Orthodontics & Extracurriculars: Can You Still Do What You Love?

Getting braces or clear aligners doesn’t mean you have to give up the extracurricular activities you enjoy. Whether you’re an athlete, a musician, or someone who loves both, orthodontic treatment can usually fit comfortably into your lifestyle.

With a few simple precautions and some minor adjustments, you can continue playing your favourite sport, practising your instrument, and working towards your new smile at the same time.

Can I Play Sports with Braces or Clear Aligners?

Yes! Most people can continue playing sports throughout orthodontic treatment.

If you participate in contact or collision sports such as hockey, rugby, basketball, soccer, or martial arts, protecting your teeth is especially important. Braces can make your lips and cheeks more vulnerable to cuts or irritation if you take a hit to the face.

A braces-friendly mouthguard is your best friend

If you have braces, a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard can help protect your teeth, braces, lips, and cheeks during sports.

A standard mouthguard will not provide the best fit over braces, particularly as your teeth move throughout treatment. Your orthodontist can recommend an appropriate orthodontic mouthguard and advise you on when it should be replaced or adjusted. You can buy them on Amazon, some retail stores, or at our office.

For athletes who wear clear aligners, your orthodontist may recommend wearing your aligners during certain activities or using a sports mouthguard, depending on your treatment plan and the sport you play.

What if I get hit in the mouth?

Accidents can happen. If you experience an impact while playing sports, check your braces or aligners and let your orthodontist know if anything feels unusual.

Contact your orthodontic office if you notice:

• A broken or loose bracket

• Significant pain or bleeding

• A loose orthodontic appliance

• A clear aligner that has cracked or no longer fits properly

  
  

The good news is that most minor orthodontic problems can be managed easily, so there’s usually no reason to panic.

Can I Play Musical Instruments with Braces?

For most musicians, the answer is also yes. Braces can feel strange when you first get them, particularly if you play a wind or brass instrument. Your lips, tongue, and cheeks may need some time to adjust to the new shape of your mouth.

Instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, French horn, flute, clarinet, and saxophone may require a short adjustment period, but many musicians successfully continue playing throughout orthodontic treatment.

Give yourself time to adjust

When you first get braces, your mouth may feel tender or unfamiliar. You may notice that the way you position your lips, mouth, and facial muscles to play your instrument feels different.

This is usually temporary. Start with shorter practice sessions if necessary and gradually return to your normal routine. Your lips and cheeks will generally become more accustomed to the braces as you continue playing.

If you experience persistent discomfort, talk to your orthodontist. Small adjustments or orthodontic wax may make playing more comfortable.

What About Clear Aligners and Musical Instruments?

Clear aligners can be particularly convenient for musicians because they are removable.

Depending on your orthodontist's instructions, you may be able to remove your aligners temporarily for performances or practice. However, aligners need to be worn for the recommended amount of time each day to keep your treatment on track.

Always follow your orthodontist's specific instructions about when your aligners can be removed. If you play a wind instrument, you may also find that wearing clear aligners feels different at first. Most people adapt with practice, but giving yourself time to get used to the aligners is important.

In Summary

For athletes:

• Wear an orthodontic mouthguard when recommended. You can buy braces friendly mouthguards on Amazon or at our office.

• Follow your sport's safety guidelines.

• Check your braces after an impact.

• Keep your orthodontic wax and emergency contact information handy.

  
  

For musicians:

• Allow yourself time to adjust after getting braces or aligners.

• Practise gradually if your mouth feels tender.

• Use orthodontic wax if braces are irritating your lips or cheeks.

• Keep up with your regular orthodontic appointments.

• Ask your orthodontist about any persistent discomfort.

  
  

For clear aligner patients:

• Keep your aligners in for the recommended amount of time.

• Store your aligners safely when you remove them.

• Clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in whenever possible.

• Don't leave your aligners out for longer than necessary.

  
  

You Don't Have to Put Your Passion on Hold

Starting orthodontic treatment is an investment in your long-term oral health and smile, but that doesn't mean you need to put your hobbies on hold.

Whether you're scoring a goal, stepping onto the ice, performing on stage, or practising for your next concert, braces and clear aligners can usually fit into an active lifestyle.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment and have questions about how it might affect your sport or musical instrument, talk to your orthodontist. Together, you can choose an approach that works with your goals, routine, and activities.

A healthier, straighter smile shouldn't mean giving up the things you love.