Orthodontic Treatment and Sports: What Westbury Athletes Should Know About Braces and Aligners
Playing sports is a big part of growing up in Westbury, whether it is school teams, youth leagues, or weekend pickup games. But for kids and teens with braces or aligners, staying active also means learning how to protect their smiles. At Brush Hollow Orthodontics, we often get questions from parents and young athletes wondering if orthodontic treatment is compatible with sports.
The short answer is yes, with the right protection and care, your child can keep playing confidently. In this guide, we will break down how braces and aligners impact sports, what kind of protection is necessary, and how to handle orthodontic issues if an injury happens during a game.
Can You Play Sports With Braces?
Yes, athletes can play sports with braces, but they need proper protection to avoid injury or damage to their orthodontic appliances.
What risks do braces pose in contact sports?
Braces are made of metal brackets and wires that sit on the teeth, and while they are strong, they can cause or worsen oral injuries if hit. A blow to the face can lead to:
- Broken brackets or wires
- Cuts to the cheeks, lips, or gums
- Emergency orthodontic visits for repairs
Even in non-contact sports, accidental collisions or falls can put orthodontic appliances at risk.
What sports are riskier for braces wearers?
Some sports involve higher chances of contact with other players or equipment. Here’s a general breakdown:
- High-contact sports: Football, hockey, boxing, lacrosse, wrestling
- Moderate-contact sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball
- Low-contact or no-contact sports: Swimming, running, tennis, golf
Kids in Westbury who play on school teams or in rec leagues should consider wearing a mouthguard regardless of the sport’s contact level, especially if they wear braces.
If your child is just beginning treatment, visit our Early Orthodontic Treatment section to learn how we protect young smiles during active years.
What Type of Mouthguard Should I Use With Braces?
Athletes with braces should use a custom orthodontic mouthguard for the best fit, comfort, and protection.
Store-bought vs. custom-fit mouthguards
Mouthguards come in several types, but not all are designed for braces. Many families first try store-bought “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, which are inexpensive and available at sporting goods stores. However, these generic options can be uncomfortable, may not fit over brackets properly, and often don’t provide enough protection.
Custom orthodontic mouthguards, on the other hand, are created by your orthodontist to fit precisely over braces and adjust as teeth shift. Compared to store-bought options, they offer significantly better retention, comfort, and shock absorption. Store-bought guards may shift during activity or press too tightly on brackets, while custom guards are designed to stay in place and protect both soft tissue and orthodontic appliances.
Why custom mouthguards offer better protection
Generic guards tend to shift during activity and may even pop out during impact. Worse, they can press against brackets and wires, increasing the chance of injury. At Brush Hollow Orthodontics, we create custom sports mouthguards that fit securely, stay in place, and protect both the teeth and orthodontic hardware during play.
Interested in a custom mouthguard for your child? Contact our Westbury office to schedule a fitting or learn more about your options.
How to Get a Custom Sports Mouthguard in Westbury
You can get a custom sports mouthguard by scheduling a quick appointment at our Westbury orthodontic clinic.
What to expect during a mouthguard fitting
Getting a custom mouthguard is a simple and fast process. At Brush Hollow Orthodontics, we take a digital scan or impression of your child’s teeth and braces to create a guard that fits snugly around their current alignment. The final product is designed to stay secure during movement and provide maximum protection across the brackets and gums.
Your child will be able to:
- Choose from a variety of colors and styles
- Try on the guard for comfort and fit before leaving
- Return for adjustments if teeth shift during treatment
Custom mouthguards typically take about a week to produce, and we offer replacements as needed throughout orthodontic care.
Is it covered by insurance?
Brush Hollow Orthodontics works with many insurance providers to help make orthodontic care more affordable for Westbury families. While sports mouthguards are not always covered by dental insurance, coverage depends on your specific plan. The good news is that our team offers flexible payment options and financing solutions to fit your budget. We also accept FSA and HSA accounts, which many families use for custom mouthguard expenses.
If you are unsure about coverage, we are happy to check your benefits and explain your options during your visit.
To learn more about financing or coverage, visit our New Patients page or contact us directly.
What Should I Do If I Get Hit in the Mouth With Braces?
If you get hit in the mouth with braces, inspect for damage, apply first aid, and contact your orthodontist right away.
Signs of orthodontic damage
After an impact during sports, it is important to check the mouth carefully. Damage might not always be painful at first, but delaying care can make the problem worse. Here’s what to watch for:
- Broken brackets or wires
- Cuts on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or gums
- Loosened teeth or abnormal soreness
Some injuries can interrupt your orthodontic progress, so even minor damage should be looked at quickly.
First aid steps before seeing your orthodontist
If an injury happens during a game or practice, take these immediate steps to protect your child’s smile until you can reach us:
- Rinse the mouth gently with warm water to remove blood and debris.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or protruding wires.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Check for any loosened appliances, such as brackets or bands.
