Smile Like a Champ: How Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics Helps Teen Athletes Perform Their Best
Explore how better alignment leads to better performance, protection, and self-esteem in school sports.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Teen Athletes Need Orthodontic Support
Meet the Experts Behind Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics
The Link Between Alignment and Athletic Performance
Braces, Aligners, and Sports: What Every Teen Should Know
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Protection and Comfort
Game Day Habits That Keep Your Smile Safe
When Injuries Happen: Your Orthodontic Emergency Game Plan
Treatment Timing for Student-Athletes
Confidence, Community, and Championship Smiles
Conclusion: Let Your Smile Lead the Way
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Sports season is one of the most exciting times in a teen's life—but when braces or aligners come into the picture, athletes and parents often wonder: Can you compete confidently and safely with orthodontic treatment? At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, the answer is a resounding yes. From protecting your teeth to boosting your self-confidence, the right orthodontic care can give student-athletes a competitive edge—both on and off the field.
With four convenient locations across Indiana—Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, and
Valparaiso—our team, led by
Dr. Anthony Puntillo,
Dr. Christopher Crane, and
Dr. Carolyn Gardiner, has helped thousands of teens reach their smile goals without sitting out the season. Whether you're looking for braces, Invisalign®, or need the best mouthguard for your sport, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll break down how orthodontics and athletics can go hand in hand—so you can play hard, smile bigger, and shine like a champ.
Why Teen Athletes Need Orthodontic Support
When your teen is juggling practice schedules, games, tournaments, and schoolwork, orthodontic care might seem like one more thing to manage. But in reality, a properly aligned bite and a protected smile can make all the difference on and off the field.
At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we know that sports injuries involving the face are incredibly common—especially among teens with braces or aligners. From stray elbows in basketball to flying soccer balls and baseball mishaps, athletes' mouths are constantly at risk. That's why we provide personalized strategies to help prevent injuries, minimize discomfort, and ensure treatment doesn't interfere with athletic goals.
But it's more than just safety. We've seen how improved alignment leads to better breathing, easier jaw function, and even better posture—factors that can directly influence performance. A confident, pain-free athlete plays harder, focuses better, and leads with a smile. Orthodontics isn't a barrier—it's a boost. And when treatment is tailored for athletes, it becomes part of their strength.
Meet the Experts Behind Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics
Dr. Anthony Puntillo: Setting the Standard in Smile Excellence
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Anthony Puntillo is a trusted name in orthodontics across Northwest Indiana. Known for combining clinical precision with a warm, family-oriented approach, Dr. Puntillo has helped countless teen athletes navigate orthodontic care with confidence. His deep roots in the community and dedication to advancing orthodontic technology make him a go-to expert for families who want top-tier care.
Dr. Christopher Crane: Passionate About Performance and Protection
Dr. Christopher Crane brings a dynamic, modern approach to orthodontics. As someone who understands the demands teens face today, Dr. Crane works to align treatment with a patient's unique lifestyle—including athletic involvement. Whether you're wearing braces or aligners, Dr. Crane ensures that your plan is flexible, protective, and built around your goals. His approachable style makes teens feel comfortable, and parents feel confident.
Dr. Carolyn Gardiner: Building Trust Through Compassionate Care
Dr. Carolyn Gardiner is known for her thoughtful, gentle approach and ability to connect with teen patients. As an athlete herself, she understands how physical activity and orthodontic treatment intersect. Her personalized care plans are designed to help young athletes succeed—without setbacks. Whether you're asking about aligners, mouthguards, or timing your treatment with the sports season, Dr. Gardiner listens, advises, and supports every step of the way.
Together, our team has one mission: helping young athletes become their most confident selves—on the field, in school, and beyond.
The Link Between Alignment and Athletic Performance
Most people think braces are only about aesthetics—but orthodontics goes much deeper. Bite alignment can directly affect an athlete's breathing, jaw strength, balance, and endurance. That's why athletes who undergo orthodontic treatment often report performance improvements—yes, even in their sport.
An aligned bite helps open up airways, improving oxygen flow during cardio-heavy activity. It also reduces jaw tension and helps evenly distribute force during impact, whether you're sprinting, jumping, or tackling. For example, an uneven bite may cause clenching, TMJ pain, or poor neck posture—all of which can slow a player down.
