One of the most common concerns we hear from parents all around Chicago and the North Shore is, “Can my child still play sports while wearing braces?” The short answer is a resounding yes! At Lippitz Orthodontics, we know that undergoing orthodontic treatment shouldn’t mean sidelining your child from their active lifestyle. Whether your student athlete is playing soccer in Lincolnwood, hockey in Northbrook, or participating in school sports across the North Shore, they can absolutely maintain their passion. The key to a successful experience with playing sports with braces is simple: preparation, the right protective gear, and consistent orthodontic care.
We understand the hesitation. Traditional braces use brackets and wires, and the last thing any parent wants is to increase the risk of dental injuries or a painful mouth injury. However, with the guidance of Dr. Lippitz and the right protection—specifically an orthodontic mouthguard—your child can continue playing sports with braces safely, without sacrificing their time on the field or their path to a beautifully aligned smile. We’ve been helping families in the Chicago area for over 70 years, and we’re here to make sure your child’s treatment is smooth and worry-free.
Playing Sports with Braces: Safety and Confidence
For athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment, safety starts with understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them. Playing sports with braces isn’t dangerous when you partner with the experienced team at Lippitz Orthodontics and follow our simple guidelines.
Can My Child Play Contact Sports with Braces?
Absolutely, your student athlete can still play contact sports! High contact sports like football, basketball, wrestling, and lacrosse pose the highest risk for oral injuries, but with the correct protective gear, your child’s braces stay safe, and their teeth are shielded. The focus shifts from avoiding hard foods (which is still important!) to using a specially designed specifically to protect a mouth with traditional braces.
Even in non contact sports such as baseball, gymnastics, or biking, a sudden fall or impact can lead to a significant injury. We recommend an orthodontic mouthguard for any activity where there is a chance of collision with a ball, the ground, or another player.
The greatest advantage of modern orthodontic treatment is that it’s flexible enough to fit into a busy, athletic life. To ensure your child can play sports safely while wearing braces, the first and most crucial step is securing a mouthguard designed specifically to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and the orthodontic hardware itself.
The Essential Protective Gear: Orthodontic Mouthguards
A significant difference between standard athletic protection and safety for athletes with braces is the mouthguard. Regular boil-and-bite or regular mouthguards are molded to the current shape of the teeth. During orthodontic treatment, your child’s teeth are constantly moving, meaning a non-orthodontic guard will quickly become uncomfortable and won’t fit comfortably over the brackets. Worse, if an impact occurs, the mouthguard can actually push the brackets directly into the soft tissue of the mouth, causing bleeding gums and painful oral injuries.
Why a Regular Mouthguard Isn’t Enough
Regular mouthguards are molded to the current shape of the teeth. During orthodontic treatment, your child’s teeth are constantly moving. A non-orthodontic guard will quickly become uncomfortable and won’t fit comfortably over the brackets. Worse, if an impact occurs, the mouthguard can push the brackets directly into the soft tissue of the mouth, causing bleeding gums and painful oral injuries.
Choosing the Right Orthodontic Mouthguard
An orthodontic mouthguard is specifically designed with a channel that fits over the brackets and wires. This channel provides an additional layer of cushioning and allows the teeth to move slightly during the treatment without being restricted. This ensures better protection for their smile.
At Lippitz Orthodontics, serving our families in Glencoe, Northbrook, and Chicago, we often recommend two primary types of mouthguards for protecting braces:
- Ready-Made Guards: These offer an immediate solution and are a great starting point for many school sports and recreational sports activities. They are generally made from a softer material that offers a good level of basic protection.
- Custom Mouthguard: Created right in our office from a mold of your child’s mouth, a custom mouthguard offers the best fit and highest level of protection. This is highly recommended for those who play contact sports or high impact sports regularly, as the superior fit allows the athletes to breathe and speak more easily, making them more likely to wear it consistently.
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To learn more about how we personalize every smile journey, explore the different modern orthodontic treatment choices available in our Chicago, Northbrook, and Glencoe offices.
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Braces Care for Athletes: Prevention and Quick Fixes
Even with the best protective gear, minor issues like loose brackets, a broken bracket, or a bent wire can occasionally happen, which we know is a very common concern. Knowing how to handle these situations quickly is essential for athletes with braces to keep their focus on the game.
Your Essential Braces Care Kit for Sports
Every student athlete should keep a small braces care kit in their sports bag. This kit is your first line of defense against minor discomfort and a necessary part of maintaining good oral health and learning how to protect your braces.
What to include:
- Orthodontic Wax: This is the most crucial item for temporary relief from a poking wire or irritated cheek. A small piece of orthodontic wax placed over the offending bracket or wire can immediately reduce irritation and allow your child to finish practice or a game.
- Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Post-game or post-practice brushing is critical, especially after consuming sports drinks or other sugary drinks. This helps keep the braces clean and helps prevent cavities.
- Small Mirror: Helps your child check for food or a loose piece of hardware.
- Water Bottle: Remind your athlete to stay hydrated throughout all physical activity, as this promotes overall oral health.
Quick Fixes for Common Issues
If a wire is broken or a bracket comes loose during sports with braces, the first step is to stay calm and remember your team at Lippitz Orthodontics is here for you. While it can be uncomfortable, it is rarely life threatening.
- Use Wax: Apply orthodontic wax to any sharp edges to prevent a mouth injury.
- Contact Lippitz Orthodontics: Call one of our three convenient Chicago area offices – in Chicago, Northbrook, or Glencoe – as soon as possible. Dr. Lippitz and our team will advise you whether it’s safe to wait for your next appointment or if an emergency visit is necessary. Never try to cut a broken wires or fix a broken brackets at home, as this can lead to further damage braces. It’s always best to let the experts handle your orthodontic treatment.
Maintaining an Active Lifestyle Through Treatment
Playing sports with braces should feel like a minor adjustment, not a major sacrifice. By being diligent about their protective gear, carrying their braces care kit, and keeping open communication with our team, your young athlete won’t miss a beat. They can continue to compete, smile confidently, and enjoy their favorite sports while achieving the healthy, beautifully aligned smile they deserve.
At Lippitz Orthodontics, we are your partners in achieving a healthy, confident smile—whether on the field or off. We believe that when your smile is protected, your confidence soars. This is our promise to the families of the Chicago, Glencoe, and Northbrook communities.
Ready to ensure your child’s smile is smile safe through every game and practice while they receive the highest quality orthodontic care?