Game On, Braces On: Brown Family Orthodontics' Guide to Sports and Orthodontics

What to Wear, What to Avoid, and How to Stay in the Game with a Healthy Smile

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sports and Orthodontics: Can They Coexist?

Meet Your Coaches for a Winning Smile

How Braces (and Aligners) React to Sports Play

The Dangers of Playing Without Protection

What Mouthguards Are Best for Braces?

Game-Day Tips: Playing Safe and Smart with Braces

What to Do If You Get Injured Mid-Game

How to Time Orthodontic Treatment Around Your Sports Season

Athlete Testimonials: Game Faces, Grinning Braces

Conclusion: Braces Shouldn't Bench Your Smile

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Getting braces or aligners doesn't mean putting your sports dreams on hold. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe athletes can play hard and smile even harder—with the right guidance and gear. Whether you're dodging tackles, spiking volleyballs, or sprinting down the field, your orthodontic treatment should move with you—not against you.

With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned care and seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, our team, led by Dr. Ed Brown III and Dr. Jessica Ulmer, specializes in helping student-athletes thrive both on the field and in the orthodontic chair. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about sports and orthodontics—from what mouthguards work best with braces, to how to handle injuries mid-game. Let's protect your smile without missing a single minute of the action.

Sports and Orthodontics: Can They Coexist?

Why Athletes Don't Have to Pause Treatment

Braces or aligners shouldn't bench you this season. If you're an athlete—or the parent of one—chances are, you're wondering whether orthodontic treatment and sports can truly go hand in hand. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we're here to tell you: absolutely. You don't need to choose between a great smile and game-day greatness.

We understand the concern. Whether it's football, soccer, basketball, or martial arts, contact and movement bring risks when brackets, wires, or aligners are involved. But with the right strategies and support, you can stay active and protected. Thousands of our teen and tween patients have navigated treatment while still being team captains, all-stars, and championship winners.

Treatment doesn't mean sitting out—it just means suiting up with the right gear and guidance. That's where we come in.

Brown Family Orthodontics' Mission to Support Active Teens

For over 50 years, our family-owned practice has been dedicated to helping young people grow into their best, healthiest selves. With offices in Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula, we've supported student-athletes across Mississippi and Louisiana, from pee-wee leagues to high school state champs.

We make it our mission to educate, equip, and encourage every athlete through their orthodontic journey. Whether you're just starting treatment or already mid-season, our doctors will work with you to develop a plan that fits your sports schedule, comfort level, and orthodontic goals. Braces shouldn't be a limitation—they should be one more reason to smile big on the field, on the court, and everywhere in between.

Meet Your Coaches for a Winning Smile

Dr. Ed Brown III – Trusted Legacy in Family Orthodontics

With deep roots in the community and a passion for family-centered care, Dr. Ed brings decades of trusted experience to every smile. Known for his kind demeanor and attention to detail, Dr. Ed combines the best of traditional orthodontics with modern technology to help patients of all ages—especially student-athletes—feel safe, confident, and supported during treatment.

He understands the pressure young athletes face and how to adapt treatment plans to ensure they don't miss a beat—or a game. Whether it's choosing between braces or aligners or customizing a mouthguard for football season, Dr. Ed delivers expertise with a personal touch.

Dr. Jessica Ulmer – Personalized Care from Dr. Jess

Dr. Jessica Ulmer, better known as Dr. Jess to our patients, is all about making orthodontic care feel approachable, empowering, and even fun. Her warm energy and patient-first philosophy shine through in every appointment. For athletic teens, Dr. Jess is a true teammate—offering helpful tips, encouragement, and tailored care that fits into even the busiest sports schedule.

She works closely with families to find the best solutions for active lifestyles, ensuring comfort, safety, and results aren't sacrificed along the way. Whether you need help finding the right mouthguard or advice on protecting your aligners during practice, Dr. Jess is always ready to help you stay in the game—and on track.

Together, Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess lead a team committed to making orthodontic care accessible, flexible, and athlete-approved across every one of our seven locations.

How Braces (and Aligners) React to Sports Play

Brackets and Wires in Contact Sports

Let's be honest—brackets and wires are amazing for straightening teeth, but they're not invincible. When you're playing contact sports like football, basketball, or wrestling, a hit to the face can do more than sting—it can knock a bracket loose, bend a wire, or even cause painful cuts to the cheeks, lips, or gums.

These injuries aren't just uncomfortable—they can also delay treatment, increase costs, and require emergency repairs. But don't worry—we've got solutions. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we help our athletes understand how to protect their gear and their mouth during every game and practice. Our goal is to keep your braces safe and your smile goals on schedule. We'll also check for any irritation during your regular appointments and adjust your appliances as needed to reduce risk. It's all part of the game plan.

