Keeping Your Smile Safe During Sports

Playing sports while wearing braces or Invisalign® is entirely possible with the right preparation. Protective routines, customised mouthguards, and smart habits keep your teeth safe while maintaining treatment progress.

Daily Care Around Sports

  • After meals or snacks: Rinse your mouth immediately and brush as soon as possible, using small circular motions around brackets and along the gumline.
  • Invisalign® users: Brush or rinse before reinserting aligners to prevent staining and odours. Avoid hot water on trays, as heat can warp plastic.

When to Contact Your Specialist Orthodontist

Reach out if you notice:

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Loose brackets or attachments
  • Broken or bent wires
  • Lost or ill-fitting aligners
  • Mouthguards that no longer fit

Your Specialist Orthodontist can repair or replace appliances and adjust mouthguards to keep your treatment on track. Families in the Eastern Suburbs can visit our Maroubra clinic, while Central Coast families can access our Kincumber team.

Quick FAQs: Sports and Orthodontics

Can you play sports with braces?

Yes. Use a custom orthodontic mouthguard for contact or collision sports, and follow protective habits.

What mouthguard should I use with braces?

A custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard made by your Specialist Orthodontist protects brackets, wires, and soft tissues while allowing tooth movement.

How do I protect braces during contact sports?

Always wear your mouthguard, apply orthodontic wax to prevent irritation, and carry a compact care kit.

Can I play sports with Invisalign®?

Yes. Remove aligners for contact sports, wear a mouthguard, and reinsert trays promptly to maintain wear time.

What if I get hit in the mouth with braces?

Check for injuries, cover sharp areas with wax, rinse with salt water, and contact your orthodontist with photos. Seek urgent care for chipped or displaced teeth.

Safe snacks and drinks before and after games

  • Soft, non-sticky foods: yoghurt, bananas, pasta, wraps
  • Hydration: water during play
  • Limit hard, chewy snacks and sports drinks; rinse with water afterward

Ready for a Personalised Sports Plan?

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on sports. Book a complimentary consultation with our Specialist Orthodontists to plan mouthguards, treatment options, and a sport-smart routine for your family.

  • Eastern Suburbs families: Visit our Maroubra clinic
  • Central Coast families: Book with our Kincumber team

Explore Invisalign® options or see our Sydney braces and ceramic treatments to find the approach that fits your active lifestyle.

Book a Free Invisalign® Consultation in Sydney | Learn About Braces for Active Patients