A guide to help you protect your smile while staying active this sports season.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Sports and Orthodontics Require Special Attention
Meet the Experts Behind Our Practice
The Real Risks of Sports Injuries with Braces
Aligners vs. Braces: What Athletes Need to Know
Why Mouthguards Are a Must for Athletes with Braces
Smart Game-Time Habits for Braces Protection
Emergency Playbook: What to Do If an Injury Happens
Fitting Orthodontics Into a Student-Athlete's Schedule
Real Smiles. Real Results. Real Athletes.
Conclusion: Keep Your Smile in the Game
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a varsity athlete, or just starting your first season, playing sports while wearing
braces or
aligners comes with unique challenges. From stray elbows to fast-moving balls, sports can put your smile at risk if you're not properly protected. At Ortho Unlimited, we've seen firsthand how simple precautions can prevent serious orthodontic injuries. That's why we're committed to helping student-athletes play hard without compromising their treatment or comfort.
With five convenient locations across Pennsylvania—Clarks Summit, Carbondale, Honesdale, Dingman's Ferry, and Kingston—our team, led by
Dr. John Mariotti,
Dr. Samantha Abod, and
Dr. Carolyn Serio, provides expert care that fits into even the busiest athletic schedules. In this guide, we'll share our top braces safety tips for athletes, including mouthguard must-haves, emergency protocols, and smart treatment planning around sports seasons. Protecting your smile shouldn't mean sitting on the sidelines—it should mean playing with confidence and smiling without limits.
Why Sports and Orthodontics Require Special Attention
If you're a student-athlete and currently wearing braces or aligners, there's no need to sit out this season—but there are important things to consider. Sports and orthodontics go hand in hand when it comes to potential injuries. A misstep, a tackle, or a stray ball can quickly become more than just a bruise—it can turn into a setback for your orthodontic treatment.
At Ortho Unlimited, we understand how vital your sport is to you. Whether you're on the basketball court, the soccer field, the wrestling mat, or the lacrosse pitch, you're giving it your all. That's why our team is equally committed to keeping your orthodontic progress intact while helping you stay protected and perform at your best.
We've helped over 20,000 patients in Pennsylvania, including many young athletes, find the perfect balance between performance and protection. Our approach is simple: give you the tools and knowledge you need to play hard—without putting your smile at risk.
Meet the Experts Behind Our Practice
Dr. John Mariotti: Supporting Smiles Across Pennsylvania
With years of experience and a deep-rooted presence in our Pennsylvania communities, Dr. John Mariotti is a trusted leader in orthodontics. Known for his calm demeanor and clinical precision, Dr. Mariotti knows that each athlete's journey is different. He works closely with each patient to ensure their treatment plan not only aligns with their dental goals but also their sports commitments. Whether you're preparing for playoffs or just joined your first team, Dr. Mariotti will make sure your smile is ready to perform.
Dr. Samantha Abod: Precision Care for Active Lifestyles
Dr. Samantha Abod brings an unmatched level of dedication and personalized care to every patient she meets. Her passion for combining performance with protection has helped countless athletes stay active while achieving their perfect smile. Whether she's fitting a custom mouthguard or adjusting braces to reduce discomfort during play, Dr. Abod treats every patient like family. Her experience extends far beyond technical skill—she understands how to communicate with busy student-athletes and worried parents, offering peace of mind alongside expert care.
Dr. Carolyn Serio: Compassionate Expertise for Every Athlete
Dr. Carolyn Serio combines a warm, approachable style with a strong foundation in clinical excellence. She's known for her ability to connect with young athletes and guide them through treatment with confidence and clarity. From the first consultation to the final checkup, Dr. Serio is committed to helping patients maintain peak performance while protecting their smiles.
She believes that orthodontic care should enhance—not hinder—your lifestyle, and she works closely with families to ensure treatment fits seamlessly into each athlete's routine. Her expertise in both braces and aligners makes her a go-to doctor for customized, athlete-friendly care across all five of our Pennsylvania locations.
The Real Risks of Sports Injuries with Braces
Common Injuries and How They Impact Treatment
Braces are made of brackets, wires, and bands—all of which can cause problems when paired with high-impact movement. A hit to the face, even during practice, can result in:
- Broken brackets
- Bent wires
- Cuts to the lips or cheeks
- Misalignment of teeth due to impact
Invisalign® wearers aren't off the hook either. While the trays are smoother and less likely to cause cuts, they can crack, dislodge, or even trap bacteria if damaged during a game.