Invisalign® and Spark Aligners: What Athletes Need to Know

If you're wearing clear aligners like Invisalign® or Spark Aligners, the good news is: your risk of injury goes down. These aligners are smooth and removable, which makes them ideal for non-contact or low-impact sports. That said, you still need to be careful.

Removing aligners during sports increases the chance of losing or damaging them, which can affect your treatment timeline. And if you're wearing them during a game, they can still crack under pressure or shift if hit hard.

That's why we always recommend wearing a properly fitted mouthguard—even with aligners. Our team can help you find one that fits comfortably over your trays and keeps your treatment (and your teeth) fully protected.

Aligners are a great option for athletes—but only when used correctly. We'll walk you through the pros and cons to help you make the best decision based on your sport, comfort, and lifestyle.

The Dangers of Playing Without Protection

Most Common Injuries from Sports-Related Impacts

The truth is, you don't need a major collision to suffer an orthodontic injury. We've seen patients with split lips from basketball rebounds, bent wires from soccer balls, and cracked aligners during casual scrimmages.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Dislodged brackets
• Broken wires causing cheek/lip irritation
• Soft tissue cuts from sudden impact
• Cracks or pressure points in aligners

Not only are these painful, but they also interrupt your progress. Any appliance damage can cause delays in treatment, additional visits, and potential adjustments to your plan. And while these injuries are common, they're almost always preventable with the right gear and good habits.

Long-Term Effects of Not Wearing a Mouthguard

Skipping a mouthguard isn't just risky—it's costly. Continued trauma to the same area (even minor) can result in long-term issues like gum recession, root damage, and tooth misalignment. In some cases, untreated injuries can even lead to permanent damage that requires more than just orthodontic care to fix.

Our team has seen how one impact—one game—can cause months of setbacks. That's why we're so passionate about educating our patients on protection. A properly fitted mouthguard can be the difference between a minor bruise and a major dental emergency. We'll help you choose the right one, show you how to wear it, and replace it if it ever wears down or no longer fits properly.

What Mouthguards Are Best for Braces?

Boil-and-Bite vs. Custom-Fit Options

If you're playing sports with braces, the type of mouthguard you choose can make a huge difference. Not all mouthguards are created equal—especially when brackets, wires, or aligners are involved.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards, which are widely available at sporting goods stores, can be molded at home by heating and biting into them. While convenient and inexpensive, they often fall short for orthodontic patients. They may not provide enough space for brackets, could press too tightly against your braces, and might even shift your wires if not properly fitted.

That's where custom-fit mouthguards come in. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we offer mouthguards specifically designed for patients in treatment.

These guards:

• Fit securely over brackets without interfering
• Allow room for tooth movement
• Offer superior impact absorption
• Are tailored to your sport (high-impact vs. low-impact)

We take impressions of your teeth—braces and all—to create a mouthguard that offers maximum comfort and protection. It's one of the smartest plays you can make for your smile.

How Brown Family Orthodontics Helps You Choose the Right Guard

We understand it's not always easy to know what gear is best for your situation. That's why we go beyond basic recommendations.

At your next appointment, ask us about:

• Which type of mouthguard is best for your sport
• How to clean and care for your guard
• When to replace it
• How to wear it over aligners or braces
  
  

We make sure every athlete leaves with confidence—and the tools they need to stay safe. Whether you're a football linebacker or a volleyball setter, we'll find the best fit for your game, your gear, and your orthodontic needs.

Game-Day Tips: Playing Safe and Smart with Braces

Pack a Sports-Ortho Kit

Just like you wouldn't show up to practice without your cleats or water bottle, you shouldn't hit the field without your braces care essentials.

We recommend packing a compact "braces kit" in your gym bag that includes:

• Orthodontic wax (for wire pokes or bracket irritation)
• A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Flossers or floss picks
• Your aligner case (if using Invisalign® or Spark)
• A backup mouthguard (just in case)

Having your kit on hand can make a huge difference if a wire shifts, your mouth feels sore, or you need a quick cleanup after the game. We'll help you build a kit that fits your routine and keeps you ready for anything.

Watch What You Eat Post-Game

We get it—after a tough game or practice, you're ready to refuel. But before you dive into a big bag of chips or a crunchy granola bar, remember your braces (and your orthodontist) are counting on you.

Foods that are hard, sticky, or crunchy can damage brackets, bend wires, or crack aligners. Try these safer alternatives instead:

• Protein shakes
• Soft sandwiches
• Bananas or soft fruit
• Yogurt or pudding
• Cooked pasta

Need ideas? Ask us—we love helping our athletes snack smart. And don't forget to brush and rinse after eating. Keeping your braces and aligners clean is just as important as protecting them during the game.

