Braces and Sports: Calgary Orthodontist Mouthguard Advice

Posted on 2025-12-26 22:20:12

Calgary lives outside. From shinny on community rinks to club rugby, ringette, basketball, and weekend hikes that end with a pickup game in the park, this city moves fast and often. For kids and adults in orthodontic treatment, that lifestyle raises a practical question: how do you protect your smile without sitting out? As a Calgary orthodontist, I field versions of this question every week. The short answer is that you can keep playing almost anything while wearing dental braces or Invisalign, but your approach to mouthguards needs to be smarter than a generic one-size-fits-all.

This is the guide I wish every hockey parent, club coach, and adult rec player had on their fridge. It blends what we see in clinic with the realities at the rink and field, plus local quirks like cold weather practices and tournament travel.

Why mouthguards matter more with braces

A puck or elbow to the mouth hurts whether you have braces or not. But orthodontic appliances change the risk profile. Brackets and archwires add sharp edges. A blow that might have caused a split lip can turn into a deeper laceration if soft tissue is pushed against metal. I have treated athletes with lacerations inside the lower lip long enough to need sutures because a ball ricocheted off a hardcourt, then off their bracket wings.

Teeth are also more mobile during active orthodontic movement. That mobility makes timely pressure protection more important. A mouthguard cushions forces, spreads impact across a broader area, and can prevent the kind of blunt trauma that leads to root resorption, chipped enamel, or a broken bracket. A chipped incisor is fixable, but bonding composite and recontouring enamel is something we would rather avoid, especially if a patient is mid-rotation on that very tooth.

For Invisalign users, the trays themselves add a thin layer of plastic across the teeth. That helps with minor bumps, but it is not a substitute for a real sports mouthguard. Invisalign trays are designed for controlled tooth movement, not impact absorption. Think of them like wearing a thin rain jacket in a snowstorm: better than nothing, not the right gear.

Calgary context: ice, altitude, and mixed seasons

Our sports calendar runs across temperatures and surfaces. Hockey and ringette dominate winter, then lacrosse, soccer, rugby, and baseball take the baton. Basketball, volleyball, and martial arts run year-round. The type of mouthguard and when to wear it depends on contact risk, playing surface hardness, and how often you practice.

Hockey presents unique needs. Impacts often come from below (sticks) and from falls onto ice. Helmets with face masks reduce dental injuries dramatically, but they do not eliminate them. A mouthguard still reduces concussion risk by absorbing some jaw-to-skull force and protecting soft tissues. For rugby and lacrosse, stick and body contact are routine, so a thicker guard makes sense. Soccer has lower rated dental injury frequency, but heading duels, keeper collisions, and hard ground in early spring still justify a guard, especially for players in braces.

Altitude and dry air may sound irrelevant here, but they matter to fit. Dry air dehydrates tissues quickly during winter practices, and dehydrated lips and cheeks are more likely to catch on brackets. A well-fitting guard and a bit of orthodontic wax in the kit make a difference.

The three types of mouthguards, and who should use what

I group sports mouthguards into three categories: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom. Add one more for Invisalign wearers: appliance-friendly guards designed to accommodate trays.

Stock guards are off the shelf. They cost the least and fit the worst. They rarely stay in place well enough to speak or breathe comfortably, and they do not adapt around brackets. I do not recommend them for anyone in braces.

Boil-and-bite guards come in a range of qualities. The lowest cost versions are flimsy after molding, compress too quickly, and tear at the first sign of bracket roughness. Better versions use layered materials with a resilient outer shell and a moldable inner core. For athletes in braces, look for a boil-and-bite explicitly labeled as orthodontic. These have extra room over the labial surfaces to accommodate brackets and wires and can be remolded as teeth shift. That last part matters. We often see patients every 6 to 10 weeks, and a mouthguard that fit in September may feel tight in December. The ability to remold prevents unwanted orthodontic side effects, like unintended pressure that could tip a tooth or bind on a hook.

Custom guards are fabricated from an impression or scan of your teeth. A Calgary orthodontist or dentist can make one, and high-quality versions use multilayer laminates pressed or vacuum formed over a model. They offer the best comfort, retention, and protection. The main drawback in active braces is that teeth move month to month, so a custom guard can become snug or inaccurate and then either stops seating fully or presses on bracket wings and wire. The exception is a custom orthodontic guard designed with relief over brackets. We fabricate these for athletes at high risk of impact, such as U18 AAA hockey or senior rugby. They are bulkier than cosmetic guards but https://familybraces.ca/locations/shawnessy/ still comfortable enough for full game use. Remakes are sometimes required mid-season as alignment improves, which is a reasonable trade-off compared to the cost of dental trauma.

