Many patients worry that getting braces means they won’t be able to enjoy sports or stay active. Most athletes in Phoenix can safely continue playing their favorite sports with braces as long as they take the right precautions.

Phoenix teens play sports year-round, from soccer and baseball in the fall, to basketball in the winter, to flag football and club sports all summer long. Because contact and outdoor sports are so popular here in the Valley, protecting your braces is especially important.

At Woolaver Orthodontics, we guide phoenix patients getting our braces treatment, on how to keep their teeth and braces safe while playing hard.

Wear Proper Protective Gear

The most important step when playing sports with braces is wearing the correct safety gear. The type of protection you need depends on the sport, your position, and how likely contact or impact is.

Below are the key pieces of gear every Arizona athlete with braces should consider.

Helmet

Helmets are essential for sports with contact or fall risks, such as:

Football
Basketball
BMX biking
Skateboarding
Hockey
Snowboarding in Northern Arizona
Mountain biking on desert trails

A proper helmet helps prevent head and jaw injuries, which can easily damage braces. Choose a helmet with appropriate safety certifications designed for your specific sport, but don’t use a general-purpose helmet for multiple activities.

Face Shield

Many helmets come with optional face shields or cages. When possible, always opt for the face shield, especially in sports like:

Hockey
Football
Baseball/softball (batting)
Mountain biking

Face shields help reduce injuries from fast-moving balls, sticks, equipment, or falls – common risks in Phoenix’s competitive youth and club sports leagues.

Mouthguard (The Most Important for Braces)

A mouthguard is the single most important piece of protective gear for athletes with braces. Even if your sport doesn’t require one, you should absolutely wear one to:

Prevent cuts from brackets
Protect your lips, cheeks & gums
Reduce impact damage to braces
Prevent broken or bent wires
Lower the risk of tooth injuries

For Phoenix athletes, heat-resistant mouthguards are especially helpful, since extreme temperatures can soften standard mouthguards and cause poor fit.

Talk With Our Orthodontist About Your Sport

Every sport has different risks. When you start orthodontic treatment with us, let our orthodontist know:

Which sports you play
Whether you play in competitive leagues
If you’re in a high-contact position (football lineman, catcher, etc.)
Whether you practice outdoors in the Arizona heat

As your local Phoenix Orthodontist, we help athletes choose the right gear and provide instructions specific to their sport.

What To Do If You Damage Braces During a Game

Sports emergencies happen in contact-heavy sports like football, basketball, and soccer. If you:

Break a bracket
Bend a wire
Chip a tooth
Notice bleeding or swelling after impact

Call our office at (928) 593-4033 right away. Quick care helps prevent further damage and protects your treatment progress.

Phoenix-Specific Safety Tips for Outdoor Athletes

Playing sports in Arizona’s desert climate comes with unique challenges:

Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth and dehydration can cause more irritation around braces.

Use Orthodontic Wax

Heat and sweat can make wires rub more. Wax helps protect the inner cheeks.

Rinse After Dusty Fields

Sports played on dirt fields like soccer, baseball, and softball often kick up dust that sticks to brackets. Rinse your mouth or brush after playing.

Keep Playing the Sports in Phoenix You Love Safely

Braces don’t have to slow you down. With the right gear and a little preparation, athletes can stay active, compete confidently, and protect their smiles.

If you or your child plays sports and is considering braces, we’re here to help. schedule an appointment at our Phoenix Office today!

Playing Sports With Braces in Phoenix: How to Keep Your Teeth & Braces Safe