From the crack of a bat at Halleck Park to the thud of a soccer ball on the Papillion‑La Vista fields, sports are part of the heartbeat here in Papillion and Omaha. But if you’re wearing braces, every jump, dive, and collision comes with one extra consideration: keeping that orthodontic work safe while you play hard. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres at Hawley Orthodontics have helped plenty of local athletes protect their braces without losing a step on the field or court. First up, let’s talk about why sports safety is such a big deal when braces are in the picture.
Why Sports Safety Matters for Braces
Sports are unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun! But when you’re wearing braces, an elbow in the paint, a fast‑moving ball, or even a stray hand during a wrestling match can bend a wire or pop a bracket out of place. That means extra trips to the orthodontist, possible delays in your treatment, and a lot less time enjoying the season.
Braces protection isn’t just for football or hockey either. Here in Papillion and Omaha, the Hawley Orthodontics team has seen everything from a tipped volleyball at Papillion Landing to a Frisbee misfire take out a bracket. The reality is that any sport or activity with quick movement and contact (even accidental) can put your braces at risk.
Next, let’s look at your best line of defense on the field, court, or track: a braces‑friendly mouthguard.
Mouthguards: Braces‑Friendly Gear That Works
Think of a mouthguard as a helmet for your braces. It’s protecting wires, brackets, and soft tissues from unexpected impacts during play.
Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres provide custom‑fit mouthguards tailored for braces wearers, whether you have self‑ligating metal braces or clear ceramic ones. These guards offer comfort, stability, and protection that store-bought versions just can’t match.
Why parents and athletes love them:
- Perfect fit: Made specifically to slide over brackets and wires.
- Comfortable during games or practice: Many patients say they forget it’s even there!
- Ready for action: Whether you’re shooting hoops at halftime or biking on the Big Papio Trail, these braces-friendly mouthguards are designed by Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres to keep your hardware safe.
Next, let’s shift the focus from game day to practice time, where the right habits can keep your braces in top form long before the scoreboard lights up.
Practice-Time Habits That Protect Your Braces
Game day might get all the glory, but most of the wear and tear on your braces can happen during practice. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres often remind athletes that protection starts long before the first whistle.
Keep these habits in your playbook:
- Wear your mouthguard in scrimmages, too: Practice drills can get just as intense as official games.
- Skip the habit chews: Biting on jersey strings, mouthguard straps, or even pen caps can stress your brackets.
- Stay hydrated: Dry mouth makes irritation more likely and can let plaque build up faster.
- Protect your gear: Store your mouthguard in a vented case so it stays clean and doesn’t warp at the bottom of your bag.
By making these small adjustments part of your routine, you’ll help keep your braces secure and treatment going strong. Coming up next: what to do if your braces take a hit mid‑season.
What to Do if Your Braces Take a Hit
Even with the best habits in practice, sports can still throw you an unexpected curveball. One bump, fall, or misstep, and your braces might take the brunt of the impact. The good news is that a few quick steps can keep the situation under control and get you back in the game faster.
Stay Calm and Check the Damage
First things first: don’t panic. A quick self‑check can tell you if the damage is minor or needs immediate attention. Look for a loose bracket, bent wire, or anything poking your cheek or gums.
Use Temporary Fixes if Needed
If a wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with orthodontic wax until you can see Dr. Hawley or Dr. Torres. Avoid trying to bend or cut wires yourself, as that can make things worse.
Call Hawley Orthodontics
Even if the problem feels small, a quick call to the office lets the team decide if you should come in right away or if it can wait until your next scheduled appointment. Prompt attention keeps your treatment moving without unnecessary delays.
Keep Playing Smart
Once you’re checked out and cleared, make sure your mouthguard fits properly before getting back in the game. This extra step helps prevent the same issue from happening twice.
Next, let’s wrap things up with how Hawley Orthodontics works with athletes to keep them confident and protected all season.
All‑Season Support from Your Orthodontic Crew
Hawley Orthodontics is like your sideline squad, cheering you on and keeping your braces in winning shape from preseason warm‑ups to championship night lights. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres know what it’s like to juggle game schedules and orthodontic care, so they make sure athletes have everything they need to stay protected and confident on the field, court, or track.
They’ll help you gear up with a mouthguard that actually fits, fine‑tune it when needed, and jump in fast if something goes sideways. Every visit is a quick “equipment check” for your smile, so you can keep your focus on the game.
No matter how competitive the season gets, you’ll have a team in your corner making sure your braces play just as hard as you do!
Your Playbook for a Safe Smile
Protecting your braces during sports comes down to three things: the right mouthguard, smart practice habits, and a trusted team to keep you on track. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres keep local athletes protected and confident so they can give it their all, without sidelining their smiles! From mouthguard fittings to quick mid‑season check‑ins, Hawley Orthodontics makes sure your smile stays in the game.
So lace up, grab your gear, and play full‑out knowing your braces are built for the season ahead. Come by our Omaha or Papillion offices for your free consultation, so you can step onto the field knowing your smile is ready for the win!