Worried braces will sideline your season at Turner Ashby or JMU? They won’t.
Getting braces doesn’t mean trading your jersey for the bench. Every season, hundreds of athletes across Harrisonburg, Dayton, Bridgewater, Elkton, and Massanutten play football, basketball, soccer, tennis, field hockey, golf, pickleball, go snowboarding, and mountain biking – all while straightening their teeth at Giardina Orthodontics.
You can play virtually any sport with braces. The key is knowing what to expect and how to protect your investment.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Exactly how braces and Invisalign work with your athletic schedule
- Which sports require special protection and which don’t
- How to handle bracket emergencies during games
- Real advice from Shenandoah Valley athletes who’ve been there
- When to start treatment around your competitive season
Playing Sports with Braces in the Shenandoah Valley
Turner Ashby Knights, Spotswood Trailblazers, Broadway Gobblers, and youth rec league players all have one thing in common – athletes who refuse to let orthodontic treatment slow them down.
Week 1-2: Your mouth adjusts. You might notice the braces more during hard breathing or if you take a hit during games at local high schools.
Week 3-4: You start forgetting they’re there during practice at Rockingham Rec Center or school gyms.
Month 2 and beyond: You’ll wonder why you stressed about it.
Most Harrisonburg area athletes are surprised how quickly they adapt. Your swing doesn’t change whether you’re playing golf at Westover Golf Club or Spotswood Country Club.
Your jump shot stays the same at the gym or local recreation centers. Playing football with braces in Harrisonburg is just as manageable as any other sport with proper protection.
Contact Sports and Braces: What Rockingham County Athletes Need
Football, Wrestling, Field Hockey, Basketball, Soccer
Football players, wrestling teams, field hockey players, and soccer teams know you need a mouthguard designed for braces.
The generic ones from Dick’s Sporting Goods or Sports Authority won’t cut it – they don’t fit right over brackets.
Most Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County schools work with Dr. Giardina to get athletes proper protection. Talk to your coach at Spotswood, Eastern Mennonite, or Bridgewater College about getting fitted.
The real risk? A broken bracket during practice at Memorial Stadium or local school games. It happens, but it’s not season-ending. Quick appointment at our Harrisonburg office, quick fix, back to practice.
Why Harrisonburg Athletes Choose Invisalign
Local tennis players, Massanutten Resort snowboarders, golfers at Lakeview, pickleball players at Westover, and mountain bikers on local trails prefer Invisalign for athletes in Harrisonburg. Here’s why:
Remove them for games. Pop them out for matches at local tennis clubs, tournaments at Spotswood Country Club, pickleball games at Westover, or mountain biking on the trails, wear a regular mouthguard if needed, then put them back in after.
No dietary restrictions. Eat whatever you want at Dave’s Taverna or Jack Brown’s before games without worrying about breaking brackets. Learn more about what you can eat with braces if you choose traditional treatment.
Easier oral hygiene. Important when you’re drinking Gatorade between tennis sets at Westside Racquet Club, after pickleball at Westover, or grabbing food at the Festival.
The catch? You need to wear them 20-22 hours daily. Miss too much time during busy school weeks or tournament weekends and your treatment stalls.
Braces vs Invisalign for Shenandoah Valley Athletes
Best for football players: Traditional braces. Can’t get knocked out during a tackle against Spotswood.
Best for local tennis players: Often Invisalign, if you’re disciplined about wearing them between matches.
Sport-Specific Advice for Local Teams
Football: Most Valley District players choose traditional braces. Can’t get knocked out during Friday night games, and custom mouthguards work great under Memorial Stadium lights.
Local Youth Basketball: Either option works. Many players prefer Invisalign for school photos and team pictures.
Harrisonburg High Soccer: Most players choose traditional braces with proper mouthguards.
Local Tennis Players: Invisalign wins here. Keep in for tournaments..
Field Hockey: Most players choose traditional braces since mouthguards are required anyway.
Local Swimming Teams: Either works great at area pools. Chlorine won’t hurt either option.
Broadway Baseball: Catchers typically choose braces, outfielders often go Invisalign for senior pictures.
Local Golf/Pickleball: Invisalign is popular at Spotswood Country Club and Westover since there’s no contact risk.
Massanutten Snowboarding/Mountain Biking: Either option works, but many prefer Invisalign since you can remove them if you need a different type of face protection.
Emergency Orthodontic Care for Harrisonburg Athletes
Sports happen. Sometimes brackets pop off during games at or practices. Here’s what to do:
During the game: Play through it if possible. Use orthodontic wax if something’s poking.
After the game: Call Giardina Orthodontics. We offer emergency appointments for Valley athletes.
Don’t: Try to fix it yourself with tools from Lowe’s. We’ve seen this from panicked parents before JMU games. It never ends well.
Dr. Giardina understands Harrisonburg sports schedules. Broken bracket before the Valley District championship at Turner Ashby? We’ll work you in so you don’t miss it.
Injury Prevention for Shenandoah Valley Athletes
Smart athletes know that prevention beats treatment. Research shows that proper mouthguards can reduce sports-related dental injuries by up to 60%. For athletes with braces in Rockingham County, this protection becomes even more critical.
The numbers don’t lie: Nearly 25% of all dental injuries happen during sports activities. But here’s the good news – most are completely preventable with the right gear and common-sense precautions.
Beyond mouthguards, injury prevention includes:
- Being aware of your mouth during contact situations
- Communicating with teammates about your braces
- Avoiding risky plays that could result in facial contact
- Taking a few extra seconds to secure your mouthguard properly
The goal isn’t to hold back your game — it’s to protect your smile while you keep competing at your best.
