Yes, you can play sports with braces. Wearing dental braces does not mean you have to stop playing hockey, basketball, soccer, or any other sport you enjoy. Many athletes successfully play sports with braces and continue their activities throughout orthodontic treatment. The key is to understand the risks and use proper protection.
Braces add brackets and wires to the teeth. While they are safe and effective for correcting alignment, they can increase the risk of injury during sports if the mouth is not protected. With the right precautions, however, you can stay active and protect your smile at the same time.
The Risks of Playing Sports with Braces
Participating in sports is exciting, rewarding, and an important part of staying active. But every athletic activity carries some risk, especially when it involves physical contact or fast movement. For patients playing sports with braces, those risks can be slightly higher if proper precautions are not taken.
In this video, we explain why extra protection is essential during playing sports with braces and review the most common dental emergencies that can occur when safety measures are ignored:
An injury during sport can cause dental trauma, including tooth loss complications or a tooth fracture. Brackets and wires may also bend or detach, delaying orthodontic progress and requiring emergency repair. In addition, braces can increase the likelihood of soft tissue injury. If the lips are forcefully pressed against brackets, cuts and swelling may occur inside the mouth.
According to the American Dental Association, athletes who wear properly fitted mouthguards significantly reduce their risk of dental injury.
Which Sports Carry the Highest Risk?
Not all sports carry the same level of risk. Contact and collision sports present a higher chance of facial impact.
Higher risk sports include:
- Hockey, football, and martial arts
- Basketball and soccer: where accidental elbows or falls are common
Even recreational play can result in accidental trauma. For this reason, protective measures are recommended for both competitive and non-competitive athletes.
If you are considering treatment later in life, explore our guide on orthodontic options for adults to learn about modern solutions designed for comfort, discretion, and long-term results.
Why a Mouthguard Is Essential While You Play Sports with Braces
A properly fitted Mouthguard is the most important protective tool for athletes who play sports with braces. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and distributes impact forces across a broader surface. This reduces direct pressure on individual teeth and brackets while playing sports with braces. It also creates a barrier between braces and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks.
Custom Mouthguards from Your Dentist
A Custom mouthguard is fabricated using impressions or digital scans of your teeth. It is designed to accommodate brackets while allowing room for ongoing tooth movement.
Custom mouthguards provide superior retention, comfort, and protection compared to store-bought options. Because orthodontic treatment gradually changes tooth position, your dentist may adjust or remake the orthodontic appliance as needed.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are widely available. While they may offer some protection, they are not specifically designed for orthodontic appliances. Improper fit may reduce effectiveness and cause discomfort.
Approximate Mouthguard Costs in North York
| Type of Mouthguard | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Protection Level | Recommended for Braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Mouthguard (Pre -made) | $10 to $25 | Basic | Not recommended |
| Boil and Bite Mouthguard | $25 to $60 | Moderate | Limited protection |
| Custom Mouthguard | $150 to $300 | High | Strongly recommended |
What Affects the Cost?
The final cost of a custom mouthguard to play sports with braces may depend on:
- Whether digital scanning or traditional impressions are used
- Whether adjustments are required during orthodontic treatment
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for custom sports mouthguards, especially for children and teens involved in organized sports.
If you or your family members don’t have private dental insurance, you can learn how to apply for federal coverage by checking out our guide on how to apply for CDCP and see how the program specifically supports young patients in our article on CDCP for children.
Do You Need a Mouthguard with Clear Aligners?
Patients treated with Invisalign often ask whether aligners can replace a mouthguard. Aligners are not impact protective devices. During contact sports, they are typically removed and replaced with a sports mouthguard. Your dentist will provide individualized instructions depending on your treatment stage.
Why Families in North York Choose Empress Walk Dental
Our clinic is conveniently located near Yonge and Sheppard in North York. Families appreciate accessible appointments, transparent communication, and evidence-based care.
Dr. Alireza Golabchifar
Lead Dentist
Dr. Alireza Golabchifar has over 30 years of experience in dentistry in Canada and internationally. Dr. Golabchifar has successfully treated more than 6,000 orthodontic cases and achieved the highest score on the Canadian Dental Equivalency Exam among 850 international dentists in his cohort.
His areas of focus include braces and Invisalign treatment, implant surgery, restorative dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, and CEREC digital restorations.
As the founder and lead dentist at Empress Walk Dental in North York, He ensures that each treatment plan is personalized and medically reviewed. We provide clear guidance on sports safety, emergency protocols, and protective options tailored to each patient.
Protect Your Smile While Staying Active!
Schedule an appointment at Empress Walk Dental near Yonge and Sheppard for a custom sports mouthguard or orthodontic consultation. Urgent care is available for dental injuries and severe pain.
Schedule your appointment now!
What Happens If Your Braces Get Hit?
If your braces are struck during sports, evaluate the situation carefully. Common issues include loose brackets, bent wires, and discomfort. Applying Orthodontic wax can temporarily cover sharp areas and reduce irritation until you are seen by your dentist.
Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Heavy bleeding or a knocked-out tooth
At Empress Walk Dental, patients with severe pain or active bleeding are prioritized for same-day emergency assessment.
Preventing Delays in Orthodontic Treatment
Damage to braces can extend treatment time. A broken bracket or prolonged delay in repair may interfere with planned tooth movement.
Preventive steps such as wearing a custom mouthguard while playing sports with braces and attending regular orthodontic visits help keep your treatment on schedule. Consistency and protection are essential for achieving the best long-term results.
For helpful tips on protecting your braces between sports and everyday life, check out our guides on foods to avoid eating with braces to prevent damage and how to brush your teeth with braces to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
Take control of your smile while playing sports with braces in North York
Playing sports with braces is completely possible when you take the right precautions and use a properly fitted mouthguard. At Empress Walk Dental, we provide personalized guidance to help protect your teeth, maintain your orthodontic progress, and prevent injuries. Our team can review your treatment plan, recommend the best protective appliances, and ensure your smile stays healthy and confident throughout your athletic activities.
Along with sports protection and orthodontic care, Empress Walk Dental offers a full range of dental services, including dental exams and cleanings, teeth whitening, and laser surgery, all conveniently located near Yonge & Sheppard in North York. Schedule your appointment today and let our experienced team help you stay active without compromising your smile.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person dental examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients with broken brackets, loose wires, severe tooth pain, swelling, or other urgent orthodontic issues receive priority scheduling at Empress Walk Dental. After hours, patients should seek care at the nearest hospital emergency department.
FAQ
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Can I play soccer or basketball with braces?
Yes, you can. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard protects your teeth, brackets, and soft tissues from injury while playing sports with braces.
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What type of mouthguard is best for braces?
A custom mouthguard made by your dentist offers the best protection and comfort while playing sports with braces. Boil-and-bite or stock options may not fit properly over braces.
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What should I do if a bracket breaks during a game?
Apply orthodontic wax over sharp areas to reduce irritation, and contact Empress Walk Dental as soon as possible for emergency care.
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Can Invisalign aligners protect my teeth during sports?
No, clear aligners are not designed for impact protection. You should remove them and use a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports.
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How often should I replace a sports mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards may need adjustments or replacement as your teeth move during orthodontic treatment. Over-the-counter mouthguards may need replacement more frequently.
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