Braces shouldn’t be the reason your all-star’s stuck on the sidelines. That’s why parents all over Flemington, Annandale, and Bridgewater keep asking Loew & Patel Orthodontics: what’s the game plan when braces meet contact sports? Dr. Loew, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Van Doren are all about keeping teeth safe and letting kids play hard without worry. Let’s kick things off with why the right mouthguard matters more than you might think when brackets are part of the picture.
Game On, Braces and All
Sports and braces can go hand in hand…literally, if you’ve ever caught a basketball to the face. From little leaguers in Flemington to varsity champs in Bridgewater, kids around here don’t slow down just because they’re in treatment. But while a championship smile is in the works, so is the risk of a rogue ball, flailing arm, or hard fall.
That’s why a mouthguard isn’t just helpful, it’s game-saving.
Here’s what the right mouthguard can do:
- Act as a shock absorber for hits and falls
- Shield braces from breaks or bends
- Keep lips and cheeks safe from bracket scrapes
- Help you avoid emergency visits (and extra treatment time)
Dr. Loew, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Van Doren have seen what a good mouthguard can prevent, and what skipping one can cause. So before the next whistle blows, let’s take a look at which types of mouthguards play nice with braces.
What Kind of Mouthguard Works With Braces?
Not all mouthguards are made for orthodontic life. The classic boil-and-bite styles from the sporting goods aisle might be fine for athletes without brackets, but they don’t give braces the room they need. In fact, trying to mold one over your hardware can actually make things worse by locking in brackets or pushing against your teeth as they shift.
When braces are in play, go with a mouthguard made just for them. Here’s what to look for:
- Orthodontic-grade design: These mouthguards are crafted to fit over braces without interfering with movement.
- Room to move: The material flexes to protect teeth and let them shift as treatment progresses.
- No boiling needed: Pre-formed guards keep things simple (and safer for your appliances).
- Re-moldable options: If growth spurts or appliance changes happen, some guards can be adjusted by your orthodontist.
Dr. Loew, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Van Doren often recommend sports mouthguards designed for braces to help kids stay safe and on track with treatment. So which brand or style makes the most sense for your athlete?
Finding the Right Fit
So which brand or style makes the most sense for your athlete? That depends on how much action they’re seeing on the field, and how much movement is happening in their smile.
Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel, both board-certified orthodontists, typically recommend orthodontic-specific mouthguards that are built to flex around brackets and adapt to ongoing treatment. You want something that bends with your bite, doesn’t stick to brackets, and still lets you call for a pass or sing the team chant.
Here are a few top options worth considering:
Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard
Made with medical-grade silicone and with no need to boil, this one cushions brackets and fits comfortably during play.
SISU Aero Guard (Braces Version)
Slim, breathable, and tough enough for contact sports. Bonus: it’s easy to talk with.
Vettex Double Mouthguard
Great for contact sports, this model adds lip protection, too.
Still unsure? Dr. Loew, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Van Doren can point you in the right direction based on your sport, treatment stage, and comfort level.
Next, let’s break down when your mouthguard should be front and center—and when it can hang back on the sidelines.
When to Wear It (And When to Skip It)
Mouthguards aren’t just for game day; wear them for any moment when a stray elbow, wild pitch, or unexpected tumble could put those braces in the danger zone. But they don’t have to be glued to your athlete 24/7.
Wear it during:
- Full-contact games (even if they’re just “friendly”)
- Scrimmages that turn intense
- Drills with real contact or close quarters
You can skip it for:
- Stretching or warmups
- Running laps
- Sideline chats and team huddles
Pro tip: Keep your mouthguard in a vented case (not the sweaty sock compartment). That way, it’s ready to go the second the action picks up.
Keeping It Clean Between Plays
Let’s face it: no one’s excited to pop in a mouthguard that smells like last week’s gym socks. Luckily, keeping it fresh is easy!
To keep it clean:
- Rinse it under cold water after each use
- Brush it gently once a week with a soft toothbrush
- Use a mouthguard-safe cleaner when it needs a refresh
- Replace it if it’s chewed, warped, or smells suspiciously like gym shoes
Now that you’ve got the play-by-play on mouthguards, it’s worth knowing why so many athletes in Clinton, Flemington, and Bridgewater stick with the team at Loew & Patel Orthodontics for care that keeps up.
Why Local Athletes Love Loew & Patel Orthodontics
When you’ve got a packed calendar of practices and playoffs, the last thing you need is orthodontic care that slows you down. That’s why Dr. Loew, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Van Doren at Loew & Patel Orthodontics are loved by local athletes and known throughout Hunterdon and Somerset counties for making treatment work around your lifestyle.
From the moment you step into their Flemington, Annandale, or Bridgewater offices, it’s clear they’ve thought of everything:
- Clear aligner options:
From in-house custom clear aligners to Invisalign®, their options are designed to keep things low-profile without slowing down your schedule.
- Braces made to move:
Whether it’s Pitts21 metal or clear brackets, Damon™ self-ligating braces, Damon Clear™ braces, or lingual braces that hide behind your teeth, they’ve got the gear to match your goals.
- In-house 3D printing, digital scans, and CBCT imaging to keep things precise and efficient
- Interest-free payment plans that make budgeting for braces or aligners less of a hurdle
- Contests, snacks, and dress-up days that make visits more fun (and Instagram-worthy)
- A Diamond Invisalign Provider status, meaning they treat a high number of aligner patients with exceptional experience
It’s no surprise Loew & Patel Orthodontics is a top pick. And when you need advice on braces-safe gear or a quick adjustment before game day, they’ve got your back!
Smiles That Play as Hard as You Do
In Flemington, Annandale, and Bridgewater, sports are serious. That’s why families count on Loew & Patel Orthodontics to keep every bracket and bite protected, on and off the field. With expert care, braces-safe perks, and pros like Dr. Loew, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Van Doren who understand local athletes inside and out, it’s no wonder patients keep coming back long after the final whistle. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you stay in the game.