Can You Play Contact Sports with Braces? Advice from your trusted Orthodontists

Thinking about starting braces, but worried you’ll have to sit out your favorite sport? If you or your child plays contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling, or basketball, you might be wondering: Can you really stay active and safe with braces on? Let’s clear the air.

Braces Don’t Bench You — But Safety Comes First

Just because you’re getting orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean your sports season is over. According to leading orthodontists, you absolutely can play contact sports with braces — you just need to take a few extra precautions.

Your braces are doing important work, straightening your teeth and improving your bite. But they can also make your mouth more vulnerable to injury during physical activity. The last thing you want is a stray elbow or missed catch causing a busted lip and broken brackets.

Why Protection Matters: The Role of Mouthguards

One word: mouthguard.

Every orthodontist worth their salt will tell you this is non-negotiable. A properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard can save you from:

• Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and gums
• Damaged wires or brackets
• Delays in your treatment timeline

Pro tip from Omaha locals: Don’t settle for generic boil-and-bite guards from the store. They often don’t fit well over braces. Instead, ask your orthodontist for a custom or specially designed mouthguard that adjusts with your braces as your teeth move.

What Kind of Sports Put You Most at Risk?

Braces are sturdy, but some sports come with a higher risk of impact:

• Football
• Basketball
• Wrestling
• Rugby
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Martial arts

Even in non-contact sports, collisions can happen. A fall during track or an accidental hit in soccer could lead to an orthodontic emergency.

That’s why your trusted orthodontists recommend wearing a mouthguard in any sport where facial contact is possible.

What Happens If You Get Hit in the Mouth?

Even with precautions, accidents happen. If you get hit during a game and something feels off, don’t wait.

• Step 1: Check for bleeding, pain, or loose brackets.
• Step 2: Rinse with warm saltwater to ease discomfort.
• Step 3: Call your orthodontist for an emergency check-up.

A quick visit can prevent a minor issue from becoming a treatment setback.

Playing Safe Isn’t Just for Kids

This advice isn’t just for school-age athletes. Teens and adults wearing braces and participating in community leagues or recreational sports should also use mouth protection.

Whether you’re the starting QB for your high school team or playing pickup games after work, protect your investment and your smile.

Braces + Sports: A Winning Combination

There’s no need to choose between your athletic goals and a healthier, straighter smile. With the right gear, proper prep, and guidance from a qualified orthodontist, you can confidently step onto the field (or mat, or court).

Need a Mouthguard That Works with Braces?

At Discover Orthodontics in Omaha, NE, we help athletes of all ages stay in the game without compromising their orthodontic progress. We offer custom-fit mouthguards and emergency support whenever you need it.

Playing contact sports with braces? Schedule a free consultation with your trusted Omaha orthodontist today. Let’s keep your treatment — and your smile — on track.