How Your Student Athlete Can Play Safe and Smile Bright
By Dr. Kim Smith | Smile Suite Orthodontics, Evanston IL
If your child is active in sports — whether they’re scoring goals for ETHS soccer, shooting hoops in middle school basketball, or gearing up for tumbling in cheer — one of the first questions we often hear from parents is:
“Can my child still play sports with braces?”
The answer is a resounding yes!
Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t sideline your student athlete. At Smile Suite Orthodontics, we work closely with families across Evanston to ensure that kids can keep playing, training, and competing — all while safely straightening their smile.
Here’s everything you need to know about balancing orthodontic treatment and athletics, from protecting your child’s teeth to boosting their confidence on and off the field.
🏅 Yes, You Can Play Sports with Braces!
Braces or clear aligners won’t keep your child from participating in the sports they love. In fact, we treat many athletes throughout Evanston — from pee-wee leagues to varsity squads. With a few simple adjustments and the right protective gear, your child can safely:
- Play contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and basketball
- Perform in cheer, dance, or gymnastics
- Compete in martial arts or wrestling
- Play instruments in marching band
- Run track or cross-country
- Practice yoga or weight training
The key is understanding how to protect their smile while staying active.
🛡️ The Importance of a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is one of the most important tools in your athlete’s orthodontic toolkit — especially if they wear braces. Sports-related injuries to the mouth are very common, and braces can make those injuries worse if the teeth or lips are hit directly.
That’s why we recommend a mouthguard for all contact sports, even if it’s not officially required by the team or league.
Benefits of an Orthodontic Mouthguard:
- Cushions the lips and cheeks from brackets and wires
- Reduces the risk of broken brackets or bent wires
- Protects teeth from chips, cracks, or being knocked out
- Prevents cuts on the inside of the mouth during impact
- Provides peace of mind for both kids and parents
At Smile Suite, we provide custom-fit orthodontic mouthguards designed to work around braces. They’re more comfortable, stay in place better, and offer greater protection than over-the-counter versions.
🏈 For Invisalign Wearers: Here’s What You Should Know
If your child is wearing clear aligners like Invisalign, their routine may be even easier during sports. Aligners are:
- Removable, which means they can be taken out during games or practice
- Smooth and wire-free, reducing the risk of soft tissue injuries
- Easy to clean post-practice
However, we still recommend wearing a protective mouthguard — even if the aligners are taken out. If possible, bring a case to keep aligners safe during games and rinse them before putting them back in.
⏰ Fitting Sports into the Ortho Schedule
We know how hectic sports seasons can be — especially when balancing school, practices, and games. That’s why we offer:
- After-school and weekend appointments to fit team schedules
- Quick check-ins for minor issues like broken brackets or lost trays
- Flexible rescheduling if something pops up last minute
- Emergency slots reserved for unexpected sports injuries
Just let us know what sport your child plays and we’ll help plan their visits around major events and practices.
📸 Playing Confidently on and off the Field
Beyond safety, orthodontics can also help your child feel more confident while performing, competing, or just hanging with their teammates. A straight, healthy smile boosts:
- Self-esteem — important during middle school and high school years
- Willingness to lead — from team captains to group projects
- Comfort in interviews or college recruitment settings
- Camera confidence — perfect for team photos and senior portraits
We’re proud of the many student athletes we’ve helped smile brighter while playing their best.
🧼 Keep That Smile Clean — Even on Game Days
Sports practices often come with snacks, sports drinks, and less time for brushing. Make sure your athlete:
- Brushes after practices or at least before bed
- Avoids sugary drinks like Gatorade when possible (or rinses with water after)
- Keeps a travel toothbrush or floss picks in their gym bag
- Wears a clean, rinsed mouthguard — and stores it properly between uses
A little prep can go a long way in preventing cavities or irritation around braces.
💬 Common Questions from Sports Parents
“Can braces delay sports performance?”
Not at all! Most kids adjust within a few days and continue training like usual. We often hear that it’s much easier than they expected.
“What if a bracket breaks during a game?”
Call us right away. We’ll schedule a repair as soon as possible and walk you through any immediate steps to reduce discomfort.
“How often should we replace a mouthguard?”
If your child’s teeth or bite are changing, or if the mouthguard is damaged, we’ll recommend replacing it. Otherwise, one good guard can last several months with proper care.
📍 Playing Safe, Smiling Bright
Located at 2422 Main Street, Evanston, IL 60202, Smile Suite Orthodontics proudly supports student athletes all across the city. Whether your child is on the court, on the field, or on stage, we’re here to protect their smile and boost their confidence along the way.
If your child plays sports and is considering braces or Invisalign, schedule a complimentary consultation today. We’ll go over every option — and make sure treatment fits their goals, their schedule, and their lifestyle.
Because in our book, every student athlete deserves to smile like a champion.
