By Dr. “Ron” Mehran Hassanzadeh, Board-Certified Orthodontist
iSmile Orthodontics – San Ramon
Many parents and athletes ask an important question when starting orthodontic treatment: “Can I still play sports if I have braces or Invisalign?”
The good news is yes—you absolutely can. With the right protection, athletes can safely continue participating in sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
At iSmile Orthodontics in San Ramon, Dr. “Ron” Mehran Hassanzadeh, board-certified orthodontist, encourages young athletes to stay active while protecting their teeth and orthodontic appliances.
Why Mouth Guards Are Important During Orthodontic Treatment
Sports like basketball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and martial arts carry a risk of contact with the face. A properly fitted mouth guard helps protect teeth, braces, and soft tissues from injury.
Without protection, an impact to the mouth could potentially cause:
- Broken brackets or wires
- Cuts or irritation to the lips and cheeks
- Damage to teeth
Wearing a mouth guard significantly reduces these risks and allows athletes to compete with confidence.
Mouth Guards for Athletes with Braces
For patients wearing braces, specially designed orthodontic mouth guards are recommended. One commonly used option is the Shock Doctor orthodontic mouth guard, which is designed to fit comfortably around braces while still providing protection.
These mouth guards are widely available online and can adapt to the brackets and wires during treatment. A properly fitted orthodontic mouth guard helps protect both your teeth and your braces during sports activities.
Mouth Guards for Invisalign Patients
Patients wearing Invisalign clear aligners have a different advantage. Because Invisalign trays fit very closely to the teeth, many athletes can simply wear their regular sports mouth guard over the aligners.
This allows Invisalign patients to continue playing sports with minimal interruption while still protecting their teeth.
Staying Active During Orthodontic Treatment
At iSmile Orthodontics – San Ramon, we always encourage our patients to maintain active, healthy lifestyles. Orthodontic treatment should not prevent children or teens from enjoying the sports they love. With the right protective gear, athletes can continue to play safely while working toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Orthodontic Care for Athletes in the Tri-Valley
Dr. “Ron” Mehran Hassanzadeh, board-certified orthodontist at iSmile Orthodontics, provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout San Ramon, Danville, Dublin, and the Tri-Valley community.
If you have questions about braces, Invisalign, or protecting your teeth during sports, our team is happy to help guide you.
