Mouthguards for Braces: How to Play Sport Safely
Why a mouthguard matters more when you have braces
Braces do not make your teeth fragile, but they do change what happens in an impact. Brackets and wires are hard. A knock that would bruise an unprotected lip can split it against a bracket. A ball to the mouth can break a wire, dislodge a bracket or drive a wire into the gum.
The Australian Dental Association NSW reports that sports related injuries account for nearly 40 per cent of dental injuries, yet only 36 per cent of Australians wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport, and even fewer wear one at training. Training is where a lot of injuries happen, because guards stay in the bag.
A single case of dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of treatment. That sentence is worth reading twice if you are weighing up the cost of a mouthguard.
Do you need a special mouthguard for braces?
Yes, and the reason is mechanical. A standard mouthguard is moulded to the shape of finished teeth. Put it over brackets and it sits too high, presses on the gums and does not seat properly. An orthodontic mouthguard has extra room in the labial area to sit over brackets and wires without pushing on them.
Some people manage with a standard guard in the short term. It is a compromise, not a solution. If you are in treatment, get one that is designed for it.
The three types, compared
| Type | Fit | Protection | Suits braces? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock, off the shelf | One size | Basic | Poorly. Rarely seats over brackets |
| Boil and bite | Self moulded | Moderate | Some orthodontic versions exist, fit is variable |
| Custom fitted | Made from a scan or impression of your mouth | Best | Yes, made to clear your brackets |
ADA NSW lists the benefits of a custom fit plainly: it minimises injury risk to teeth, gums and jaw, makes breathing and speaking easier, is far more comfortable than boil and bite, and lasts multiple seasons if it is looked after.
When to get fitted
The best time is the week your braces go on. Your mouth has changed shape and your old guard no longer fits. Fitting early means you are covered from the first training session, not from the first injury.
If your treatment changes significantly, for example with elastics or a new wire sequence, ask whether the guard still seats correctly. A guard that rocks or lifts is not protecting you.
Getting the fit right with braces
- We scan or take an impression of your mouth with the braces in place.
- The guard is built with clearance over the brackets and a firm seat on the back teeth.
- You try it in the chair. It should click into place and stay put when you open wide.
- You should be able to speak and breathe without fighting it. If you cannot, the fit needs adjusting.
- Bring it to reviews. We check it as your bite moves.
Which sports need one
Contact sports get the attention, but the list is wider than football and boxing. Basketball, netball, soccer, hockey, rugby league, rugby union, AFL, martial arts, skateboarding, mountain biking and trampolining all produce dental injuries. So does anything with a ball, an elbow or a hard surface.
Swimming and running do not need one. If you are unsure, ask. The answer is usually yes for anything where a collision is plausible.
Caring for your mouthguard
- Rinse it with cool water after every use, before it goes back in the case.
- Wash it with a soft brush and mild soap weekly. Not toothpaste, which is abrasive.
- Let it air dry in a vented case. Never seal it damp.
- Keep it out of hot cars and direct sun, which warp the material.
- Do not chew it. Chewing destroys the fit faster than anything else.
- Replace it if it tears, thins or stops seating.
What to do if you take a knock
Stop playing and check. If a bracket has come off, a wire is poking or a tooth feels loose or displaced, call the clinic. Our guide to orthodontic emergencies explains what counts as urgent and what can wait until the next working day. For a knocked out adult tooth, that is a dental emergency and time matters.
If the tooth itself is damaged, see the emergency orthodontics page or call us straight away.
Mouthguards after treatment
When the braces come off, your mouth changes shape again, and your braces guard will no longer fit. Many patients choose a new custom guard for sport and wear their retainer outside sport, not during it. Never play contact sport in a removable retainer. It can fracture, and a fractured retainer is a problem you can avoid. Read the types of dental retainers for what suits your lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a normal mouthguard with braces?
You can, but it will not fit well. A standard guard is shaped for unbracketed teeth, so it tends to sit high and press on the gums. An orthodontic guard with extra clearance is the better choice.
What is the best mouthguard for braces?
A custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard made from a scan of your mouth with the braces on. It seats properly, clears the brackets, and is comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.
Do you need a special mouthguard for braces for football?
Yes, football is one of the highest risk sports for dental injury. Wear a custom orthodontic guard at training as well as on game day. Most injuries we see happen at training.
Can I wear my retainer instead of a mouthguard?
No. A retainer holds teeth in position. It is not designed to absorb impact, and it can break or cause injury if it does. Use a mouthguard for sport and your retainer at all other times.
How long does a mouthguard last?
Several seasons if it is cleaned, stored in a vented case and not chewed. With braces, expect to replace it when treatment changes your bite significantly, or if it stops seating cleanly.
Does a mouthguard stop braces from working?
No. A properly fitted guard sits over the brackets without pushing on them, so it does not interfere with tooth movement. A guard that presses hard on the brackets should be adjusted.
Should my child wear a mouthguard at training?
Yes. The Australian Dental Association NSW notes that even fewer Australians wear a mouthguard during training than during matches, which is exactly where a large share of injuries occur.
Related Reading from Orthoworx
- Braces at Orthoworx
- What counts as an orthodontic emergency
- Types of dental retainers
- Caring for teeth in braces
- Emergency orthodontics
Further Reading (External Resources)
Get fitted before the season starts
Bring your guard to your next adjustment and we will check the fit while we check your braces.
Call Zetland: (02) 9663 0070 Call Chatswood: (02) 5600 1000 Request an appointment online
