National Facial Protection Month: How Orthodontics Protects Your Child's Smile

April is National Facial Protection Month — and if your kid plays any kind of sport, this is worth your full attention.

Every year, millions of kids suffer preventable dental and facial injuries on the field, on the court, and at the rink. Knocked-out teeth. Broken brackets. Lip lacerations from unprotected hardware. The American Dental Association estimates that athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer tooth damage. That's not a small number.

Here at Artemis Smiles Orthodontics in Sandy Springs, we talk to families about this stuff constantly. Parents are usually surprised to learn how much orthodontic treatment itself — not just a mouthguard — can play a role in protecting a child's face and bite long-term.

Why Facial Protection and Orthodontics Go Hand in Hand

A properly aligned bite doesn't just look good — it functions better. Teeth that stick out (technically called overjet or protrusion) are significantly more vulnerable to trauma. Studies show that kids with untreated protruding front teeth have a much higher rate of dental injuries, especially during contact sports.

That's one of the real, practical reasons we recommend early orthodontic evaluations. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests kids get their first ortho visit by age 7. Not because we expect to put every 7-year-old in braces — we don't — but because catching certain issues early can reduce injury risk and make future treatment simpler.

If Dr. Bennie spots something like significant protrusion or a developing jaw discrepancy, two-phase treatment might be recommended. Phase 1 typically happens between ages 7-10 and focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting structural problems before all the adult teeth come in. Phase 2 — traditional braces or aligners — follows later.

Mouthguards and Braces: What Parents Need to Know

Here's a question we hear all the time: "My kid just got braces — can they still play sports?"

Yes. Absolutely yes. But they need the right mouthguard.

A standard boil-and-bite guard from the sporting goods store won't cut it once kids braces are in the picture. Those guards mold tightly to the teeth and brackets — and as teeth move (which is the whole point), the guard no longer fits properly. Worse, a too-tight guard can actually put harmful pressure on teeth that are in the middle of shifting.

What works? An orthodontic mouthguard — sometimes called a mouthguard for braces — is specifically designed with extra room to accommodate brackets and wires. They're softer, they don't clamp down on the hardware, and they still protect the teeth, lips, and jaw effectively.

Mouthguard Type	Safe With Braces?	Notes
Boil-and-Bite (stock)	No	Molds too tightly to brackets; doesn't accommodate tooth movement
Orthodontic Mouthguard	Yes	Designed with extra space for brackets and wires; flexible fit
Custom Lab-Made Guard	Yes (with caveats)	Best protection but needs to be remade as teeth shift — typically every 6-12 months during active treatment
No Mouthguard	Never	Brackets can cut the inside of the mouth; teeth and hardware are fully exposed to impact

Braces Options for Active Kids in Atlanta

One thing we love at Artemis Smiles is that families in the Atlanta area have real options now. Braces for kids have come a long way, and Dr. Bennie works with each family to find the right fit — for their kid's teeth, their lifestyle, and their budget.

For athletic kids especially, a few options stand out:

• Traditional metal braces — Still the gold standard for complex cases. Durable, effective, and pair well with orthodontic mouthguards. Treatment typically runs 12-24 months with check-in visits every 6-8 weeks (appointments usually 20-30 minutes).
• LightForce braces — Custom 3D-printed brackets that fit each tooth precisely. Because they're fully customized, they can be more comfortable overall — and that matters when a kid is also wearing a mouthguard regularly.
• Invisalign for teens — Clear aligners that are removed during contact sports. No brackets to worry about with a mouthguard, and no risk of lacerations from hardware. A great fit for kids who play sports that require helmets with face cages.

As for cost, how much do braces cost in the Atlanta area? Generally, you're looking at $3,000-$7,000 depending on the complexity of treatment and the type of appliance. Artemis Smiles works with most major insurance plans and offers flexible payment options — because good orthodontic care shouldn't be out of reach.

The Bigger Picture: Orthodontics as Preventive Care

Most people think of orthodontics as cosmetic. And yes, a straighter smile is a confidence boost — we see that every day. But there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.

Correcting a bad bite can reduce wear on tooth enamel, ease jaw joint stress, and in some cases, even help with breathing. Dr. Bennie is also trained in airway orthodontics, which means he looks at how jaw development affects breathing — something that's especially relevant in growing kids. If a child snores heavily, breathes through their mouth, or seems chronically tired, that's worth a conversation.

Orthodontic orthodontic treatments today address a lot more than crowding. They set kids up for healthier bites, healthier joints, and healthier airways — all of which matter for the long haul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child still play sports with braces?

Yes — with an orthodontic mouthguard. It's non-negotiable for contact sports. We'll point you toward the right type at your appointment.

What happens if my child's bracket gets knocked off during a game?

Call us as soon as possible. A loose or broken bracket isn't an emergency, but it does need to be fixed promptly so treatment stays on track. Save the bracket if you can and give us a call — we'll get your child in quickly.

Is Invisalign a better option for athletic kids?

Often, yes — especially for contact sports. Aligners are removed during play, so there's no hardware to worry about. The catch is that they require discipline: teens need to wear them 20-22 hours a day. If your child is responsible about it, teen invisalign can be a great fit.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

Age 7 is the standard recommendation. Most kids won't need treatment that early, but it gives Dr. Bennie a chance to spot any developing issues and make a plan — including whether early intervention might reduce injury risk or simplify treatment later.

How do I know if my child needs two-phase orthodontic treatment?

That's exactly what the early evaluation is for. Things like significant overjet (protruding front teeth), severe crowding, crossbites, or jaw growth concerns are common reasons Phase 1 treatment might be recommended. Not every child needs it — but for those who do, starting early makes a real difference.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt? Will it slow my child down athletically?

There's some soreness the first few days after getting braces or after adjustment appointments — that's normal. But it doesn't sideline kids from sports. Most athletes adapt quickly, and the right mouthguard makes a huge difference in comfort.

Ready to Protect Your Child's Smile?

Facial Protection Month is a good reminder that the best time to address orthodontic issues is before they become bigger problems — or before a stray elbow on the soccer field makes the decision for you.

Dr. Bennie and the Artemis Smiles Orthodontics team see kids from Sandy Springs, Atlanta, and all across the metro area every single day. The first visit is a free consultation, and there's zero pressure. We'll take a look, answer your questions honestly, and let you know exactly where your child stands — whether that's "everything looks great, check back in a year" or "here's what we'd recommend and why."

Give us a call or book online. Your kid's smile is worth protecting — on and off the field.

About Dr. Bennie

Dr. Bennie, named Best Orthodontist by The Best of Sandy Springs 2025, is a Board-Certified orthodontist with advanced training through the American Board of Orthodontics. She is a Platinum Plus Invisalign Provider and an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Georgia Association of Orthodontics, and the Women’s Association of Orthodontics and Dentists. Dr. Bennie is known for her modern, patient-centered approach to creating confident, healthy smiles.