Mouthguards Matter: Protecting Smiles with Braces During Sports
Whether you’re hitting the soccer field, racing on a bike, or practicing your moves on a skateboard, sports are an important part of staying active and building confidence. But when you’re in orthodontic treatment—especially with braces or other appliances—protecting your smile becomes even more important.
Dental injuries are one of the most common types of sports-related injuries. A sudden fall or accidental elbow to the mouth can result in chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth. And if you’re wearing braces, that same impact can cause damage not just to your teeth, but to your brackets, wires, and the inside of your mouth. That’s where a properly fitted mouthguard comes in.
Why Are Mouthguards So Important for Orthodontic Patients?
Mouthguards create a soft barrier between your teeth and the rest of your mouth, absorbing shock and reducing the risk of injury. For patients in orthodontic treatment, the stakes are even higher. A blow to the face can not only harm your teeth—it can damage your braces, set back your treatment progress, and cause painful soft tissue injuries.
At Shine Ortho Studio, we recommend mouthguards for any sport that involves contact, speed, or the potential for falling—even if it’s a non-contact activity like gymnastics or mountain biking. And yes, even kids and teens with aligners or retainers should take precautions.
Why Custom-Fit Mouthguards Are Best
While over-the-counter mouthguards are easy to find, they aren’t designed with orthodontics in mind. Many are bulky or uncomfortable, which makes athletes less likely to wear them. Others don’t leave enough room for braces, causing pressure that can damage appliances or interfere with tooth movement.
A custom-fit mouthguard from your orthodontist offers better protection and a more comfortable fit. At Shine Ortho Studio, we can help you get a guard that fits properly over your braces and allows for normal breathing and speaking—important during practice and games!
When to Wear a Mouthguard
You should wear a mouthguard during any sport or activity where there’s a chance of impact or contact. This includes:
Football, basketball, and soccer
Hockey and wrestling
Skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking
Gymnastics and cheerleading
Martial arts and boxing
Baseball and softball
For patients with braces or other appliances, this extra protection is crucial not only for preventing injury, but also for protecting your orthodontic progress.
Keep Your Smile on Track
Sports are meant to be fun—but they shouldn’t come at the cost of a dental emergency. A mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your smile safe while you stay active. For orthodontic patients, that extra layer of protection can make all the difference in avoiding setbacks and pain.
Need help finding the right mouthguard for braces?
Schedule a fitting or ask our team for recommendations at your next appointment. Let’s keep your smile protected while you stay in the game!