Braces can do wonders for your smile—but they don’t really mix well with flying basketballs or stray elbows. Whether you’re on the soccer field, basketball court, or wrestling mat, protecting your braces during sports is a must. The good news is that it’s not as complicated as it sounds. With the right gear and a few smart habits, you can stay active without putting your orthodontic work at risk. Here’s how.
Why Protection Is Essential for Braces
Many times, patients decide to throw caution to the wind. After all, traditional braces are made of metal, so they should be able to take a hit, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Your braces are built to straighten your teeth, not absorb the impact of a softball. A sudden smack can break brackets, bend wires, or cut your lips and cheeks. This damage doesn’t just hurt physically, but it can also delay your treatment and be costly to fix.
Investing In a Custom Mouthguard
If you play sports, a mouthguard is just as important as your cleats or helmet. It cushions your braces and teeth from sudden hits and prevents painful injuries.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are very affordable and available at most sporting goods stores. Once you boil it, the plastic softens and can be bitten to mold it to your teeth. While this is better than nothing, a custom guard is far more effective.
Custom mouthguards are made by your orthodontist and offer superior comfort and protection—especially if you wear braces. If you play regularly or participate in contact-heavy sports, a custom fit is well worth the investment.
Mouthguard Maintenance
Your mouthguard will be an important part of your equipment going forward (if it isn’t already), so it’s important to keep it well-maintained.
First, avoid eating with the guard in your mouth. Food particles and bacteria can stain your guard and make it smell.
When you’re done using it, clean your guard with scentless hand soap and water. This ensures it feels good to wear and doesn’t reintroduce bacteria to your mouth.
Lastly, always keep your mouthguard in a protective case to keep it from getting lost, damaged, or covered in germs.
Your Post-Game Braces Ritual
After every game, give your braces a quick check in the mirror. If something feels loose, pokes your cheek, or doesn’t look right, call your orthodontist as soon as possible. The sooner you fix small issues, the less likely they’ll interfere with your treatment.
Braces shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. With the right protection and care, you can play hard, stay safe, and keep your smile looking its best on and off the field.
About the Practice
Staying active shouldn’t come at the cost of your smile. That’s why our team at Valer Dental & Braces helps patients protect their braces with custom mouthguards and practical prevention tips. Whether you’re on the field, court, or track, we’ll make sure your orthodontic treatment stays safe while you play your best. Call our office at 505-257-2000 in Coors or 505-600-2000 in Albuquerque to schedule an appointment or visit our website to explore a full menu of services.