Playing Football with Braces: Pro Tips from Dr. Carney
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Fall in Texas means Friday night lights, team spirit, and the excitement of football season. For many families, it also means starting orthodontic treatment during the school year. At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics in North Dallas, we often hear one common question:
“Can my child still play football with braces?”
The answer is yes. With the right precautions, braces won’t keep student athletes off the field. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your child’s smile while they enjoy the game.
Why Mouth Protection Matters
Braces are carefully designed to move teeth into better alignment. But without protection, a hard hit on the field can cause:
Broken brackets or bent wires
Cuts inside the lips and cheeks from metal brackets
Chipped or loosened teeth
Delays in treatment if repairs are needed
That’s why a mouthguard is essential for every athlete, but especially for those with braces.
Mouthguards and Braces: What Parents Should Know
Mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliances during contact sports like football. For patients with braces, the mouthguard needs to be:
Braces-specific (not boil-and-bite, which don’t fit properly and may damage appliances)
Comfortable and breathable so athletes can communicate on the field
Flexible enough to adjust as teeth move during treatment
At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we don’t recommend one specific mouthguard brand. However, many of our patients like ShockDoctor mouthguards designed for braces, which fit comfortably over brackets and wires and don’t require boiling or molding.
Popular ShockDoctor Mouthguards for Braces
While we don’t endorse one brand over another, here are some of the ShockDoctor braces-friendly mouthguards our patients use successfully:
We don’t recommend a specific mouthguard brand, but many of our patients like these ShockDoctor options designed for braces.
| Mouthguard | Best For | Key Features | Why Patients Like It |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShockDoctor Braces Mouthguard (Strapped or Strapless) | Kids & teens starting football season | Medical-grade silicone; designed for braces; no boiling/molding needed | Comfortable and ready-to-wear; allows natural tooth movement during treatment |
| ShockDoctor Double Braces Mouthguard | Athletes needing upper & lower coverage | Protects both arches; braces-specific fit; breathable design | Extra coverage for high-contact sports like football |
| ShockDoctor Braces Mouthguard with Ortho-Channel | Teens & adults in active treatment | Ortho-Channel accommodates brackets/wires; adapts as teeth move | Secure, flexible fit that keeps pace with treatment progress |
These mouthguards are widely available online and at sporting goods stores, making them an easy option for families.
Can You Play Football with Invisalign® or Clear Aligners?
Some athletes choose Invisalign® or 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners instead of braces. While these trays can offer a small amount of protection, they are not substitutes for mouthguards. Our recommendations:
Remove aligners during contact sports.
Wear a braces-friendly mouthguard during practice and games.
Replace aligners immediately afterward to stay on track with treatment.
Tips for Playing Football with Braces
Always wear a braces-friendly mouthguard — even in practice.
Keep a spare mouthguard in the equipment bag in case one gets lost.
Check braces after each game to spot broken brackets or bent wires.
Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges if a bracket breaks.
Call our office quickly if damage occurs to prevent treatment delays.
Bring a “braces kit” to games: toothbrush, floss picks, orthodontic wax, and extra bands or elastics.
Common Questions About Football and Braces
Can braces make football more dangerous?
While football is a contact sport with built-in risks, having braces doesn’t significantly add to those risks when players use a well-fit, well-designed mouthguard.
Can you use boil-and-bite mouthguards?
No. Boil-and-bite guards don’t fit properly over braces and may interfere with tooth movement. And remember, we’re moving your teeth! Just because they might fit the day you make it, doesn’t mean they’ll fit in a few weeks or months!
Do aligners double as mouthguards?
No, definitely not. While they may look similar at first glance, aligners and mouthguards are made from very different materials and serve very different purposes. The rigid plastic of aligners is designed to gradually move teeth, but that same rigidity is the opposite of what you want in a mouthguard. Aligners can crack under impact and offer no real shock absorption. For football and other contact sports, always wear a well-designed, braces-friendly mouthguard to keep your smile safe.
Why Families Choose Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics
Dr. Lauren Carney is a board-certified orthodontist who understands the unique needs of student athletes. Families choose us because we provide:
Expert care with braces and clear aligners
Convenient location in North Dallas at Preston Road & Forest Lane
A supportive, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable
Our goal is simple: to protect your child’s smile on and off the field while guiding them toward lifelong oral health.
Keep Smiles Safe All Season Long
Football builds teamwork, discipline, and confidence—and your child’s smile deserves that same protection. With braces or aligners plus the right mouthguard, athletes can enjoy every practice and game safely!
At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we make it easy for families to get started with braces in Dallas. From free new patient exams to personalized treatment plans, we’re here to help your athlete succeed on the field and in their smile journey.
Call us today at (972) 503-0400 or schedule your complimentary consultation online!
