Wearing braces shouldn’t stop you or your child from enjoying the sports you love. Whether you play soccer, hockey, gymnastics, or martial arts, staying active is a big part of a healthy lifestyle—and Innova Orthodontics, located in Port Coquitlam, is here to help you do that safely. Our certified orthodontic specialists know how important it is to keep your orthodontic treatment on track while also protecting your teeth and braces during physical activity. In this post, we’ll walk you through essential tips, do’s and don’ts, and how Coquitlam Orthodontics can support your active lifestyle.
Can You Play Sports with Braces?
Yes, you can absolutely play sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment. In fact, many of our patients at Innova Orthodontics are student-athletes or adults who participate in recreational and competitive sports. However, it’s important to take some precautions. Braces and contact sports don’t always mix easily—without the right protection, accidental hits to the face can lead to injuries, discomfort, or even damage to your braces. That’s why wearing a mouthguard is essential.
The Importance of Mouthguards During Orthodontic Treatment
A mouthguard is your first line of defense when playing sports with braces. It helps protect not just your teeth and gums, but also your brackets and wires from impacts that could cause injuries or set back your orthodontic progress. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends wearing a mouthguard for sports like basketball, football, hockey, boxing, lacrosse, rugby, martial arts, volleyball, skateboarding, and even track and field.
Not all mouthguards are created equal. For patients with braces, the best option is a prefabricated orthodontic mouthguard. These models are designed to allow room for brackets and tooth movement, making them more suitable than “boil-and-bite” or custom-fitted mouthguards that might interfere with your treatment. When selecting a mouthguard, make sure it’s tear-resistant, breathable, easy to clean, and fits comfortably without restricting speech or airflow.
How to Take Care of Your Mouthguard
Proper maintenance of your mouthguard is just as important as wearing it. After each use, gently brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Store it in a ventilated case—not in a completely sealed container, which can trap moisture and create odor. Keep your mouthguard away from direct sunlight or hot water, as these can warp its shape. We recommend replacing your mouthguard at the start of each sports season, or sooner if it becomes worn or no longer fits properly.
What to Do in Case of a Sports Injury
Accidents happen, even with the best precautions. If you experience a hit to the mouth while wearing braces, check for any visible damage to your teeth, brackets, or wires. If you notice anything loose, bent, or broken, contact Innova Orthodontics immediately. In the meantime, you can apply orthodontic wax to any irritating spots and rinse with warm salt water to reduce discomfort. Our team is always available to help patients manage emergencies and get back on track as soon as possible.
Braces, Invisalign, and Active Lifestyles
For some patients, especially teens and adults in non-contact sports, Invisalign may be an alternative worth exploring. Invisalign aligners are removable, which allows you to take them out during physical activity (as long as it’s safe and appropriate to do so). However, this flexibility also requires discipline—you must remember to wear the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day to keep your treatment progressing.
Our team at Innova Orthodontics will evaluate your activity level, lifestyle, and orthodontic goals to recommend the best treatment plan for you. Whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign, you can trust that your orthodontic care will support—not limit—your active life.
Always Count on Your Orthodontist
At Innova Orthodontics, we understand that life doesn’t stop during treatment—and it shouldn’t have to. Our certified orthodontic specialists are committed to providing ongoing support, guidance, and personalized care to help you or your child stay active and protected throughout your orthodontic journey. We’re here to answer questions, provide mouthguard recommendations, and assist with any sports-related concerns that may come up.
Orthodontist in Coquitlam
Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, straighter smile while staying active and protected? Contact Innova Orthodontics for expert advice, fully customized treatment plans, and the latest orthodontic solutions including Invisalign and braces. Discover trusted care and experienced specialists with Coquitlam’s leading orthodontic team.
