Sport and braces

A brace does not mean giving up sport. Whether it is Gaelic, football, rugby, hockey, netball or swimming, you can usually carry on. This 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 your pocket or wrapped in a tissue.
• Put it back in as soon as you finish. Removable braces and Twin Blocks must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Stick to the 30-minute rule: never have it out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
• If your orthodontist advises it, wear a gumshield for contact sports.

Fixed braces

• A fixed brace stays in your mouth, so it needs protection during contact sports.
• Wear a gumshield (mouthguard) over your braces for contact sports – ask your clinician during your appointment which type is right for you. Ask us about a suitable one that fits over your brace.
• If the brace is rubbing 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	Put orthodontic wax over the end and get in touch with us.
Removable brace or Twin Block broken	Get in touch and bring the brace, every piece and your model. With your model, the repair is free; without it, a repair costs about £80.
Brace lost	Get in touch as soon as you can and bring your model. Without the brace, your teeth may move back.

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

Playing a wind or brass instrument with a brace can take a little getting used to. 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. Remove a removable brace or Twin Block for any sport, swimming included, and put it back in afterwards. If you have a fixed brace, wear a gumshield for contact sports.

Do I need a gumshield with braces?

Yes, for contact sports. If you have a fixed brace, ask us about a suitable gumshield that fits over it. If you have a removable brace or Twin Block, take it out and wear a gumshield if your orthodontist advises it.

Can I swim with a brace?

Remove a removable brace or Twin Block for swimming and keep it in its case, then put it straight back in afterwards.

My brace broke during a match – what should I do?

Keep every piece, cover anything sharp with wax and get in touch. If you have a removable brace or Twin Block, bring your model.