Sport and braces

Having a brace does not mean giving up sport. Football, rugby, hockey, netball, swimming – you can usually keep going. Here is how to protect your teeth and your brace.

Removable braces and Twin Blocks

• Take your brace out for any sport, including swimming.
• Put it straight into its hard case – never in a pocket or wrapped in a tissue.
• Put it back in as soon as you have finished. Removable braces and Twin Blocks need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Follow the 30-minute rule: never leave it out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
• Wear a gumshield for contact sports if your orthodontist advises it.

Fixed braces

• A fixed brace stays in, so it needs protecting during contact sports.
• Wear a gumshield (mouthguard) over your braces for contact sports – ask your clinician during your appointment which type suits you. Ask us about a suitable one that fits over your brace.
• If the brace rubs after a knock, use orthodontic wax over the part that is rubbing.

If your brace gets knocked or broken

Problem	What to do
Wire poking or rubbing	Cover the end with orthodontic wax and contact us.
Removable brace or Twin Block broken	Contact us and bring the brace, all the pieces and your model. With your model, repair is free; without it, a repair costs about £80.
Brace lost	Contact us as soon as possible and bring your model. Your teeth may move back without it.

Do not try to repair or adjust a brace yourself. If you have had a hard knock to the face, or your teeth are loose, painful or broken, seek urgent dental advice from your regular dentist, then let us know what they have advised. More help: brace care and problems.

Musical instruments

If you play a wind or brass instrument, it may take a little time to get used to playing with a brace. Most players adapt with practice, and a little orthodontic wax over the front brackets helps.

Questions and answers

Can I play sport with braces?

Yes. Take a removable brace or Twin Block out for any sport, including swimming, and put it back in afterwards. With a fixed brace, wear a gumshield for contact sports.

Do I need a gumshield with braces?

For contact sports, yes. With a fixed brace, ask us about a suitable gumshield that fits over your brace. With a removable brace or Twin Block, take the brace out and wear a gumshield if your orthodontist advises it.

Can I swim with a brace?

Take a removable brace or Twin Block out for swimming and keep it in its case. Put it back in straight afterwards.

What if my brace breaks during a match?

Keep all the pieces, cover anything sharp with wax and contact us. Bring your model if you have a removable brace or Twin Block.