For Invisalign users, a standard custom guard works well, but we decide case by case whether to wear the Invisalign trays under the guard. Usually I advise removing the trays during contact play, then wearing the mouthguard directly over the teeth. The guard fits better and absorbs forces more predictably that way. Once you are off the field or bench, rinse and reinsert your trays. If you have a game day with multiple matches, we adjust wear time expectations accordingly. Missing 90 minutes of tray time is acceptable when the trays go right back in and overall daily wear still hits the 20 to 22 hour target. If you are in a Calgary Invisalign program with tight timelines, talk to your provider about extending a tray an extra day when you have a tournament weekend. A small schedule tweak keeps teeth tracking perfectly.

How to get the fit right without compromising treatment

Mouthguards should never move teeth. They should protect them. That sounds obvious until you feel a guard start pressing on the front teeth because bracket angles changed. The practical fix is to focus on three things: thickness distribution, retention, and relief.

Thickness is not the same everywhere. Anterior teeth need a softer, slightly thicker buffer because they are the first to meet a ball or elbow. Posterior coverage should be complete, but you do not want excessive bulk that pries the jaw open and strains chewing muscles. A laminate with a 3 mm to 4 mm overall thickness anteriorly and 2 mm to 3 mm posteriorly works for most high school and adult athletes in contact sports. Younger athletes with smaller jaws can do well with slightly thinner designs if the sport risk is lower, like basketball or non-checking hockey.

Retention should come from the guard wrapping the teeth and engaging subtle undercuts, not from squeezing the teeth together. For boil-and-bite guards, the most common molding error I see is clamping down too hard. That collapses the material and creates thin spots over incisal edges. Better technique is firm but not forceful pressure, using fingers and tongue to shape borders and a gentle bite to seat the guard. If you are in braces, protect the brackets during molding by using orthodontic wax on the upper brackets before you start. It makes the removal easier if the thermoplastic wants to grab the hardware.

Relief over brackets and wires is non-negotiable. A proper orthodontic mouthguard has a smooth inner surface that clears wings and hooks, especially in the canine and premolar areas. If your guard feels like it catches when you remove it, or it tugs on a bracket, bring it in. We would rather adjust or replace the guard than repair a debonded bracket before playoffs.

Braces, archwires, and the “what if something breaks” plan

Sports are messy. Brackets can pop. Wires can poke. The worst time to figure out how to manage that is in a locker room before a semifinal.

We supply a small emergency kit to our athletes. It includes orthodontic wax, a compact mouth mirror, nail clippers or a small wire cutter, non-latex gloves, and salt packets for warm saltwater rinses. If a bracket breaks but remains on the wire, use wax to cover it, wear the guard over everything, and finish the game if you are safe and comfortable. If a wire end is poking, the wax will usually hold for a half, then you can trim the protruding end carefully. After the match, call your Calgary orthodontist for a repair visit. If the break is severe or the wire has come out of several brackets, skip the next contact session and get fixed up first. One missed practice is better than a cut lip and a crooked front tooth.

For Invisalign players, the kit is simpler: a spare set of trays one stage behind your current set, a sturdy case, and the same wax for any fixed attachments that might irritate after a hit. If a tray cracks, switch to the backup immediately and contact your provider to decide whether to move forward or hold for a few days.

Youth sports: balancing safety and growth

Kids are still growing, and their tooth roots and jawbones are developing. That makes protection and fit more delicate. Many youth hockey and lacrosse leagues in Calgary require mouthguards, but the enforcement can be uneven in practice sessions. Parents, this is where consistency matters. A guard does its job by being there at the unexpected moment, not just in games.

Growth creates two fit challenges. First, teeth erupt. That means the incisal edges and occlusal surfaces change shape across a single season. A remoldable orthodontic mouthguard is often the best option here, with checkpoints every 6 to 8 weeks for fit. Second, kids breathe fast when they sprint. If a guard is too bulky or poorly trimmed, it drops during heavy breathing and the athlete stops wearing it. In our clinic, we trim and smooth the borders slightly shorter than adult guards and round the posterior ends so they do not impinge on soft palatal tissue. The result is a guard a child can shout through without spitting it out.

