Protect your braces while playing sports. Your smile (and your team) will be grateful! Dr. Mark McInnis of Upstate Orthodontics treats athletes like you in both Clemson and Seneca. Our team knows which bumps and blows can derail you or your child’s treatment. In the next few minutes, you will learn the real injury statistics, the safest mouthguard options, and what to do if a bracket bends mid‑game.
Why Sports Put Braces at Risk
Sports are fun, but a fast elbow or flying puck can turn brackets into tiny razors.
- A 2024 cross‑sectional study found that 40 – 60 percent of athletes with braces report at least one mouth injury during organized play.
- A 2025 narrative review showed players without a mouthguard are 1.6 to 1.9 times more likely to suffer orofacial trauma than protected teammates.
Most injuries to young athletes in Clemson and Seneca happen in a split‑second collision they never see coming. Beyond broken brackets, blunt force can split lips against the metal, knock a tooth out of alignment, or even fracture the jaw. Repairing that damage often means emergency appointments, extra costs, and extra months on the road to straight teeth. That’s why Dr. McInnis is so emphatic about protecting your braces when you play sports.
High‑Impact Sports
Football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, lacrosse, and boxing produce the most bracket breaks because contact is expected on every play. Fast stops and head-to-body hits can jolt your appliance, even if the helmet stays in place.
“Surprise” Risks in Non‑Contact Sports
Soccer, baseball, skateboarding, and even track relays can send a knee, elbow, foot, or bat into your smile when you least expect it. Coaches often overlook mouthguards in these sports, so parents must stay proactive to protect their kids’ braces on the field.
Essential Gear: Mouthguards Explained
Our Upstate Orthodontics team recommends mouthguards as the single most effective way to protect your braces, brackets, and everything they’re attached to.
Stock and Boil‑and‑Bite Guards
- Sold in the sporting goods aisles of most Clemson and Seneca retailers.
- Inexpensive but bulky.
- Often pop off braces when you speak or breathe hard.
- Good for a weekend tryout, yet they rarely survive a full season.
Custom Orthodontic Mouthguards
- Made from a dental scan or impression.
- Fits over brackets yet allows teeth to move.
- Thinner, so your athlete can still talk and drink water.
- Silicone‑blend material absorbs shock without deforming wires.
Key Takeaways from Current Research
- The American Association of Orthodontists reports that 72% of dental injuries occur when athletes aren’t wearing a mouthguard, highlighting the number of hits a proper guard could prevent.
- Comfort drives compliance: athletes who liked the feel of their guards were more likely to wear them, while athletes with uncomfortable guards tended to remove them.
Choosing and Using the Right Guard
To make sure it can protect your braces, a well‑made sports mouthguard should pass four quick tests. First, Dr. McInnis says that it must be seated fully over every bracket and wire without rocking. Second, it needs to extend all the way to the back molars. Many store-bought guards stop short, leaving wires exposed. Third, you should be able to open wide and call plays without the guard popping loose. Finally, give it a gentle tug with your fingers; if it stays put, you know it will hold when the game gets rough.
Growth Factor
Middle‑school and high‑school athletes grow fast. Our Upstate Orthodontics team recommends refitting your custom guard every season, after major wire adjustments, or if your teeth have visibly shifted.
Cleaning Routine
Rinse in cool water, brush lightly with mild soap, air‑dry in a ventilated case. Skip hot water or dishwasher cycles. They can warp the plastic. Once a week, soak in an effervescent denture tablet for a deeper clean.
When to Replace Your Guard
Replace a mouthguard when you see cracks, deep bite marks, or color changes. These flaws compromise shock absorption and allow bacteria to accumulate. Most custom guards last a full school year. High‑impact athletes may need two, so they can maximize their braces’ protection.
Protecting Your Braces on Game Day
- Wear the helmet or face shield allowed by your sport.
- Skip sticky snacks and soda before play; sugar fuels cavity‑causing bacteria around brackets.
- Hydrate with only water. Sports drinks can erode enamel if they remain in the mouth.
- Pack an orthodontic first‑aid kit: wax, pocket mirror, travel toothbrush, and small nail clippers to trim a pokey wire if the office is closed.
- Warm up wisely. Stretching muscles (including facial muscles) reduces the odds of a sudden jaw‑to‑knee impact when momentum shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the same mouthguard throughout the entire season?
Refit if you change wires, finish an expansion phase, or notice tight spots. Dr. McInnis says that growing athletes usually need a new guard each school year.
Do clear aligners require mouthguards as well?
Yes. Aligners are not impact‑rated and can crack. Please remove them and insert a sports guard before play.
What if a bracket breaks during a weekend Clenson or Seneca game?
Cover it with wax. Clip any long wire with clean nail clippers. Call our Upstate Orthodontics team first thing Monday, or sooner if pain persists.
Is there a double guard for braces and TMJ issues?
Custom dual-layer guards can simultaneously cushion joints and brackets. Ask Dr. McInnis during your next visit.
Will insurance pay for a custom orthodontic guard?
Some dental plans cover one guard per year for athletes under 18. Our team will help you check benefits.
Can I make my own guard at home with a kit?
DIY kits rarely fit over brackets and often harden around them, risking damage when removed. Professional guards are safer and still affordable.
Protect Your Smile With Upstate Orthodontics
A well-fitted mouthguard, combined with smart habits, can help protect your braces, teeth, and confidence on the field. Schedule a free mouthguard fitting with Dr. McInnis at Upstate Orthodontics in Clemson or Seneca. Go here to schedule your free consultation.