- Call your orthodontist to report the injury and schedule an emergency visit.
Knowing what to do immediately after a sports-related mouth injury can prevent further complications. Follow these steps to stabilize the situation and protect the treatment progress.
For more on how braces work and what to expect during treatment, visit our page on Traditional Braces.
Can I Wear Invisalign During Sports?
Yes, you can wear Invisalign during sports, but it is best to remove your aligners during high-contact activities.
Benefits of removable aligners for athletes
Invisalign offers unique advantages for active teens and kids. Since the aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic with no metal brackets or wires, the risk of soft tissue injury is lower than with traditional braces. Athletes often appreciate that:
- Aligners can be removed during contact sports or practice
- No metal parts means fewer cuts or irritation
- Oral hygiene is easier, especially after practices or games
For Westbury athletes who play low-contact sports like track, swimming, or tennis, Invisalign can often be worn throughout activity with little to no risk.
When to remove them during activities
In high-contact sports like football, wrestling, or hockey, we recommend removing Invisalign trays and using a separate sports mouthguard instead. Aligners are not designed to withstand impact and may crack or interfere with proper protection. After the game or practice, aligners should be cleaned and worn again as soon as possible to stay on track with treatment.
If your child uses Invisalign, these tips will help them stay safe and compliant during sports:
- Remove aligners for full-contact games
- Always store them in a clean case, never in a napkin or pocket
- Wear a fitted mouthguard if playing without the trays
Curious if your child is a candidate for clear aligners? Learn more about our Invisalign options by visiting our Invisalign Treatment section.
Why Orthodontic Protection Matters for Youth Athletes
Orthodontic protection is essential for youth athletes to prevent injuries, protect treatment progress, and avoid costly dental emergencies.
Long-term effects of sports-related dental trauma
A single hit to the mouth can do more than just break a bracket. For young athletes wearing braces or aligners, an impact can:
- Delay orthodontic progress, leading to longer treatment times
- Require emergency repairs, which can be painful and expensive
- Cause permanent damage, such as cracked teeth or root trauma
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who do not wear mouthguards are significantly more susceptible to dental injuries. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of dental trauma among mouthguard users was between 7.5% and 7.75%, compared to 48.31% to 59.98% among non-users. This indicates that mouthguard users were between 82% and 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries.
At Brush Hollow Orthodontics, we have seen how the right mouthguard can prevent weeks of discomfort and extra appointments. Protecting your child’s smile today can mean fewer problems in the future.
Preventative habits for kids in sports
Taking proactive steps is the best way to keep orthodontic treatment on track while staying active. Here are habits every young athlete in Westbury should follow:
Simple routines can go a long way in preventing orthodontic injuries during sports. Encourage your child to:
- Wear a properly fitted mouthguard for every practice and game
- Store their aligners safely when not in use
- Report any discomfort or damage to their orthodontist immediately
- Avoid chewing on gear like helmet straps or mouthguard cases
- Rinse and clean their mouthguard regularly to avoid bacteria buildup
To get your child fitted with a protective appliance, reach out to our team on the Contact Page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are aligners for orthodontic treatment?
Aligners for orthodontic treatment are clear, removable trays used to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Unlike braces, they don’t have brackets or wires. These aligners are ideal for teens and adults seeking a discreet way to straighten their teeth during daily activities, including sports.
How do I know if I need braces or aligners?
To determine whether you need braces or aligners, your orthodontist will assess your bite, crowding, spacing, and treatment goals. Braces are often recommended for more complex orthodontic issues, while aligners may be suitable for mild to moderate corrections. In Westbury, we help patients choose the best solution during a personalized consultation.
Why are braces important in exercise or sports?
Braces are important in sports because they straighten your teeth while creating a higher risk of injury if the mouth is hit. That is why athletes with braces must wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Without protection, a blow to the face could damage brackets or cause soft tissue injuries.
What are the aims of orthodontic treatment?
The main aims of orthodontic treatment are to align teeth, correct bite issues, and improve oral health and facial balance. Treatment can also prevent long-term dental problems such as uneven wear, jaw pain, or tooth decay. Whether using braces or aligners, the goal is to create a healthy, confident smile.
What are the benefits of aligner treatment?
The benefits of aligner treatment include the ability to remove trays during eating, brushing, and sports. Aligner trays are clear, making them less noticeable than braces. For athletes in Westbury, aligners offer more flexibility and comfort during practice and games.
Protecting Your Smile While Staying in the Game
Orthodontic treatment does not mean your child has to sit on the sidelines. Whether they wear braces or Invisalign, Westbury athletes can keep playing the sports they love, safely and confidently, with the right protection. From custom mouthguards to quick responses after an injury, a proactive approach helps prevent setbacks and keeps treatment on track.
Want to make sure your child’s smile is protected this season? Schedule a custom mouthguard fitting or orthodontic consultation at our Westbury clinic today and give them the confidence to play hard, without compromising their smile.