Cost matters for families with multiple athletes. Custom guards are wonderful, but a high-quality orthodontic boil-and-bite with periodic remolding and professional adjustments gives excellent protection at a fraction of the price, especially during rapid dental change years.

Invisalign on the field: practical routines that keep you on track

A frequent question: do I wear my Calgary Invisalign trays while I play? For contact sports, no. Remove them, store them in a case, and wear a dedicated mouthguard. For non-contact sports like distance running or cycling, you can keep trays in. If you play a sport with intermittent contact risk like basketball, consider your role. A point guard weaving through traffic faces more elbows than a casual pick-up shooter. When in doubt, guard up and leave trays in the case during active play.

The routine that works: before warm-up, wash hands and remove trays. Rinse, place them in a labeled case in your bag or jacket pocket that zips. Insert your mouthguard. Between halves or periods, drink water only while the guard is in, then at the bench remove the guard to take a quick electrolyte sip, rinse your mouth if possible, and put the guard back. After the game, brush or at least rinse, then reinsert trays. If you had a double-header, you might fall short by 60 to 90 minutes of tray time that day. Make it up the next day by wearing trays a little longer in the evening. If multiple game days stack, talk to your provider about adding one extra day to that tray stage to keep tracking precise.

Cleaning and care in the real world

Mouthguards pick up everything. Saliva proteins adhere quickly, then bacterial biofilm and odors follow. Add the Calgary rink bag, which smells like every tournament it has ever seen, and you get a perfect incubator.

Clean your guard after each use. Rinse with cool water first. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive soap to scrub, not toothpaste, which can scratch. Once or twice a week, use an enzyme-based cleaner designed for dental appliances. Avoid hot water that can warp thermoplastic guards. Let the guard dry completely before storing. A vented case helps, and it keeps the guard from being tossed loose into a bag where it will collect grit that abrades the inner surface and irritates tissues.

A note on dogs: they love the smell of mouthguards and retainers. If you have a family pet, keep the case closed and out of reach. I have replaced more post-game guards than I can count because a Labrador beat the athlete home to the gym bag.

What we watch for as orthodontists

From the clinical side, our team checks a few specifics at each visit for athletes:

Evidence of soft tissue trauma along the lower lip and buccal mucosa that suggests the guard is not being worn, or is not fitting properly. If we see repeated ulcerations in the same spot, we adjust the guard or add wax guidance to the bracket. Unwanted tooth movement patterns that could be linked to a too-tight guard, such as flaring of upper incisors or tipping. This is rare but preventable with proper relief and remolding after significant alignment change. Signs of grinding during sport. Some athletes clench under stress. If we see wear facets on the guard, we may adjust thickness or occlusal balance. Attachment wear in Invisalign patients who frequently remove trays for practices. If attachments are more polished than expected, we review wear time and tray handling, then reinforce the post-game routine.

Contact, non-contact, and the gray zones

Rules vary. So does risk. Basketball and soccer are labeled non-contact, but both involve frequent incidental contact and hard surfaces. Baseball is non-contact most of the time, until you are a catcher or sliding into second. Mountain biking is technically non-contact, but a handlebar can act like a fist. If braces are on your teeth or you are in a Calgary Invisalign program, expand your definition of when a mouthguard makes sense.

I tell patients to imagine any scenario where their lower jaw could snap shut suddenly or a foreign object could hit their mouth. If the answer is yes more than 10 percent of the time, a mouthguard is a good idea. That includes stick sports, court sports, martial arts, and even some training drills like box jumps where a misstep can send a knee toward the chin.

Timing orthodontics around a competitive season

Serious athletes often ask if they should delay treatment until after a season. It depends on goals and timelines. For a varsity-level rugby player, starting full fixed appliances in-season is workable with the right guard, but we plan wire changes around travel and matches so the mouth is not tender on game day. For a goalie heading into a high-exposure tournament, we might schedule bracket placement just after the event or begin with limited bonding, then complete the rest between seasons.

Invisalign gives flexibility. We can start a Calgary Invisalign case mid-season with minimal interference, then tweak wear expectations on heavy game weeks. The trade-off is discipline. Trays only move teeth when they are in, so athletes need solid routines to hit 20 to 22 hours daily outside of practices and games.

If an athlete has jaw growth considerations and a functional appliance is indicated, we plan a guard that accommodates the appliance or consider staged treatment, using a mouthguard-compatible design first and active correction during off-season training blocks.

