Braces & Sports: Mouthguards, Safety & Performance

If you or your child are starting braces and also play sports, you might be wondering:

• “Can I still play football, soccer, basketball or volleyball with braces?”
• “Do I need a special mouthguard?”
• “Could braces get damaged during games?”

At Othman Orthodontics in Lombard and Orland Park, IL, we treat many athletes—from young kids in recreational leagues to teens in competitive travel teams and adults in local sports. The good news: with the right protection, you can absolutely keep playing with braces.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How braces and sports can safely go together
• Why mouthguards are especially important with braces
• Types of mouthguards (and which are best with orthodontic treatment)
• Practical tips for athletes with braces

Can You Play Sports With Braces?

Yes, you can play most sports with braces, including:

• Football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey
• Volleyball, softball, baseball
• Martial arts, cheerleading, gymnastics and more

The key is protecting:

• Your teeth and lips from injury.
• Your braces from being bent or broken by impact.

That’s where a proper mouthguard designed for athletes with braces becomes essential.

Why Mouthguards Matter More With Braces

Even without braces, sports can pose a risk to teeth, lips and jaws. With braces, there is:

• More hardware in your mouth.
• Higher risk of cuts and lacerations to the lips or cheeks if a ball, elbow or fall hits your face.
• Potential for brackets or wires to be bent or broken in an impact.

A quality orthodontic mouthguard helps:

• Cushion the teeth and braces against hits.
• Protect soft tissues (lips, cheeks) from being pushed into brackets.
• Reduce the risk of broken brackets or bent wires.

In contact and collision sports, a mouthguard isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for safety.

Types of Mouthguards for Athletes With Braces

Not all mouthguards are created equal. Here’s how they compare for patients in braces:

1. “Boil-and-Bite” Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

These are common store-bought guards that you soften in hot water and then bite into to mold.

With braces, standard boil-and-bite guards can be:

• Too tight around brackets, making them difficult to remove.
• Prone to getting stuck or distorting if teeth move.

Some brands make boil-and-bite guards specifically labeled for braces, which are better than standard versions, but still not perfect for everyone.

2. Orthodontic-Specific Mouthguards

These are designed with braces in mind and:

• Provide extra space to accommodate brackets and wires.
• Allow for teeth movement over time.
• Offer more comfortable cushioning against the braces.

This type is often a great balance of:

• Protection
• Comfort
• Affordability

3. Custom Mouthguards

A custom mouthguard made by your dentist or orthodontist can offer the best fit and protection, especially for serious athletes.

With braces, we sometimes:

• Make a custom guard that accommodates brackets and anticipated tooth movement.
• Recommend specific timing for custom guards (for example, once major alignment changes are complete).

At Othman Orthodontics, we can discuss whether an orthodontic-specific or custom mouthguard is best for your sport and treatment stage.

Sports Where Mouthguards Are Especially Important

We recommend mouthguards for almost any sport where contact or falls are possible. They’re especially critical for:

• Football and rugby
• Basketball and soccer
• Hockey and lacrosse
• Martial arts, boxing, wrestling
• Skateboarding, BMX, and high-impact activities

Even in non-contact sports (like gymnastics, cheer, or some types of dance), a mouthguard can be smart if falls or collisions are possible.

Will a Mouthguard Affect Breathing or Performance?

A properly fitted mouthguard should:

• Feel secure but not painfully tight.
• Allow you to breathe comfortably through your mouth.
• Allow clear communication with teammates.

It may feel different for a few practices, but most athletes adapt quickly. The tradeoff—better protection for your teeth, braces and soft tissues—is well worth the adjustment.

What About Invisalign and Sports?

If you’re wearing Invisalign or Invisalign Teen:

• Aligners are not designed to replace a sports mouthguard.
• For contact sports, we may suggest removing aligners and wearing a separate mouthguard during play.
• We’ll give specific instructions based on your sport and schedule to balance safety and aligner wear time.

Tips for Athletes With Braces

• Always wear your mouthguard in practices and games—don’t wait for “just important matches.”
• Rinse and clean your mouthguard regularly to keep it fresh and hygienic.
• Store it in a ventilated case (not loose in your bag).
• If your mouthguard feels too tight after a wire change, let us know—we may need to check the fit.
• If you take a hit to the mouth, inspect your braces and call us if anything feels loose or sharp.

Braces-Friendly Sports Care in Lombard & Orland Park, IL

Lombard Office

Our Lombard team works with athletes from Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle, Naperville to:

• Recommend appropriate orthodontic mouthguards.
• Provide guidance for braces or Invisalign with sports.
• Handle any sports-related orthodontic emergencies quickly.

Orland Park Office

Our Orland Park office offers the same support for athletes in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport.

Want to Protect Your Smile and Stay in the Game?

You don’t have to choose between braces and sports. With the right mouthguard and guidance, you can safely do both.

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

We’ll design a treatment plan that fits your sport, recommend the best mouthguard option, and help you protect your braces and your smile while you play your best.