Braces Protection for Your Son: A Dad’s Guide Backed by Orthodontists
Written by Jess Dawkins.
Every father who has sat on the sidelines has seen their son get hit with a soccer ball, bumped into by another player, or take a hard fall. It’s all a part of playing youth sports.
If you are a father, you also know that kids are resilient and can take a hit and get up, which is all a part of the learning experience and childhood milestone that is youth sports.
With that being said, a whole new set of precautions comes into play if your son is playing sports with orthodontic braces, with a whole lot more to look out for.
Dr. Thomas Dobie explains this perfectly:
“Sports are simply high-energy and unpredictable, which increases the risk of injury, especially to the face and mouth.”
Dr. Dobie is the owner of Dobie Revolution Orthodontics and is a respected orthodontist specializing in adolescent orthodontics. As he stated, sports are unpredictable, and without protection, one hard hit on the field can turn into cuts, broken brackets, and extra orthodontist visits.
What are the Risks of Braces Without Protection
The truth of the matter is that braces are built to be strong, but they’re not invincible.
High-impact collisions can bend wires or snap brackets, directly impacting the effectiveness of the treatment. More often, it’s the small things, like a soccer ball to the face or even an accidental elbow during basketball practice.
“Brackets and wires can cut the inside of the lips and cheeks,” Dr. Dobie notes, exemplifying that those injuries don’t just hurt, but can also delay orthodontic progress and drive up the cost with extra visits and corrections.
For dads, the reality is simple: you’re the one getting the late-night call when a wire pops loose. Knowing how to prevent problems is only half the battle.
Braces Protection for Your Son in Sports
As you might imagine, sports are where the risks to your son's braces really spike.
According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, nearly 39% of all tooth injuries are sports-related, which means that athletes with unprotected braces are typically twice as likely to sustain soft tissue injuries as those without braces or those wearing proper protection.
The best defense? A mouthguard.
Stock mouthguards are widely available in just about every sporting goods store and most large retailers, and are often recommended during treatment. At Dobie Revolution Orthodontics, for example, these are even provided free of charge.
Boil-and-bite guards are not a good choice with braces. Dr. Dobie rightfully warns that these types of guards “will often pull the braces off the teeth and stop fitting very quickly because the teeth are moving into new positions.”
Custom-fitted guards are the safest route, as they offer high-level protection. Just keep in mind they are the most expensive option and need replacing as teeth shift.
For your son, comfort is key, but safety is paramount. A mouth guard will not typically cause much discomfort for your little superstar, as Dr. Dobie mentions, “A decent mouthguard will not restrict breathing or communication during exercise.”
Just make sure he can talk, breathe, and play without feeling held back, but understand that playing with a mouthguard will be somewhat of an adjustment for them
Everyday Habits That Keep Braces Safe
While at the crux of the issue that is braces protection, your focus should not be solely on your son's time on the field.
A lot of damage happens in some places as innocent as the dinner table. Hard or sticky foods, like nuts, caramel, or popcorn, are the fastest way to pop a bracket and negatively affect attempts to keep teeth healthy. Do your best to encourage softer options, especially on game days, and if necessary, limit any access to concerning food options.
It’s also smart to build a small “ortho kit” for your son’s sports bag:
Orthodontic wax (to cushion a sharp edge).
A travel toothbrush and toothpaste.
A vented case for his mouthguard.
A small mirror to check for loose wires.
Dr. Dobie constantly reminds the families of his patients that “Daily cleaning and regular inspection are critical” and to “look for signs of wear or damage and replace as necessary.”
Dads as the Difference-Makers
Alright, Dad, now here’s where you come in.
While a lot of the work happens at the orthodontist's office, braces aren’t just a clinical process. There is just as much work and attention needed at home and on the field, so a good way to look at the process is as a chance to teach resilience and responsibility. If your son resists the mouthguard, normalize it. Compare it to wearing shin guards or a bike helmet. Make it part of the uniform.
There is also a massive benefit to celebrating the milestones along the way.
First season with braces? Take the photo.
Braces-off day? Make it a family event.
Just as with any health-related activity, small rituals turn your son's medical treatment and dental care into a memory and a learning experience. As Dr. Dobie often says, orthodontics is about more than straight teeth, but it’s about protecting your son's smile for years to come.
When Should I Call the Orthodontist?
Even with the best protection, accidents happen. The key is not to make every accident a catastrophe.
Yes, loose brackets, poking wires, or a broken guard all need professional attention right away.
“Your Orthodontist is the absolute best source for determining the best mouthguard for your needs,” Dr. Dobie advises. Regular check-ups are built into treatment, but don’t wait if something feels off.
But keep in mind that quick calls prevent bigger problems later, and also prevent unnecessary visits if the concern is something that can be handled at home. This is not an excuse to avoid the orthodontist, but rather to check with them before taking a trip to the office.
Playing safe, Staying Confident, and Keeping a Smile
Braces should not be something that sidelines your son from playing the sports and activities he loves. Forming the right habits, employing the right protection, and instilling a sense of responsibility in your son can all help to keep his treatment on track and his confidence high.
For dads, braces protection is less about hardware and more about helping your son grow through challenges.
As Dr. Dobie puts it, “Don’t let braces get in the way of your athletic passions! Mouthguards are the best way to protect both braces and your dental health.”
Tell your son to slap on that mouthguard and get out onto the field!
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