning and appropriate storage will keep it hygienic and effective throughout your orthodontic journey.

Your orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in your future smile. A quality sports mouthguard protects that investment while allowing you to stay active in the sports you love. At Perfect Smiles Orthodontics, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your specific needs and ensure your treatment stays on track, no matter how active your lifestyle.

Key Points

Playing sports with braces face significantly higher risks of dental injuries and need specialised protection that standard mouthguards cannot provide.

• Braces increase injury risk dramatically
  Metal brackets and wires can cut soft tissues during impact and cause more extensive damage to multiple connected teeth.
• Standard mouthguards don’t fit braces properly
  Regular guards lack space for orthodontic hardware and may interfere with tooth movement during treatment.
• Boil and bite guards offer the best value
  These can be remolded up to 20 times as teeth shift, making them practical and cost effective for orthodontic patients.
• Custom guards provide superior protection
  While more expensive initially, they offer the best fit and comfort, though may need replacement as teeth move.
• Perth dental clinics offer specialised options
  Many local dental practices provide orthodontic mouthguards with insurance coverage, often with little to no out of pocket costs.
• Proper maintenance extends guard life
  Clean daily with mild soap, store in ventilated cases, and replace every 6 to 12 months or when fit becomes compromised.

Don’t let braces stop you from playing sports safely. The right mouthguard protects both your orthodontic investment and your smile, ensuring your treatment stays on track while you stay active.

FAQs

Q1. Do athletes with braces require a special type of mouthguard?
Yes, athletes with braces need specialised mouthguards that provide extra room to accommodate brackets and wires while offering the same level of protection as regular mouthguards. These braces specific guards are designed to cover both the orthodontic hardware and the teeth and gums.

Q2. What are the best mouthguard options for athletes wearing braces?
The best mouthguard options for athletes with braces include boil-and-bite guards specifically designed for braces, which can be remolded as teeth shift, and custom fitted mouthguards made by dental professionals. Boil and bite guards offer good value and adaptability, while custom guards provide superior protection and comfort.

Q3. How often should I replace my mouthguard when wearing braces? Athletes with braces typically need to replace their mouthguards every 6 to 12 months due to regular wear and tear. However, you should replace your mouthguard immediately after any significant impact, even if there’s no visible damage, as its protective structure might be compromised.

Q4. How do I properly care for my braces mouthguard?
To care for your braces mouthguard, rinse it with lukewarm water after each use and clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Perform a deep clean weekly by soaking it in denture solution or a mixture of mouthwash and cool water. Always let it dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case away from direct sunlight and heat.

Q5. Are custom fitted mouthguards covered by health insurance in Perth? Many private health insurance policies in Perth that include dental extras cover custom mouthguards with little to no out of pocket expense. Providers like HBF, Bupa, and Medibank typically include mouthguards in their dental coverage. Some dental clinics even offer bulk billing with certain providers, potentially eliminating out of pocket expenses altogether.