Orthodontic treatment, commonly involving braces, does not usually require stopping athletic participation. Playing sports with braces is possible, provided the athlete takes specific precautions. Continuing physical activity demands strict adherence to safety measures designed to protect both the mouth and the hardware. Implementing preventative strategies allows for safe participation in most athletic endeavors.
Yes, But Be Prepared: Understanding the Risks
While the teeth and jaw structure are generally protected, the presence of metal or ceramic brackets introduces specific hazards during impact. The primary concern is soft tissue injury from a facial blow. The fixed appliance creates sharp points that can lacerate the interior of the lips, cheeks, and tongue upon forceful contact.
These lacerations can be deep and may require stitches because the delicate tissue is pressed against the rigid brackets and wires. The mouth is highly vascular, meaning even minor cuts can lead to significant bleeding and discomfort. A significant impact can also cause mechanical damage to the braces, such as fractured brackets or bent archwires.
Broken wires, dislodged brackets, or loose bands necessitate an unscheduled visit for repair, potentially delaying the overall treatment timeline. In rare instances of severe, unprotected impact, the appliance risks loosening the teeth or damaging the tooth root structure. Managing these risks proactively through preventative equipment is the most effective way to maintain an active lifestyle.
The Mandatory Defense: Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Selecting appropriate protective equipment is the most important action an athlete with braces can take to mitigate oral injury risk. Mouthguards serve as a necessary barrier, creating a cushion that prevents soft tissues from being injured by the orthodontic hardware during impact. They also help distribute the force of a blow, reducing the stress placed on the jaws and teeth.
Not all mouthguards are suitable for an individual undergoing active tooth movement, and the choice depends on fit and material. The simplest option is the stock mouthguard, which is pre-formed and least expensive, but it offers minimal fit adjustment and can interfere with breathing and speaking. A more common choice is the “boil-and-bite” guard, which is softened in hot water and then molded to the teeth.
A standard boil-and-bite guard may push against the brackets, potentially hindering tooth movement or causing discomfort. If this type is used, it must be carefully fitted to ensure it covers the appliance without applying undue pressure. The material must be thick enough to absorb shock while remaining flexible enough to conform around the metal parts.
The superior option is the orthodontic-specific mouthguard or a custom-made version. These specialized guards are engineered with extra space to accommodate the brackets and wires, allowing the teeth to continue movement without restriction. They provide a thick protective layer over the entire appliance, ensuring maximum shock absorption. Proper care requires cleaning after every use with soap and water and storage in a ventilated container to maintain hygiene.
Navigating Specific Sports: Risk Categories and Precautions
The necessity and type of protection depend on the inherent risk level of the athletic activity. Sports involving frequent, high-velocity contact, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling, demand the most rigorous precautions. These activities feature direct, sustained physical contact where the potential for a facial strike is highest, often resulting from a collision or an accidental elbow.
In these high-contact environments, an orthodontic mouthguard is mandatory. Many leagues also require additional face protection, like a full cage or face shield attached to the helmet.
Activities classified as moderate-to-low contact, including soccer, baseball, basketball, and skateboarding, still carry a significant risk of impact. This risk comes from falls, errant equipment, or unintentional contact with other players. A sudden stop or a trip can cause the jaw to snap shut, driving the soft tissue against the brackets.
For these sports, a protective mouthguard is strongly recommended, even if not explicitly mandated by the rules. This approach minimizes injury potential from unexpected events, such as a fast-moving baseball or an elbow during a rebound.
For non-contact sports like running, swimming, cycling, or golf, a mouthguard is generally not necessary for the activity itself. The primary risks are limited to accidental falls or being struck by equipment.