Do Braces Affect Athletic Performance? Harrisonburg Athletes Say No.
Will braces affect my performance at JMU or local high schools?
Harrisonburg athletes consistently report no performance issues. Some actually feel better after starting treatment.
Better airway function: When your bite aligns properly, athletes notice improved breathing during games at Memorial Stadium or workouts at UREC.
Increased confidence: Hard to play your best when you’re self-conscious about your smile in team photos.
Improved oral health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which matters when you’re drinking sports drinks between classes at JMU or grabbing snacks at Sheetz before practice.
Best Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment in Harrisonburg
Best time to start: Off-season gives you adjustment time before Valley District competition or CAA tournaments.
Can you start mid-season? Absolutely. Just expect a week or two of adjustment during practice at local facilities.
Championship season? Your call. Most athletes adapt quickly, but some prefer to wait until after regional playoffs.
What Harrisonburg Patients Say About Giardina Orthodontics
We’ve treated athletes from Turner Ashby High School, Spotswood High School, Broadway High School, local youth leagues, and recreational teams throughout Rockingham County.
Jon Carey
The ladies at Giardina Orthodontics are the best! They make you feel right at home with every visit! I would highly recommend them! Always a wonderful experience!
Lily Malca
Amazing staff and service, BEST IN THE VALLEY ❤️
Lauren Bothel
Great atmosphere! They make going to the orthodontist more bearable. With dog kisses and smiles, they brighten our life, With great service! Love you guys so much! ❤️
The athletes who wait until after graduation? They usually regret not starting in middle school or high school or in Harrisonburg.
Making Your Decision as a Local Athlete
Choose traditional braces if:
- You play Valley District football or basketball
- You want treatment that works during JMU tournament season
- Your case needs comprehensive correction
- You’re worried about losing aligners during away games
Choose Invisalign if:
- You play tennis at Westside Racquet Club or JMU
- Aesthetics matter for your sport (Harrisonburg dance teams, JMU cheerleaders)
- You’re disciplined about wearing them during busy school schedules
- You want flexibility for homecoming and prom photos
Your Game Plan for Orthodontic Treatment in Harrisonburg
Ready to play for Turner Ashby, JMU, or local recreational leagues while getting your perfect smile? Here’s how:
Step 1: Schedule a free consultation at our Evelyn Byrd Avenue office to discuss your sport and Valley District schedule
Step 2: Ask about protection options for football at Memorial Stadium or basketball at JMU
Step 3: Plan start date around Valley District playoffs or CAA tournaments
Step 4: Get Dr. Giardina’s emergency contact for game-day issues
Don’t let orthodontic treatment sit on the bench while you wait for the “perfect” time. Every season you wait is another season of team photos where you’re not confident in your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports and Braces
Will braces affect my athletic performance?
No. Most Harrisonburg athletes are surprised how quickly they adapt to braces. Your swing stays the same whether you’re at Spotswood Country Club or local batting cages.
Your jump shot won’t change at the gym. Expect 1-2 weeks of adjustment, then you’ll forget they’re there during games.
What happens if I break a bracket during a game?
Don’t panic. Broken brackets happen but they’re not season-ending. Use orthodontic wax if something’s poking, finish the game if possible, then call our Harrisonburg office. We offer emergency appointments so you won’t miss practice. Most repairs take 15-20 minutes.
Can I remove Invisalign for sports?
Yes, that’s one of Invisalign’s biggest advantages for athletes. Remove them for games and practices, wear a regular mouthguard if needed, then put them back in afterward. Just remember to wear them 20-22 hours daily or your treatment will stall.
Do I need a special mouthguard with braces?
Yes. Generic mouthguards from Dick’s Sporting Goods won’t fit properly over brackets and can cause more damage. You need a mouthguard designed for braces that accommodates brackets and wires. Talk to your coach and Dr.Giardina about getting one that actually works.
What sports are safest with braces?
Non-contact sports like tennis, golf, swimming, and track are safest. Contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball require proper mouthguards but are still completely doable. Thousands of Valley District athletes play contact sports with braces every season.
When should I start braces if I play sports?
Off-season is ideal for adjustment time, but you can start anytime. Most athletes adapt within 2-3 weeks regardless of when they start. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time – every season you delay is another season without confidence in your smile.
Can I play contact sports with braces?
Absolutely. Football players, basketball teams, and local soccer leagues are full of athletes with braces. You just need proper protection and the understanding that bracket repairs occasionally happen.
Will my teammates notice my braces?
Initially, yes. But within weeks they’ll forget you have them. Many athletes are surprised how little attention braces actually get. Plus, clear ceramic braces and Invisalign are much less noticeable if aesthetics are a concern.
Why Harrisonburg Athletes Choose Dr. Julia Giardina
Dr. Julia Giardina has worked with hundreds of student-athletes from Turner Ashby High School, Spotswood High School, Broadway High School, JMU, Eastern Mennonite University, and Bridgewater College.
As a Board-Certified Orthodontist serving Harrisonburg and surrounding areas, she understands that Valley District sports don’t pause for orthodontic treatment.
Quick emergency appointments for sports-related issues during Valley District playoffs
Flexible scheduling around practice schedules and game times
Experience with local athletes from youth recreation leagues to CAA competition
Modern treatment options including same-day braces and Invisalign for busy Harrisonburg students
Convenient Location: 2505-A Evelyn Byrd Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 – just minutes from Turner Ashby, JMU campus, and downtown Harrisonburg
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm (perfect for after school and before evening practice)
Proudly serving student-athletes throughout Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Elkton, Massanutten, Broadway, Dayton, and all of Rockingham County.