Life with Braces

Playing Sports with Braces: Do I Need a Mouthguard?

By Dr. Brian Thomas • June 20, 2025

We love our student athletes from Sunlake, Land O' Lakes High, and Mitchell! But one elbow to the face can cause a lot of damage if you have braces.

If you play contact sports, you must wear an orthodontic mouthguard. These are different from the "boil and bite" guards you buy at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over the brackets and allow for tooth movement. Ask us for one at your next appointment—we want to keep those teeth safe!