Can You Wear a Mouth guard with Braces? Yes—Here’s How to Do It Safely
If your child has braces and plays sports, you’ve probably wondered: can you wear a mouthguard with braces? The short answer is yes—but not all mouthguards are created equal.
Click Here to Shop The Best Mouth Guard for Athletes with Braces
Wearing the wrong mouth guard over braces can actually do more harm than good. If the guard sticks to the brackets or uses a suction-fit design, it could pull wires loose, cut soft tissue, or even cause brackets to break. That’s why orthodontists and dental experts stress that when it comes to mouth guard safety, especially with braces, fit matters more than anything else.
In this article, we’ll explain how to choose a safe mouthguard for braces, highlight the risks of using the wrong type, and share expert advice from an exclusive interview with Dr. Monroe Elkin, a retired dentist and co-inventor of the Goon Guard mouthguard.
Why Braces Need a Different Kind of Mouthguard
Braces come with metal brackets and wires—great for straightening teeth, but risky in sports. A direct hit to the mouth during contact sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, or wrestling can cause serious injuries.
“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, braces getting dislodged, or injuries like a cut lip or bitten tongue.” — Dr. Monroe Elkin
That’s why most orthodontists recommend using a mouth guard made for braces, not a generic boil-and-bite.
The Danger of a Suction-Fit Mouth guard
Boil-and-bite mouth guards are designed to mold to the teeth using suction. Athletes typically bite down or suck the material tight after heating it. But when you have braces, that suction can create real problems.
“If that material gets wrapped around brackets, you're in big trouble. That’s what I was worried about when I first fit a patient with braces.” — Dr. Elkin
This suction-fit danger can:
- Stick tightly to orthodontic brackets
- Cause the mouthguard to dislodge during contact
- Increase pressure on individual teeth or brackets
- Make it difficult and painful to remove
Instead, look for a guard that fits comfortably over braces without relying on suction or biting down.
So, Can You Wear a Mouthguard with Braces?
Yes—and in fact, you should. But only with the right kind.
The safest approach is to use a mouth guard designed for braces. These are made with special materials that mold gently around the brackets and wires without sticking. They eliminate the need for suction, which can be especially risky in contact sports.
“You don’t suck. You don’t bite. You just sit there. The material does all the work.” — Dr. Elkin on how Goon Guard fits
Using a braces-specific mouth guard ensures better protection, comfort, and safety—and can even help athletes breathe and talk more easily on the field.
Braces Mouthguard Tips: What to Look For
Here are our top braces mouth guard tips to help you find the right fit:
- Avoid suction-fit designs that rely on sucking or biting
- Choose a remoldable guard for orthodontic changes
- Bracket-safe materials won’t stick to or pull on braces
- Look for ADA acceptance and dental backing
- Make sure the guard allows proper airflow and comfort
These tips can make the difference between a mouth guard that gets used—and one that ends up in the gym bag. Goon Guard checks off everything on this list.
What Orthodontists Say About Mouth guard Safety
Orthodontists are on the front lines of sports-related dental injuries, and they consistently recommend choosing a mouthguard for braces that’s both safe and comfortable.
Dr. Monroe Elkin explains that Goon Guard uses a patented SmartForm™ material that doesn’t suction or stick to brackets—and can be refitted as the teeth move.
“Even after the braces come off, the same mouth guard can be refit. That’s value.” — Dr. Elkin
This design helps reduce the risk of oral injuries and keeps athletes on the field longer—without dental complications.
Is It Safe to Wear a Mouthguard with Braces?
Absolutely. As long as you’re using a guard that’s made specifically for orthodontic athletes.
It’s not just about fitting over braces—it’s about preventing injury and ensuring that the mouthguard stays put during play. Traditional boil-and-bite guards don’t provide the right kind of support or flexibility needed for brackets and wires.
Mouth guard safety comes down to using the right gear. Choose something that’s trusted by dentists, orthodontists, and parents alike.
Click Here to Shop the Best Mouthguard for Braces
Final Word: Protect Their Smile with the Right Sports Protection
Still wondering is it safe to wear a mouth guard with braces? The answer is yes—with the right guard.
Don’t leave your athlete’s safety to chance. Goon Guard is designed specifically for athletes with braces, offering:
- A safe, no-suction fit
- SmartForm™ material that molds gently
- Remoldability after orthodontic adjustments
- The only ADA-accepted mouthguard for braces