Sports mouth guards

Can you wear a sports mouthguard with braces or aligners?

Brackets and wires change the surfaces a guard must cover. The ADA advises discussing mouth protection with a dentist or orthodontist, including whether lower teeth also need coverage when braces are present. A guard needs to protect the mouth without treating the current tooth positions as permanently fixed throughout orthodontic treatment.

If your child has braces, involve the orthodontic office in the selection rather than forcing a previously molded guard over new hardware. With aligners, ask for explicit instructions about removing, storing, and replacing them around sport. Treatment appliances and sports protection have different functions, so the plan should address both instead of assuming one product performs every role.

Bring the current guard and tell the dentist about upcoming adjustments, newly erupted teeth, and the sport's equipment requirements. Ask when fit should be checked again and what to do if the guard becomes tight or uncomfortable. Confirm fitting and replacement charges before ordering. For a growing athlete, a useful purchase includes a plan to reassess fit as the mouth changes, rather than expecting the same appliance to remain appropriate through every stage of growth and treatment.

This is general information, not medical advice; candidacy is determined by a dental provider.