Braces went on in August and tryouts start in September. When a child’s teeth are being moved, choosing sports protection takes a little more planning. We help you weigh guard types, coordinate with the orthodontist, and keep checking the fit as treatment progresses.
Orthodontic treatment rarely waits for the off-season. Many children get braces or another appliance right as soccer, basketball or hockey ramps up, and parents wonder whether the old mouthguard still works, whether a new one is needed, and who should be making that call.
Start by bringing everything: the current guard, the name of the treating orthodontist, and a rough idea of upcoming adjustments. For a family in Burlington, gathering those details before the visit saves back-and-forth later. We also want to hear about any earlier mouth injuries and teeth that are still coming in.
Your child’s experience counts. Brackets can make a guard feel tight or catch on the inside of the lips, and some children quietly stop wearing it rather than say so. Ask them how it feels, and pass that on to us.
A guard that suited last year’s teeth may not suit this year’s. Look at it again before the season and whenever the orthodontic plan changes.
Tell the dentist about all the sports and games your child plays, including school gym, cycling and skating. Ask how a mouthguard sits alongside the helmet, face protection and safety rules for each, and whether braces change the advice.
Soreness against the brackets, a guard that pops out, or one your child has to bite down to hold are all fit concerns. Bring it in rather than altering it at home, and reassure your child that mentioning it is the right move.
Orthodontic adjustments, erupting permanent teeth and lost primary teeth can all change the shape a guard needs to fit. Share the orthodontic timeline with the clinician and ask when the guard should be reviewed as treatment moves along.
A blow to the mouth during orthodontic treatment may need assessment of the teeth and the appliance, even with a guard in. A mouthguard reduces risk; it does not rule out injury.
A well-fitted sports mouthguard helps lower the risk of injury to the teeth and surrounding soft tissue. The Canadian Dental Association encourages families to consider custom-fitted guards. With braces involved, staying in position and feeling comfortable over the appliance matter even more.
Even so, a guard is only part of keeping a child safe. It does not take the place of a helmet, facial protection, the sport’s rules, or medical assessment after a possible head injury. It should not be offered to you as protection against concussion or as a guarantee against dental injury.
Patient information: Canadian Dental Association — preventing sports-related oral injuries
The clinician looks at the teeth, the bite and the braces or appliance, instead of choosing by age alone. Ask how fit will be checked over the brackets and what a suitable guard should feel like. Your child’s description is part of the assessment.
Practising with the guard in a relaxed setting helps your child learn to place it over braces, remove it and store it. Ask questions while there is time. Rubbing or pressure should be reported rather than tolerated.
Because teeth are moving on purpose, the fit will need regular attention. Ask what should prompt a visit, and bring the guard to dental and orthodontic appointments. The aim is protection that keeps pace with treatment.
Raise mouthguards early, ideally before the season and in step with the orthodontic plan. Timing depends on the guard selected, and a first visit does not include an instant guard.
Tell us the activities, level of play, current equipment, past injuries and the stage of orthodontic treatment. Bring the existing guard. If your child finds things in the mouth hard to tolerate, mention it so we can plan the visit around that.
The clinician checks teeth, bite, eruption and the appliance, and explains how a custom guard differs from retail ones in your child’s case. Ask about visits, cost, and how often orthodontic changes might mean replacement.
A custom guard is made from records of the teeth, taken by the method the treating clinician arranges, with the appliance in mind. Mention a strong gag or sensory difficulty in advance. Ask when it will be ready and if a fitting is included.
At the fitting we check how it stays in, and how your child breathes and speaks with it over the braces. They practise handling it while we go through cleaning and storage. Confirm when to return and what to do after an adjustment, a new tooth or a tear.
Follow the care directions for your child’s guard and any extra advice from the orthodontic team. Younger children may need help until the routine sticks.
Rinse and clean the guard as instructed with products suitable for its material. Allow it to air-dry and store it in a ventilated, protective case. Keep it away from heat sources, including a hot car, which can distort it.
Inspect the guard for splits, wear from brackets, warping or sharp edges. Encourage your child to wear it rather than chew it on the bench. It should not be shared with friends or fixed with glue if it gets damaged.
Bring the guard to appointments and call sooner if it stops seating comfortably. Adjustments, new teeth, lost teeth and restorations can all change the fit. Time since it was made is a poor guide to whether it still suits.
Patient information: Fraser Health — choosing and caring for sports mouthguards
Questions tend to cover braces, growth, cleaning and what to do if a guard is lost. Plan to have the fit looked at more than once.
Contact our Bronte Street practice to talk about sports protection during orthodontic care. Bring the current guard, a list of activities, and details from the orthodontist about upcoming appointments or changes.
Guard type, fit, timing and replacement are discussed for each child. An injury needs assessment even when a mouthguard was worn.
