Patient Education
BracesandSports:HowtoProtectYourTeethandYourBraces
Written by Dr. Judy Nguyen
Reviewed by Dr. Thao Vu
·October 28, 2026
You can play sports with braces. Why a mouthguard matters, which type to use, and what to do if a bracket breaks during a game, from Bloom's board-certified orthodontists in Long Beach and Garden Grove.
Yes, you can keep playing sports with braces, and a mouthguard is the most important piece of gear to add. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) calls wearing a mouthguard with braces strongly recommended, because a well-fitted guard covers the braces and protects against dental injury.
Here is how to choose a guard, what to do after a hit, and how to keep treatment on schedule through the season.
Why Braces Change the Risk
The AAO's guide to orthodontic emergencies opens with a familiar scene: a child takes a fall at soccer practice. Brackets and wires can loosen or bend with a hit, and the AAO lists wearing a mouthguard for sports among its main tips for preventing orthodontic emergencies.
Choosing a Mouthguard
Custom guards. The AAO says custom mouthguards offer the best fit and protection. Ask your orthodontist whether they make them, since teeth keep moving during treatment and the guard may need to be refit.
Store-bought guards. If you use one, pick a style that fits over braces and does not press hard on the brackets. Bring it to your next visit and we will check the fit.
Care. The AAO recommends rinsing the guard before and after use, cleaning it once or twice a week, keeping it out of hot cars and hot water, and storing it in a ventilated case. Replace it if it is damaged, no longer fits, or after a big growth spurt.
Aligners and Sports
If you wear clear aligners, ask your orthodontist whether to keep the trays in or switch to a mouthguard for your sport. Either way, keep the aligner case in your bag so trays that come out do not get lost.
If a Bracket Breaks During a Game
- Check for injury first. The AAO says to seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, a suspected broken jaw, or a knocked-out permanent tooth.
- Cover sharp spots with orthodontic wax.
- Slide a loose bracket back to the center of the tooth if it is still on the wire.
- Call the office. The AAO says broken brackets or loose wires can affect treatment, so let your orthodontist know.
Sports and Braces at Bloom
Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who treat athletes of all ages at our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices. We can talk through mouthguard options at any visit, and the free consultation includes X-rays, records, and a treatment simulation. Parents can read more on our teen orthodontics page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play sports with braces?
Yes. Wear a mouthguard for any sport with a risk of contact or falls.
What kind of mouthguard should I use with braces?
The AAO says custom guards give the best fit and protection. A store-bought guard made to fit over braces is another option. Ask your orthodontist to check the fit.
Should I wear aligners during sports?
Ask your orthodontist. The answer depends on the sport and your plan, and a mouthguard may be the better choice for contact sports.
What if a bracket breaks during practice?
Cover any sharp spot with wax and call the office. Go to emergency care first if there is a serious injury.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, Mouthguards
- American Association of Orthodontists, What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
- Bloom details: Teen orthodontics
Playing a sport this season? Book a free consultation at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.
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