Starting a new school year means more than just returning to class; it also marks the beginning of hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, martial arts, and other extracurricular activities. If you’re just about to begin your orthodontic journey or already have braces, you may wonder whether it’ll keep you on the sidelines.
You Can Absolutely Play Sports With Braces
Whether you decide to participate in recreational sports, school teams or competitive sports, braces are designed to fit into your everyday life. There have been plenty of athletes who have successfully played sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment. The secret is a custom-fitted mouth guard.
Braces themselves are durable, but they can make your teeth and the tissues inside your mouth more vulnerable if you take a direct hit. Orthodontists strongly recommend wearing a mouth guard during athletic activities to hold your teeth in place, especially when playing sports with a higher chance of collisions or falls.
Which Sports Have the Highest Risk?
Although any activity can potentially involve accidental contact, some sports have a greater risk of impact to the face or mouth.
Higher-risk sports include the following: hockey, basketball, football, rugby, lacrosse, martial arts. Even sports that aren't traditionally considered "contact sports," such as baseball, softball, skateboarding, cycling, gymnastics, or soccer, can still involve falls or accidental impacts that may damage braces.
Investing in a mouth guard will help reduce damage if you are struck in the face and protect both your braces and teeth.
Why Orthodontic Mouth Guards Are Different
It's important to note that not all mouth guards are created equally.
If you currently wear braces, an orthodontic-specific mouth guard is usually the best option. Unlike standard boil-and-bite mouth guards, orthodontic mouth guards are designed to fit comfortably over the wires and brackets.
There are numerous benefits of opting for an orthodontic mouth guard such as:
- Extra space to accommodate brackets
- A thicker channel that reduces pressure on wires
- Better comfort during play
- Protection for your lips and cheeks from the braces
- Room for teeth to continue moving throughout treatment
Traditional mouth guards can sometimes fit too tightly over the braces; this will create unnecessary pressure over the appliance and cause significant discomfort. Your orthodontist can recommend the best type of appliance based on your current or future treatment, and the sport you play will play a huge role in this decision.
What Happens If Your Braces Are Damaged During a Game?
Even with the added protection of a mouth guard, accidents can still occur and are sometimes just unavoidable.
A forceful impact can result in: a loose bracket, bent or poking wire, broken elastic tie, and irritation to the inside of your lips or cheeks.
If any of the above happens to happen, don't panic. In most cases, the damage can wait until you can secure an appointment with your orthodontist, but it's important to contact them as soon as possible for advice on how to proceed. While waiting for your appointment, you can explore the following options:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges.
- If a wire is irritating your cheek, carefully move it back into place only if instructed by your orthodontist.
- Eat softer foods if chewing becomes uncomfortable.
- Continue wearing elastics unless you've been advised otherwise.
Can You Still Play a Wind Instrument?
Some students who are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment may participate in their school band or play an instrument.
If you play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute or another wind instrument, it's very common to notice some lip tenderness during the first couple of weeks after having braces fitted.
As a result of the brackets pressing against the inside of your lips, the added pressure from the mouthpiece may feel uncomfortable at first. The discomfort usually improves quickly as the lips adjust.
There are some helpful tips to consider when playing your wind instrument after having braces fitted, which include:
- Practice in shorter sessions during the first week.
- Use orthodontic wax if brackets are rubbing against your lips.
- Take breaks if your lips become sore.
- Stay patient; most musicians return to their normal playing routine within a couple of weeks.
When Should You Schedule an Emergency Appointment?
Not all orthodontic issues require immediate treatment, but in some instances, it is best to have an examination as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing any of the conditions below, please contact your orthodontist:
- A bracket has completely detached and is moving freely.
- A wire is severely bent or cannot be covered comfortably with wax.
- You have significant pain after an impact.
- A blow to the mouth has caused a tooth to become loose or chipped.
- Your braces are preventing you from closing your mouth comfortably.
- You experience swelling, bleeding that won't stop, or signs of infection.
In a worst-case scenario, if you have experienced significant trauma to your teeth or jaw, seek emergency dental care or medical care as your first priority, then contact your orthodontist to assess your braces.
Protect Your Smile While Staying Active
If you currently have braces, it shouldn’t prevent you from participating in the sports or activities that you enjoy. Whether you’re skating onto the ice, stepping onto a football field, competing on the basketball court or performing in the school band, your orthodontic treatment can slot into your active lifestyle.
The key is to wear an orthodontic mouth guard during sports rather than a boil-and-bite mouth guard, and to follow your orthodontist's recommendations and inform your orthodontic team if you damage your braces. If you are prepared, you can protect your smile while continuing to perform at your best, both on the field and stage.