If sport is a big part of your or your child’s life, starting orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you need to sit on the sidelines. You can continue playing the sports you love, but protecting your teeth becomes especially important when there’s a risk of contact to the face or mouth.
Whether you’re wearing braces or clear aligners, choosing the right mouthguard can help protect your teeth and mouth while you play. And because orthodontic treatment changes the position of your teeth over time, there are a few extra things to think about when finding the right fit.
Here’s what you need to know about mouthguards during orthodontic treatment.
Why Are Mouthguards Important During Orthodontic Treatment?
Contact and high-impact sports such as AFL, rugby, basketball, hockey, martial arts and netball all come with a risk of knocks to the face or mouth. These impacts can cause injuries such as chipped, cracked or displaced teeth, as well as cuts to the lips and cheeks.
A well-fitting mouthguard helps absorb and distribute some of the force of an impact. If you wear braces, it also creates a protective barrier between your brackets and wires and the inside of your lips and cheeks.
The important thing is finding a mouthguard that works with your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth will move throughout treatment, so your mouthguard needs to accommodate your appliance and changes in tooth position.
Our Specialist Orthodontist Dr Igor Lavrin explains, “A custom-fitted mouthguard is always the safest option. It offers the best protection, fits comfortably, and ensures athletes can focus on their game without worrying about dental injuries.”
Can You Wear a Mouthguard With Braces?
Absolutely. If you wear braces and play a contact or high-impact sport, you’ll need a mouthguard that has enough room to fit over your brackets and wires while allowing for changes in your teeth as treatment progresses.
Because your teeth are moving, a mouthguard that fitted well at the beginning of treatment may not fit the same way several months later. Check the fit regularly and let our team know if it starts to feel too tight, uncomfortable or no longer sits properly over your braces.
Can You Wear a Mouthguard With Clear Aligners?
Yes. If you wear clear aligners and play a sport where a mouthguard is recommended, you’ll still need one. Your aligners and mouthguard have different jobs, so your clear aligners shouldn’t take the place of a sports mouthguard.
How you manage the two will depend on your individual treatment and the mouthguard you use. If you’re unsure whether to remove your aligners while playing or how sport will affect your daily wear time, ask us. We can give you advice based on your treatment plan.
What Type of Mouthguard Do You Need During Orthodontic Treatment?
Not every mouthguard works well with orthodontic treatment.
If you have braces, your mouthguard needs enough room for your brackets and wires as well as the tooth movement that happens throughout treatment. A re-mouldable orthodontic mouthguard can be useful because you can adjust the fit as your teeth move.
If you wear clear aligners, your orthodontic team can help you choose a mouthguard that works with your treatment and explain how to manage it alongside your aligner wear schedule.
Most importantly, your mouthguard should fit securely and comfortably. If you’re not sure what you need, ask us before you buy one. We’re always happy to help you find an option that suits your orthodontic treatment and the sport you play.
Mouthguards at L&L Orthodontics
We stock NeoMorph® Mouthguards at both our clinics. They’re Australian-made, re-mouldable mouthguards designed for moderate-contact sports and can be used during treatment with braces or clear aligners.
- Triple-layered for protection and comfort
- Secure, tight fit over teeth and orthodontic appliances like braces or clear aligners
- Re-mouldable for easy re-fitting and adjustment
- 3-minute at-home fitting process
- Designed for use with or without braces and clear aligners (ages 11+)
- Free from BPA, Lead, Latex, PVC and Phthalates
- Made in Australia
If you’re not sure whether a NeoMorph® Mouthguard is suitable for you or your child, have a chat with our team. We can consider your orthodontic appliance, treatment and the sport you play.
Supporting Our Local Sporting Community
We know how much sport means to many of our patients and families. It’s one of the reasons we’re proud to support local sports clubs across Melbourne, including football, netball, basketball and little athletics.
Playing Sport With Braces or Clear Aligners?
You can still get out there and play while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. You’ll just need to take a little extra care to protect your teeth and orthodontic appliance along the way.
If you or your child plays a contact or high-impact sport, talk to us about mouthguards at your next appointment. NeoMorph® Mouthguards are also available from reception at our Melbourne CBD and Templestowe clinics.