What to Do If You Get Injured Mid-Game

Step 1: Don't Panic—Assess the Damage

If you take a hit and feel discomfort in your mouth, it's important to stay calm and evaluate the situation. Check for:

• Loose or broken brackets
• Bent wires
• Cuts inside your cheeks or lips
• Cracked or missing aligners

If you're bleeding or in pain, rinse with cold water and apply orthodontic wax or a cold compress to reduce swelling. Remove aligners if they're irritating the injured area.

Step 2: Call Us Right Away

Don't try to "tough it out" or fix something on your own. Give our team a call as soon as possible. We offer emergency appointments at all seven of our Louisiana and Mississippi locations, and we'll make sure you're seen quickly and comfortably.

Call the location closest to you:

📍 Chalmette – 504-455-1625

📍 Mandeville – 985-626-8297

📍 Metairie – 504-455-1625

📍 Marrero – 504-455-1625

📍 Madisonville – 985-893-1044

📍 Ocean Springs – 228-872-8153

📍 Pascagoula – 228-762-4403

Our team will walk you through temporary care, offer same-day solutions, and get you back in the game—smiling and secure.

How to Time Orthodontic Treatment Around Your Sports Season

Planning for Less Disruption

Starting braces or aligners during your sports season might sound intimidating—but with the right timing and guidance, it doesn't have to be. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we work closely with our patients to map out the best time to begin treatment based on their schedule, sport, and comfort level.

Many athletes prefer starting orthodontic care during the off-season, allowing their mouth time to adjust to new appliances before returning to full-contact games. For example, if football season starts in August, summer is an ideal time to begin treatment. That way, the initial soreness and learning curve are handled before you hit the field.

However, if you're mid-season, don't worry. We can adjust your treatment strategy to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of disruptions. We'll also provide detailed instructions for maintaining oral hygiene and managing soreness during intense physical activity.

Flexible Scheduling for Busy Athletes and Families

Between practices, games, travel, and school, we know student-athletes are constantly on the move. That's why we've built our scheduling around your life, not the other way around. With seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, it's easy to find a time and place that works for you—whether it's after practice, before school, or between weekend tournaments.

Our flexible scheduling, short wait times, and text reminders ensure you stay on track without falling behind in your busy routine. And if a bracket breaks or an aligner cracks while you're out of town for a game? No problem. We'll guide you through temporary fixes and get you into the office as soon as you're back.

We're not just here to straighten your smile—we're here to support your whole lifestyle.

Athlete Testimonials: Game Faces, Grinning Braces

Our Patients Prove You Can Do Both

We've had the privilege of working with hundreds of incredible student-athletes—and their success stories speak for themselves. From football players in Chalmette to cheerleaders in Ocean Springs, we've helped young people protect their smiles while staying committed to their sport. Our athletes don’t  just power through—they thrive. With the right support, protection, and a little preparation, you can too.

Why Parents Trust Brown Family Orthodontics

Athletes love us for keeping them in the game. Parents love us for how we care for their kids. Our proactive communication, accessible locations, and emergency support make orthodontic treatment stress-free for the whole family.

We believe in keeping parents informed every step of the way—from appliance care to scheduling flexibility and treatment timelines. With over 150 5-star Google reviews, our reputation is built on delivering results and making families feel right at home.

We treat your kids like our own—and we're honored every time you trust us with their care.

Conclusion: Braces Shouldn't Bench Your Smile

Being an athlete takes strength, discipline, and focus. So does orthodontic treatment. But when the two work together, the results are incredible—not just in your mouth, but in your confidence.

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we're here to make sure braces or aligners never slow you down. With custom sports protection, flexible treatment options, and orthodontists who truly care, we help you stay safe, stay strong, and smile big—every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Call the location nearest you today, or visit us online at brownfamilyortho.com. Whether you're mid-season or off-season, we're here when you're ready—and we can't wait to welcome you to the Brown Family Orthodontics team.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I play contact sports while wearing braces?

Yes! With a properly fitted mouthguard designed for braces, you can safely play any sport.

What should I do if a bracket breaks during a game?

Stay calm, use orthodontic wax to reduce discomfort, and call our office right away. We offer emergency care at all seven locations.

Are aligners better than braces for athletes?

Aligners offer flexibility and are ideal for non-contact sports. Braces with mouthguards are often better for high-contact activities.

How do I clean my mouthguard?

Rinse it after each use, brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case.

Can I start orthodontic treatment during the school year?

Absolutely. We'll work with your school and sports schedule to make treatment easy and convenient.