Each injury means more appointments, longer treatment times, and added discomfort. That's why prevention isn't just important—it's essential.
The Importance of Prevention, Not Reaction
At Ortho Unlimited, the best way to deal with sports-related injuries is to avoid them altogether. We educate our athletes on proper protection wear, care for their equipment during travel, and how to respond in case of an issue.
Our team is trained to identify risks specific to your sport and recommend a personalized protection plan—whether that's a braces-safe mouthguard or quick access to emergency repairs. Prevention is the best play in your orthodontic game plan.
Aligners vs. Braces: What Athletes Need to Know
Advantages and Risks of Invisalign® During Sports
Invisalign aligners have become a popular choice for athletes—and for good reason. They're removable, smooth, and less likely to cause injuries during contact. However, that doesn't mean you're completely in the clear.
Aligners can crack under pressure or become dislodged during contact, potentially disrupting your treatment schedule. Plus, wearing a mouthguard over aligners is still highly recommended, especially for sports with physical contact or the chance of being hit in the face. Our team will show you how to use Invisalign with a sports-safe mouthguard, and we'll help you stay on track with treatment even if you need to remove your aligners for low-risk activities.
Choosing What's Best for Your Sport
So which is better—braces or Invisalign—for student-athletes? The answer depends on your sport, lifestyle, and goals.
- High-contact sports (like football, hockey, or wrestling): We often recommend braces with a fitted mouthguard.
- Low-contact sports (like track, swimming, or tennis): Invisalign may offer greater flexibility.
Either way, we'll guide you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Why Mouthguards Are a Must for Athletes with Braces
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter: What's the Difference?
Not all mouthguards are made equal—especially if you wear braces. While you can pick up a boil-and-bite mouthguard at the store, they don't offer the protection or comfort that a custom-made one does. Store-bought guards often fit poorly, wear out quickly, and can interfere with your braces or aligners.
At Ortho Unlimited, we create custom mouthguards designed to fit over your braces securely, comfortably, and effectively. These guards not only absorb impact but also allow your teeth to move naturally as your treatment progresses.
What Makes a Mouthguard "Braces-Safe"?
A braces-safe mouthguard is:
- Roomy enough to fit over brackets
- Flexible to absorb shock
- Durable enough to withstand heavy contact
- Designed to minimize movement of orthodontic appliances
Our team takes exact impressions of your teeth to ensure your guard is a perfect fit. It's not just about comfort—it's about preventing injuries that can derail your progress.
Smart Game-Time Habits for Braces Protection
Hygiene on the Go
Being on the move doesn't mean oral hygiene should fall behind. When you're an athlete with braces or aligners, your hygiene routine needs to be just as disciplined as your training. After games or practices, sweat and bacteria can accumulate around brackets or inside aligner trays, increasing your risk for irritation, cavities, and even gum infections.
That's why we recommend every student-athlete keep a compact hygiene kit in their sports bag. We recommend:
- A soft-bristled travel toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Orthodontic flossers
- Wax for irritation spots
- A small bottle of mouthwash
- Invisalign cleaning crystals (for aligner patients)
We'll help you build your kit during your visits so you're always prepared—even during away games or weekend tournaments.
Food Choices Before and After the Game
What you eat matters. Right before a game, your focus might be on fueling up fast. But if you're not careful, you could damage your braces before the first whistle blows. Hard pretzels, chewy energy bars, and crunchy granola are all common culprits we see.
Instead, we encourage braces-safe pre-game snacks like:
- Soft bananas
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Protein shakes
- Cooked pasta
And post-game? Rinse or brush as soon as you can to remove sugars and acids from sports drinks or energy gels. These substances, if left unchecked, can lead to plaque buildup around brackets and under aligners. Smart food choices and quick cleanup can make all the difference.
Emergency Playbook: What to Do If an Injury Happens
First Steps After a Hit to the Mouth
No matter how prepared you are, accidents still happen. Whether it's a ball to the face or an elbow during a rebound, injuries can catch you off guard. The key is knowing what to do.
Here's your Ortho Unlimited-approved injury checklist:
- Stay calm. Panicking can make it harder to assess the situation.
- Rinse your mouth with water or saline to clear blood or debris.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any poking wires.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Remove your aligners if you're wearing Invisalign and they're causing irritation or discomfort.
- Call us
at
570-587-1196. We’ll schedule an appointment for a repair.
Our team is always ready to help you determine whether your injury needs urgent in-office care. Don't try to fix a broken wire or reinsert a damaged aligner yourself. That's what we're here for.
