Best Mouthguard for Braces: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
Why Choosing the Right Mouth Guard Matters More Than Ever
If your child plays sports and wears braces, choosing the right mouth guard isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Orthodontic brackets and wires increase the risk of oral injuries, and most generic mouthguards simply aren’t built to protect bracketed teeth. In this complete guide, we’ll break down why braces-specific protection matters, how Goon Guard mouthguards are different, perfect for any sport, and what dentists—including Dr. Monroe Elkin, co-inventor of the Goon Guard mouthguard—have to say about it.
Why Athletes with Braces Face Greater Risk
Mouth guards are more than just sports accessories—they’re serious damage control. They help protect against broken teeth, busted brackets, cut lips, concussions, and expensive dental work. But for kids with braces, the stakes are even higher.
Braces introduce sharp edges that can tear through the inside of the mouth during contact. Without proper protection, even minor collisions can turn into major injuries.
The Reality of Orofacial Injuries in Sports
- Athletes not wearing a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to suffer tooth injuries.
- Approximately 15 millions people experience a dental injury year in the U.S. due to sports (American Dental Assistants' Association).
- The Journal American Dental Association emphasizes that most injuries are preventable with the right sports safety gear.
Why Regular Mouthguards Don’t Cut It for Braces
Standard boil-and-bite guards often suction tightly to braces, shift during play, or stick to brackets—leading to discomfort and even more damage.
What braces athletes need is a custom-style, fitted mouth guard that:
- Fits comfortably over orthodontic brackets
- Avoids suction fit and sticking
- Absorbs and disperses shock evenly
"Athletes who have braces that don’t wear an athletic mouth guard—the consequences could be pretty severe. They could end up with a tooth getting knocked out, the braces getting dislodged, or injuries like a cut lip or bitten tongue. A properly fitted guard absorbs the impact and prevents serious damage." — Dr. Monroe Elkin
Introducing Goon Guard: The Best Mouth Guard for Braces
Engineered specifically for athletes with braces, Goon Guard is a fitted, braces-safe mouthguard for any activity an athlete could be doing trusted by parents and dentists alike.
What Sets It Apart:
- SmartForm material used in pro sports gear and car bumpers
- 2x the shock absorption of traditional EVA guards
- Brace-safe fit with no suction or stickiness
- Remoldable after every orthodontic adjustment
- Made in the USA, available in youth and adult sizes
- ADA approved for braces—the only one of its kind
- 15+ colors, with optional strap and lip guard add-ons
- Comes with a ventilated case and carabiner clip
How to Fit a Goon Guard Mouth Guard
Forget boiling water. Goon Guard uses microwave fitting to keep braces safe and the process simple.
Step-by-Step Fitting Instructions:
1. Wrap the mouth guard in a wet paper towel.
2. Microwave for 30 seconds (add 5–10 seconds if your microwave is under 1100 watts).
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and cool briefly in water.
4. Place it on upper teeth and close lightly for 2 minutes. Do not bite or suck.
5. The next day, the fit will feel even better as the SmartForm material finishes adapting.
"All you do is lightly close. You don’t do anything else… you just sit there for 2 minutes and you’re done." — Dr. Elkin
The Hidden Costs of Not Wearing a Mouth Guard
Skipping a mouth guard with braces can lead to more than just pain. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Dental bills: $5,000–$20,000 per tooth
- Lost playing time: weeks to months on the sideline
- Emotional distress: from visible or painful injuries
- Permanent damage: to roots, nerves, and jaw alignment
The Only ADA-Approved Mouth Guard for Braces
Goon Guard (by Game On Mouthguards) is the only mouth guard approved by the ADA for braces. It earned this distinction after two years of peer-reviewed clinical testing and met strict safety ratings and performance standards.
“Once their orthodontic treatment was done… they had a mouth guard that they could use after they were finished with all their orthodontics.” — Dr. Elkin
Caring for Your Goon Guard
- Rinse with warm water after each use
- Scrub with a toothbrush as needed
- Use a natural cleaner like AIRWAAV’s mouthpiece spray weekly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes! You need a specially designed mouth guard that fits over orthodontic brackets without suction or sticking—like Goon Guard.
Is Goon Guard ADA approved?
Yes, Goon Guard is the only mouth guard for braces accepted by the American Dental Association after extensive clinical testing.
Can I remold the mouth guard after braces adjustments?
Absolutely. Goon Guard is made with SmartForm material, allowing it to be remolded multiple times as your child’s mouth changes.
Final Word: Protect Their Braces, Protect Their Smile
Whether your child plays football, basketball, or any high-impact sport, don’t risk their smile. Goon Guard is the best braces mouth guard—designed for protection, engineered for comfort, and trusted by dentists.