Real stories from the rink and field

A U15 defenseman came in after a scramble in the crease. His upper right central had a small enamel chip, his lip had a shallow cut, and two brackets on the left side had popped. He had been wearing a generic boil-and-bite that fit before we expanded his upper arch. The guard had become tight across the front and thin at the incisal edge. We repaired the brackets, polished the chip, and fabricated a custom orthodontic guard with bracket relief and a reinforced anterior band. He finished the season without further issues and told me it was the first guard he could keep in and speak clearly with on the bench.

An adult rec league basketball player in Invisalign asked if he could leave trays in with a cheap guard over top. We tried it in-clinic. The combined thickness was uncomfortable, his speech was muffled, and the guard did not seat consistently. We switched to a dedicated guard for play, trays out, and a strict post-game reinsertion rule. His tracking stayed perfect. He needed only an extra two days across his six-month plan to accommodate playoffs.

A youth ringette goalie with braces struggled with dry lips in cold arenas and complained of cuts even with a guard. We adjusted her mouthguard borders, added a tiny bit of relief over canine hooks, and gave her a simple routine: lip balm 10 minutes before gear-up, a sip of water between whistles, and wax in the kit for any sudden pokes. Zero cuts across the rest of the season.

Common mistakes to avoid and quick fixes

Wearing a standard, non-orthodontic boil-and-bite with braces. It will either press on brackets or fail to seat well, and it often leads to sores. Molding the guard with a hard bite that thins material where it matters most. Use steady finger pressure and a light bite. Storing the guard wet in a sealed case. That invites odors. Dry it first. Assuming Invisalign trays are mouthguards. They are not. Wear a real guard for contact play. Waiting too long to replace a guard that feels tight after big orthodontic progress. If the front six teeth look straighter, your guard probably needs remolding or replacement.

How to choose a mouthguard in Calgary

If you want the simplest path, call your Calgary orthodontist and ask for an orthodontic sports guard consult. Bring your current guard if you have one. If you prefer to start at a sporting goods store, look for a boil-and-bite labeled orthodontic, ideally remoldable, with at least medium density. Check that it covers past the first molars, does not dig into the palate, and has enough labial room to clear brackets.

Ask these three questions in the store or clinic: Does it stay in without clenching? Can I speak clearly? Is there relief over my brackets and hooks? If the answer to any is no, keep looking or have it adjusted.

Step-by-step molding for braces without headaches

Place orthodontic wax over upper brackets to create a smooth surface and prevent the guard from locking in during molding. Soften a little wax between your fingers and cover the bracket wings, especially canines and premolars. Heat the guard per the manufacturer’s instructions, but err slightly on the cooler side to avoid over-softening. You want pliable, not limp. Seat the guard gently, use your fingers along the cheeks and lips to press it against the teeth, and use your tongue to push up along the inside front. Bite lightly just to hold position. Count to 30 to 45 while applying firm finger pressure rather than jaw force. Cool the guard under cold water, then remove. If it sticks, wiggle gently, do not yank. Remove the wax, rinse everything, and test fit. Areas that feel tight over brackets can be relieved by reheating and gently reshaping with a gloved finger or having your orthodontist fine-tune it.

That entire process takes 10 minutes and saves many sore spots later.

Insurance, replacement, and timing

Many dental plans in Alberta cover a portion of custom mouthguards once per year, often under accident prevention benefits. Boil-and-bite guards are usually out-of-pocket but cost modestly. Custom orthodontic guards cost more because of the specialized relief and time to fabricate. If you are mid-season and have a major tooth alignment shift, do not hesitate to replace or remold. The cost of a new guard is small compared to the downtime from an injury.

Replace a guard if it is cracked, chewed, chronically loose, or smells despite proper cleaning. Younger athletes may need a new guard each season due to growth. Adults typically get one to two seasons from a well-cared-for custom guard.

Working with your team: coaches and trainers

Tell coaches you have braces or are in Invisalign. It changes nothing about your playing time, but it gives them context if you need 30 seconds to reinsert a guard after water breaks. Athletic therapists appreciate knowing which athletes use mouthguards consistently and can encourage compliance during drills with increased collision risk. If a bracket breaks, a quick message to a parent or a note in the team app after practice goes a long way toward timely repair.

I recommend a team rule: mouthguards in during any drill with sticks, pucks, balls, or scrimmage contact. For programs that practice four or more times per week, consistency reduces the “I forgot it” days to near zero within a month.

