Can you play sports with braces? Absolutely! At Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas, Dr. Ragan and our team want you to know that braces don’t stop you from being an athlete. You can stay active with the right precautions and a bit of forethought. All you need to do is wear a mouthguard. Playing sports with braces is very doable. So long as you’re safe, use the proper equipment, and follow our team’s instructions, your smile can stay in the game. As a former college Baseball player at Baylor University, with a PE Health Sciences Degree with an athletic training specialty, We love our Athletes and are always trying to find ways to keep you in the game.
Understanding the Basics
Playing sports with braces may feel different. But with the right approach, it’s perfectly manageable. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of braces offered at Ragan Orthodontics. Each one can fit into your active lifestyle.
Metal Braces
Why do more people wear metal braces than clear?! Metal braces hold up. They do their job well. With metal braces, we’ve helped hundreds of patients just like you. Metal appliances can tackle anything you throw at them (although we don’t recommend you do that). Wearing a braces-friendly mouthguard like the shock doctor for braces, over your metal braces is a must if you play sports. You’ll safeguard your braces and teeth, and reduce your risk of injury.
Clear Braces
Let’s clear the air: clear braces work just as well as metal braces. Wearing a mouthguard is just as important and critical with clear braces. But, they’re a lot less noticeable. Made from ceramic, they blend with your teeth. So, they get additional points for being more discreet. Just because they’re clear doesn’t mean they’re weak but they dont hold up quite as well as the metal when it comes to sports. These braces have their game faces on! They’re ready for the line of scrimmage. But the same as metal, a mouthguard is the key to keeping your teeth safe during sports activities.
WildSmiles Braces
WildSmiles braces are here to show their team spirit! They combine the reliability of metal braces with customizable brackets in fun shapes like stars, hearts, and more. They’re the same caliber you get from traditional braces but with a touch of personality. Like with metal and clear braces, Dr. Ragan recommends wearing a mouthguard on the track, field, or court.
Protecting Your Smile
Most sports come with equipment. Your smile has safety equipment, too. It’s called a mouthguard. And you need one when you’re in the game. A mouthguard is your best defense against injury. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Mouthguards
- Custom-Made Mouthguards: These give you the best fit and protection. Plus, at Ragan Orthodontics, we can create a mouthguard, especially for you. Dr. Ragan recommends custom or braces-ready mouthguards once your orthodontic treatment is done, and no movement is required. With Dr Ragan’s daughter playing both Field Hockey and Lacrosse at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, he is very familiar with the use of custom mouthguards for athletes at all levels. He even made them for all the girls on both teams for the Bullets as they push for a NCAA championship.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These should not be used with Braces as they can break the braces and stop the teeth from moving )Available at athletic stores, these offer a decent fit. You’ll soften them in hot water and mold them to your teeth. This is a great, and affordable option for every child who plays sports but not with Braces.
- Stock Mouthguards, Braces specific: These are pre-formed and the least expensive option, but they often provide the least protection and comfort. We recommend and sell the Shock Doctor for Braces.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard
A mouthguard cushions any impact on your face, protecting your teeth, braces, and gums. It reduces the risk of cuts inside your mouth and helps prevent damage to your braces. It can also be effective in prevention of certain types of concussion. Wearing a mouthguard is essential whether you’re playing contact sports like wrestling or football or non-contact sports like basketball, soccer, or baseball.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Selecting the right mouthguard is key to protecting your braces and your smile during sports. Here are the options available and their benefits:
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards come with the best fit and protection. In our Dallas offices, we engineer your mouthguard just for you. That kind of quality is worth a field goal! Huddle up at Ragan Orthodontics, and we’ll create your mouthguard to fit perfectly over your braces. They’ll act like your defensive line against shock and impact.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards might not be your first-draft pick. But, they are the most affordable and readily available option. They come pre-formed and ready to wear. However, they often fall short when it comes to protection. And, they can be uncomfortable due to their one-size-fits-all design. Nobody wants a one-size-fits-all uniform! Braces specific mouthguards like the Shock Doctor for braces are the best Stock guards on the market and we have them for you to save a trip to the athletic store.
For the best protection and comfort, custom-made mouthguards from Ragan Orthodontics are the top choice. Dr. Ragan and the team at our Park Cities and Preston Hollow locations can help you get the perfect fit to keep your smile safe while you play.
Practical Tips for Athletes with Braces
Playing sports with braces requires some extra laps to keep your smile safe. Here are some practical tips to help you stay active and protect your braces:
Regular Check-Ups
Visit Dr. Ragan in person and our Ragan Orthodontics team regularly or via your 3D scan, to keep your braces in good shape. Regular check-ups help us catch any issues early. We don’t want to sideline your treatment!
Avoid Hard Foods
Keep away from hard and sticky foods that can damage your braces. That’s a quick trip to the penalty box! Foods like popcorn, nuts, and chewy candy can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, which can delay your treatment. We call “foul” on hard foods!
Stay Hydrated
Drink! You need water to stay hydrated for the field. You also need it to help rinse away food particles. Staying hydrated also prevents dry mouth, which can lead to plaque build-up around your braces.
Good Oral Hygiene
You train between practices and games right? So, you brush and floss after every meal. Use special orthodontic brushes and floss threaders to clean your braces. Keeping your teeth and braces clean prevents problems like cavities and gum disease.
Braces for Athletes at Ragan Orthodontics
Game time! Dr. Ragan will cheer you on from the stands. To learn more about how Ragan Orthodontics can help your smile score the winning goal, visit us here to schedule your free consultation.