Braces & Sports: Mouthguards, Safety & Staying in the Game

One of the most common questions we hear from parents and patients is: “Can I still play sports with braces or Invisalign?” The short answer: Yes. You absolutely can—and should—stay active.

At Othman Orthodontics, serving Lombard and Orland Park, IL, we treat many athletes who play everything from soccer, basketball and football to wrestling, hockey, volleyball and more.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• How to safely play sports with braces or Invisalign
• Why mouthguards matter—and which type to use
• What to do if you get hit in the mouth
• How to keep your smile and your season on track

Can You Play Sports With Braces?

Yes. In fact, most athletes with braces keep playing exactly the same sports they played before treatment.

The key difference is that with braces, a blow to the mouth can:

• Cut the inside of the lips or cheeks on the brackets.
• Damage brackets, wires or other appliances.

That’s why a properly fitted mouthguard is so important.

Why Mouthguards Are Essential for Athletes With Braces

Whether you’re wearing braces or not, the American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for many contact and collision sports. But braces add an extra reason:

• Brackets and wires can cause more serious cuts if you take a hit to the mouth.
• A strong impact can bend wires or knock brackets off teeth.
• Without protection, you risk both orthodontic damage and injury to teeth and gums.

The right mouthguard helps:

• Cushion blows to the face.
• Reduce risk of broken teeth.
• Protect your lips and cheeks from braces.
• Keep your orthodontic treatment moving smoothly.

Types of Mouthguards for Braces

There are three common categories of mouthguards:

1. Pre-Formed (“Stock”) Mouthguards

These are inexpensive, “one-size-fits-all” mouthguards you buy off the shelf.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to find.
• Cons: Often bulky, poor fit, may be uncomfortable with braces.

We generally do not recommend these as the best choice for patients with braces, unless there is no other option.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be softened in hot water, then adapted to your teeth.

• Pros: More customized than stock mouthguards, reasonably affordable.
• Cons: Can be tricky with braces; if they fit too tightly, they could interfere with tooth movement or dislodge brackets.

If you use a boil-and-bite mouthguard with braces:

• Make sure it does not grab onto brackets.
• Ask us for guidance on brand and fitting.

3. Orthodontic Mouthguards (Braces-Specific)

Orthodontic mouthguards are designed specifically for people with braces.

• They provide extra room for brackets and wires.
• They cushion the lips and cheeks.
• They allow teeth to continue moving during treatment.

These are often the best choice for athletes with braces, especially in contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling, martial arts and basketball.

During your visit, ask our team at Othman Orthodontics which type of mouthguard is best for your sport and stage of treatment.

What About Invisalign and Sports?

If you’re wearing Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, sports can be even easier:

• You can typically remove your aligners during contact sports and wear a standard athletic mouthguard instead.
• There are no brackets or wires to cut your cheeks or lips.

Important tips:

• Always store aligners in their case during practice or games—never loose in your bag or wrapped in a tissue.
• Put aligners back in as soon as you’re done and brush if you’ve eaten or had sugary drinks.
• Make sure you’re still wearing aligners about 20–22 hours per day overall.

What to Do If You Get Hit in the Mouth

Even with a mouthguard, accidents can happen. If you get hit in the mouth:

Step 1: Stay Calm & Assess

• Check if any teeth are loose, chipped or missing.
• Look for swelling, cuts or bleeding.
• Notice whether braces or wires look significantly bent or out of place.

Step 2: For Minor Irritation or Cuts

• Rinse gently with cool water or salt water.
• Apply pressure with clean gauze if there’s minor bleeding.
• Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges from brackets or wires.

Step 3: Call Us If…

Contact Othman Orthodontics if:

• A bracket is broken or completely detached.
• A wire is badly bent or poking painfully.
• A tooth seems loose or out of position.

For severe pain, heavy bleeding, suspected broken jaw or knocked-out teeth, seek emergency medical care first, then call us to coordinate follow-up orthodontic care.

For more details on urgent situations, see our main page: Orthodontic Emergencies & After-Hours Care.

Sports, Braces & Performance

Many athletes worry that braces or aligners might affect their performance. In reality:

• Most athletes adapt quickly and notice little difference in breathing or stamina.
• We can help adjust appliances if they interfere with certain instruments (for band) or gear.
• Protecting your teeth helps you stay in the game and avoid time on the sidelines due to injuries.

For wind instrument players or specific concerns, talk with us—we’re used to coordinating with coaches, trainers and band directors.

Tips for Athletes With Braces or Invisalign

• Wear your mouthguard for any sport with contact, collision or risk of falls.
• Bring your mouthguard and a small braces kit (wax, mini toothbrush, case) to practices and games.
• Stay on top of hygiene: rinse after sports drinks and brush as soon as you can.
• Tell coaches and trainers you have braces or aligners so they understand your needs.

Braces & Sports Care in Lombard & Orland Park, IL

Lombard Office

At our Lombard office, we help young athletes and adults from Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle, Naperville safely combine:

• Braces or clear braces
• Invisalign Teen and Invisalign for adults
• Sports mouthguard recommendations and emergency guidance

Orland Park Office

Our Orland Park office supports athletes in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport with the same combination of orthodontic treatment and sports safety.

Play Hard, Protect Your Smile

You don’t have to choose between a beautiful smile and the sports you love.

Schedule an orthodontic consultation in Lombard, IL or an orthodontic consultation in Orland Park, IL with Othman Orthodontics.

We’ll help you choose the right braces or Invisalign option, recommend the right mouthguard and give you a game plan so you can stay safe, stay confident and stay on the field, court, mat or rink—all while your smile gets straighter every day.