One stray elbow in a basketball game and a metal bracket can cut the inside of your lip, or worse, crack a tooth. Braces make a regular mouth guard a bad fit, because the brackets need room to sit without being squashed against your teeth. If you're looking for a mouth guard for braces, here are the 5 best in 2026, ranked by rating and review count. We didn't test them ourselves. We went through the listings and the reviews, and flagged what parents and athletes keep mentioning.
What to Look For in a Mouth Guard for Braces
Room for the brackets. A braces guard has extra space inside so the brackets and wires aren't pressed into your gums. A standard boil-and-bite guard can mold tight against the metal, which is uncomfortable and can push things out of place.
Upper only, or top and bottom. Most people with braces on the top teeth only need an upper guard. If you have braces on both, a guard that covers both rows works better. Check which one you're getting before you add to cart.
Boil or no boil. Some guards are ready to wear. Others you heat in hot water and bite to shape. Ready-to-wear is easier for kids, and a fitted guard usually feels more secure on a busy field. If your teeth are still moving, ask your orthodontist whether a molded fit makes sense.
Breathing room. Holes or channels at the front let you breathe and talk without pulling the guard out. It makes a big difference in a long game.
Size and age. Youth and adult sizes are not the same. The Shock Doctor listing, for example, splits sizing at about age 12. Our toothpaste for braces guide is a good next stop for daily care while you wear them.
The 5 Best Mouth Guards for Braces in 2026
1. Shock Doctor Braces Mouth Guard (Upper and Lower)
Best for: athletes with braces on both top and bottom who play contact sports.
Shock Doctor's braces guard covers the upper and lower teeth in one piece. It's made of medical-grade silicone, has an open breathing channel in the front and is sold in youth and adult sizes. It has the best score here, with a 4.4 rating from more than 5,500 reviews.
What makes it stand out: It's the best-known option and the listing says it's endorsed by the American Association of Orthodontists. The shape pops on without boiling, and the breathing channel makes it easier to wear for a full game.
Good to know: It's a double guard, so it's bulkier than the upper-only ones, and some people find it hard to talk. It's also the priciest of the group at around $27.
2. SAFEJAWZ Clear Mouth Guard for Braces
Best for: anyone who wants a clear, fitted guard with a case.
SAFEJAWZ is a one-size guard you heat in hot water for about 30 seconds and bite to fit. It has a raised channel over the upper brackets and a piece that protects your lip and inner cheek. It holds a 4.1 rating across 2,600 reviews, and it includes a case.
What makes it stand out: The bracket channel is the main idea here, and the clear look is less obvious than a bright color. The listing also promises a fit guarantee.
Good to know: You have to do the molding right, and some buyers say the first fit takes a try or two. Because it's one size, check that it works for your mouth before you rely on it in a game.
3. Teeth Walls Mouth Guard for Braces (No Boiling, Upper and Lower)
Best for: kids and teens who want an easy, low-cost guard with no setup.
This soft silicone guard comes in youth and adult sizes and covers both rows. It's BPA and latex free, comes with a case and doesn't need boiling. It sits at 4.4 stars from about 900 reviews and costs under $10.
What makes it stand out: It's the cheapest by a wide margin and has the same rating as the Shock Doctor. The shock-absorbing bumper and breathing opening make it useful for boxing, basketball and football.
Good to know: It isn't molded, so the fit is looser than a boil-and-bite guard. It can also be trimmed with scissors, which is handy but means you have to cut with care.
4. Bulletproof Braces Mouth Guard (Mold-at-Home)
Best for: athletes who want a thin, custom-feeling guard they can mold at home.
Bulletproof is a thin 1.2 mm guard made with aramid fiber (the family Kevlar belongs to), with honeycomb cushion pads. You heat it in water for about 45 seconds and follow the fitting video. The listing says it can be remolded as your teeth move. It's rated 3.8 stars from 770 reviews.
What makes it stand out: It's the thinnest guard here, which helps with breathing and talking. The remolding is a plus during treatment, when your teeth change from visit to visit.
Good to know: The 3.8 rating is the lowest on this list, and a thin guard means less cushioning than the bulkier ones. It also costs a bit more than the budget picks, at around $24.
5. Youth Mouth Guard for Braces (No Boiling, Medical-Grade Silicone)
Best for: kids in football, lacrosse and martial arts who want a simple, ready-to-wear guard.
This clear guard is made of medical-grade silicone, is odorless and has breathing holes. It's made for braces and doesn't need boiling. It has a 4.0 rating with about 460 reviews, and it comes with a case.
What makes it stand out: The listing is aimed at youth contact sports like football, MMA, taekwondo and wrestling. The ready-to-wear design makes it a fast fix before a game.
Good to know: It has the fewest reviews of the five. As with any one-size-fits-most guard, some kids will find it loose, so try it on before the first game.
How to Wear and Care for a Braces Mouth Guard
- Brush your teeth first. Food stuck in brackets under a guard is a recipe for stains.
- If it needs molding, follow the heating time on the package exactly. Too hot softens it too much, and too cool won't shape.
- Rinse it in cool water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush after every use. Hot water can warp it.
- Keep it in its case, not loose in a gym bag.
- Replace it if it cracks, gets chewed through or stops fitting after an orthodontist visit. Teeth move during treatment, so the fit can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear a regular mouth guard with braces?
Can you wear a mouth guard with braces at night?
Do you need a mouth guard for braces in non-contact sports?
Do I need an upper and lower mouth guard with braces?
Keep Reading
Final Thoughts
For most players with braces on both rows, we'd start with the Shock Doctor. It has the best rating and review count, and it's made for braces. If you only have upper braces and want a fitted feel, SAFEJAWZ is the one to try.
If your budget is tight or you're buying for a kid who loses everything, the Teeth Walls guard is the lowest cost and has a strong rating. The Bulletproof is for people who want the thinnest guard and don't mind molding it themselves. Whatever you pick, mention it at your next orthodontist visit.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here's how we pick products.