When to Call Ortho Unlimited
If you're experiencing:
- Persistent bleeding
- Severe mouth pain
- Broken brackets or wires
- A dislodged or cracked aligner
- Cuts to your tongue, lips, or cheeks
Call us right away. We have emergency appointments available at all five of our Pennsylvania locations and can often get you in the same day. Our goal is to protect your progress and minimize downtime so that you can get back in the game quickly and safely.
Fitting Orthodontics Into a Student-Athlete's Schedule
Timing Treatment Around the Season
Every sport has its season—and we think orthodontic treatment should follow suit. Whether you're starting your very first season or preparing for your final year, timing your braces or Invisalign start date can help reduce discomfort and avoid disruptions.
Dr. Mariotti, Dr. Abod, and Dr. Serio will help you plan the ideal time to begin treatment. Starting after playoffs or during off-season conditioning gives your mouth time to adjust before you dive into high-contact activity. If you're already in treatment, we can schedule adjustments around big games or tournaments to avoid soreness that might impact performance.
Our Flexible Care for Your Busy Calendar
We understand how packed a student-athlete's calendar can get. That's why we offer flexible appointments—early mornings and late afternoons at select locations. And with offices in Clarks Summit, Carbondale, Honesdale, Dingman's Ferry, and Kingston, we make it easy to stay on track no matter where life (or sports) takes you.
Have a change in practice? Need an urgent visit between school and a match? We'll work around your schedule. Our goal is to make orthodontic care something you can manage confidently, not something that holds you back.
Real Smiles. Real Results. Real Athletes.
At Ortho Unlimited, we've had the privilege of working with thousands of student-athletes over the past 40+ years—and their stories are what make our work so meaningful. From high school quarterbacks and gymnasts to little league stars and swim team captains, we've seen firsthand how a confident, protected smile can change everything.
Many of our patients walk through our doors with questions:
Will braces affect my game? Can I still wear a mouthguard? What if I get hit in the face? We've answered all those questions—and more—with real solutions and real results. Our customized approach ensures that every athlete receives treatment tailored to their sport, lifestyle, and goals. Whether that means choosing Invisalign® for flexibility or designing a custom-fitted mouthguard for intense contact sports, we're here to guide each step of the journey.
Why Parents Trust Us Season After Season
But don't just take our word for it—ask the parents. Time and again, families return to our practice or refer others because they know we treat every child like our own. Parents appreciate our attention to detail, quick response during emergencies, and the genuine care we provide during every visit. We understand the demands of managing both sports and orthodontic care, which is why we make our process easy, flexible, and stress-free.
Our 5-star Google rating and over 53 glowing reviews are a testament to the trust families place in our team. It reflects not only our clinical expertise but also our commitment to building relationships and offering support that goes beyond just braces.
With over 20,000 smiles transformed across Pennsylvania, we're proud to be part of so many success stories—and we'd love to be part of yours. If you're an athlete or the parent of one, know this: you're not just getting treatment at Ortho Unlimited. You're joining a team that's cheering you on—every step of the way.
Conclusion: Keep Your Smile in the Game
Being a student-athlete is demanding. Your body, mind, and time are constantly being tested—and your smile shouldn't be something you worry about. At Ortho Unlimited, we make it easy to protect your teeth, support your performance, and keep your orthodontic journey on track.
Whether you're wearing braces or Invisalign®, we'll make sure your treatment fits your goals, your schedule, and your sport. With expert orthodontists, custom protection, and five convenient locations, we're here to help you smile without limits—on and off the field.
Our team is always ready to answer your questions, work around your practice schedule, and provide emergency care when you need it most. Every athlete deserves to feel confident and protected, whether it's on the court, in the pool, or under the lights.
Call us today at
570-587-1196 to schedule a consultation or ask about custom mouthguards for your sport. We're here when you're ready—and always in your corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a mouthguard over braces?
Yes! We recommend custom-made mouthguards designed specifically for braces. They offer the best protection without interfering with your orthodontic progress.
What if my aligner cracks during a game?
Remove it immediately to avoid injury and contact us right away. We can get you a replacement quickly so you don't lose progress.
Can I start braces during the sports season?
Absolutely. We'll help you time your treatment so it doesn't interfere with your performance and ensure you're protected from day one.
Is Invisalign® better than braces for athletes?
It depends on your sport. For lower-contact activities, Invisalign® offers great flexibility. For higher-contact sports, braces with a proper mouthguard may offer more protection.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes! We prioritize urgent care and will do our best to get you seen the same day—at any of our five locations.
