Basketball season brings packed gyms, buzzer-beaters, and one risk that does not always make the highlight reel: sports-related dental injuries. For athletes in braces, the stakes are even higher. Brackets and wires can amplify the impact of a blow to the mouth, causing soft tissue lacerations, broken brackets, or damage to the teeth themselves. The good news is that with the right mouthguard and a little preparation, most of these injuries are entirely preventable.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, we treat many active patients who play basketball, soccer, football, and a wide range of other sports throughout the year. Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz, both Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, understand orthodontic treatment should not slow your athlete down. Our team is here to make sure every patient who hits the court or the field knows exactly how to protect their smile while they compete.
Why Braces Increase the Risk of Sports Injuries
Standard dental injuries during sports are common enough on their own, but having fixed orthodontic appliances raises that risk further. The brackets and wires present in the mouth can cut into the inner cheeks and lips when impact occurs, even at moderate force. Research published through the National Institutes of Health on mouthguards during orthodontic treatment found that orthodontic patients playing contact sports face an increased risk of soft tissue injury, both to themselves and to opposing players.
Beyond lacerations, a direct hit without protection can dislodge brackets, bend wires, or cause trauma to the teeth already in the process of moving. Any of these outcomes can set back treatment progress and require an unplanned visit to our office. Understanding what is at stake is the first step toward making sure the right protection is always in place on game day.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Braces
Not every mouthguard is designed with orthodontic patients in mind, and the difference in protection matters. There are three main categories of mouthguards available to athletes, and knowing the options helps you make the best choice for your situation:
- Stock mouthguards: These are pre-formed, off-the-shelf options requiring no fitting. They offer basic coverage but can be bulky and may not stay in place well, especially over brackets.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and molded around the teeth. They offer a better fit and are often recommended for patients in braces who cannot yet use a fully custom option.
- Orthodontic-specific mouthguards: Brands designed for braces patients provide added room for brackets and wires, making them more comfortable and protective than standard versions.
For patients in active treatment whose teeth are shifting regularly, a mouthguard may need to be updated as the bite changes, and our team can advise you on the best option based on where you are in your treatment plan.
What to Do If You Take a Hit
Even with proper protection in place, contact sports carry some degree of risk. Knowing how to respond quickly after a dental or orthodontic injury can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. If your athlete takes a significant hit to the mouth, start by rinsing with water and checking for loose brackets, bent wires, or any teeth feeling different.
For less difficult situations, such as a popped bracket or a wire poking the cheek, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp area temporarily and schedule a repair visit as soon as possible. Knowing the signs of an orthodontic emergency helps parents and athletes respond confidently rather than waiting to see if an issue resolves on its own. Prompt attention to any injury protects both the health of the teeth and the timeline of treatment.
Tips for Active Patients Throughout the Season
Athletes in teen braces often have the most questions about staying active during treatment, and the answers are almost always encouraging. Braces and sports are fully compatible with the right precautions in place, and there is helpful guidance available on wearing braces and playing sports, covering everything from food choices to handling unexpected issues during practice. The most important habits are wearing a properly fitted mouthguard at every practice and game, communicating with your orthodontist if anything feels off, and replacing a worn or ill-fitting mouthguard promptly rather than continuing to use one that no longer fits well.
Stay in the Game with Lazzara Orthodontics
At Lazzara Orthodontics, Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz bring board certification and a full 3-year orthodontic residency to every patient’s care. Dr. Lazzara earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from LSU School of Dentistry and his Master of Science degree from St. Louis University. Dr. Poblenz completed a craniofacial research fellowship alongside plastic surgeons before earning her Master of Science degree and specialty certification in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Nova Southeastern University in 2012. Our practice is one of the only orthodontic practices in northeast Florida with two board-certified orthodontists, which means our athletes receive guidance that is genuinely hard to find.
Sports season should be something your child looks forward to, not something causing anxiety about treatment. Whether you need help selecting the right mouthguard, guidance on what to do after an injury, or you are ready to start treatment for an active young athlete, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help protect your smile all season long.