Where Calgary orthodontist care fits in

An orthodontist’s role goes beyond straightening teeth. For athletes, we build a plan that keeps treatment on track while respecting the realities of games and travel. In our practice, we:

Review sport schedules and plan adjustments to minimize tenderness on key days. Fabricate or adjust guards that fit over braces or work with Invisalign. Provide emergency kits and teach quick fixes for common issues like wire pokes. Coordinate with dentists if trauma occurs, prioritizing periodontal health and root monitoring before resuming active tooth movement.

If you are looking for Calgary invisalign treatment and you play contact sports, ask about sport-specific protocols during your initial consult. It is one of the small details that makes a big difference over a season.

The bottom line for active Calgarians with braces or aligners

You do not have to choose between a healthy bite and the sports you love. With the right mouthguard, a few practical habits, and a willing Calgary orthodontist partner, you can skate hard, cut to the basket, or take the field without worrying about your appliances. Protect the smile you are working so hard to perfect. Keep a guard in your bag, wax in your pocket, and a plan in your head. The puck will never wait, but you will be ready when it arrives.

6 Calgary Locations)

Business Name: Family Braces

Website: https://familybraces.ca

Email: [email protected]

Phone (Main): (403) 202-9220

Fax: (403) 202-9227

Hours (General Inquiries):
Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Locations (6 Clinics Across Calgary, AB):
NW Calgary (Beacon Hill): 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 — Tel: (403) 234-6006
NE Calgary (Deerfoot City): 901 64 Ave NE, Suite #4182, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4 — Tel: (403) 234-6008
SW Calgary (Shawnessy): 303 Shawville Blvd SE #500, Calgary, AB T2Y 3W6 — Tel: (403) 234-6007
SE Calgary (McKenzie): 89, 4307-130th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V8 — Tel: (403) 234-6009
West Calgary (Westhills): 470B Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 — Tel: (403) 234-6004
East Calgary (East Hills): 165 East Hills Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6Z8 — Tel: (403) 234-6005

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East (East Hills): View on Google Maps

Maps (6 Locations):

NW (Beacon Hill)

NE (Deerfoot City)

SW (Shawnessy)

SE (McKenzie)

West (Westhills)

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Family Braces is a Calgary, Alberta orthodontic brand that provides braces and Invisalign through six clinics across the city and can be reached at (403) 202-9220.

Family Braces offers orthodontic services such as Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and early phase one treatment options for kids and teens in Calgary.

Family Braces operates in multiple Calgary areas including NW (Beacon Hill), NE (Deerfoot City), SW (Shawnessy), SE (McKenzie), West (Westhills), and East (East Hills) to make orthodontic care more accessible across the city.

Family Braces has a primary clinic location at 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 and also serves patients from additional Calgary shopping-centre-based clinics across other quadrants.

Family Braces provides free consultation appointments for patients who want to explore braces or Invisalign options before starting treatment.

Family Braces supports flexible payment approaches and financing options, and patients should confirm current pricing details directly with the clinic team.

Family Braces can be contacted by email at [email protected] for general questions and scheduling support.

Family Braces maintains six public clinic listings on Google Maps.

Landmarks Near Calgary, Alberta

Family Braces is proud to serve the Beacon Hill (NW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for orthodontist services in Beacon Hill (NW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Beacon Hill Shopping Centre.

Family Braces is proud to serve the NW Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign options for many ages. If you’re looking for braces in NW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (Beacon Hill area).

Family Braces is proud to serve the Deerfoot City (NE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Deerfoot City (NE Calgary), visit Family Braces near Deerfoot City Shopping Centre.

Family Braces is proud to serve the NE Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in NE Calgary, visit Family Braces near The Rec Room (Deerfoot City).

Family Braces is proud to serve the Shawnessy (SW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic services including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in Shawnessy (SW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Shawnessy Shopping Centre.

Family Braces is proud to serve the SW Calgary community and offers Invisalign and braces consultations. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in SW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Shawnessy LRT Station.

Family Braces is proud to serve the McKenzie area (SE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near McKenzie Shopping Center.

Family Braces is proud to serve the SE Calgary community and offers orthodontic consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near Staples (130th Ave SE area).

Family Braces is proud to serve the Westhills (West Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Westhills Shopping Centre.

Family Braces is proud to serve the West Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for braces in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Cineplex (Westhills).

Family Braces is proud to serve the East Hills (East Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near East Hills Shopping Centre.

Family Braces is proud to serve the East Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (East Hills).