At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we look at the whole picture. Our braces and aligner treatments are not just about creating straight teeth—they're about promoting function, comfort, and strength. We'll show you how even small alignment adjustments can reduce tension, improve focus, and give athletes the edge they need to compete at their best.
Braces, Aligners, and Sports: What Every Teen Should Know
Braces and aligners are both great options for teens, but when you're involved in sports, they come with specific things to keep in mind. The good news? You don't have to quit your sport or scale back on training—at Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we help you play smart and stay protected.
Braces are incredibly effective for correcting complex alignment issues, but they do make your mouth a little more vulnerable during contact sports. Brackets and wires can cause injury to your lips or cheeks if hit, and damaged hardware can slow down your treatment progress. That's why we always recommend a sports-safe mouthguard to protect both your braces and soft tissue.
Aligners like Invisalign® offer more flexibility and a smoother feel, making them a popular choice for athletes. They're removable, which is great for non-contact sports, but you should still wear a mouthguard over them in games where impact is possible. Just don't play with them out for long—it can set your treatment back if you're not getting your full wear time.
We'll help you determine the best option based on your sport, smile needs, and desired level of flexibility during the season.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Protection and Comfort
Mouthguards are essential—especially for athletes in orthodontic treatment. But not all mouthguards are created equal. The wrong one can be uncomfortable, ineffective, or even harmful to your treatment progress.
We often get asked:
"Can I wear a regular mouthguard over my braces?" Technically, yes—but it's not ideal. Over-the-counter or boil-and-bite guards can be tight and may not fit properly over brackets, which can even shift your wires. That's why we strongly recommend orthodontic-specific or custom mouthguards.
At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we offer guidance on the best mouthguards for your sport and your treatment type.
A
custom-fit mouthguard:
- Fits comfortably over braces or aligners
- Allows for continued tooth movement
- Absorbs shock more effectively
- Reduces the risk of oral injury
Whether you're a lineman, goalie, or sprinter, we'll help you find the gear that keeps your smile secure so you can focus on your game—not your braces.
Game Day Habits That Keep Your Smile Safe
Athletic performance starts with preparation—and that includes caring for your smile before, during, and after every game or practice. Here are some winning habits we recommend for all our teen athletes in braces or aligners:
Before the Game:
- Wear your mouthguard every time. Even during practice.
- Avoid sticky or hard snacks—granola bars, taffy, or nuts can damage brackets.
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to keep things clean and fresh.
During the Game:
- Keep a braces kit in your bag: travel toothbrush, wax, flossers, and extra elastics.
- If your aligners are out during play, store them in their case—not in your bag or pocket.
After the Game:
- Brush as soon as possible to remove sweat, bacteria, and sports drinks from your teeth.
- Check for irritation, loose wires, or discomfort, and let us know if anything feels off.
- If wearing aligners, clean and pop them back in quickly to maintain wear time.
These simple steps can prevent issues and keep your treatment right on track—even when your season gets hectic.
When Injuries Happen: Your Orthodontic Emergency Game Plan
Even with the best mouthguard and careful habits, accidents still happen. Elbows fly, balls bounce, and mouth injuries can occur in the blink of an eye. The good news? If you know what to do, you can keep calm, minimize the damage, and get back on track quickly. Here's your orthodontic injury playbook.
If You're Wearing Braces:
- Check for broken brackets or wires. If a bracket comes loose or a wire is poking your cheek, use orthodontic wax to reduce irritation.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce swelling.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to ease discomfort or swelling.
- Give us a call.
We'll schedule a same-day repair if needed.
If You're Wearing Aligners:
- Remove your aligners immediately if they are cracked or pressing into an injured area.
- Rinse and store them safely in their case.
- Bring them with you to your emergency visit so we can assess and replace them as necessary.
Our team at Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics is always ready to help. We offer emergency support and fast turnaround at all four locations. You can also text us at
219-244-2524 for quick communication if you're unsure about how to handle an injury. Don't try to fix a wire or re-glue a bracket yourself—we've got your back, and your smile.
Treatment Timing for Student-Athletes
Timing matters—especially when you're balancing orthodontic treatment with a packed sports calendar. At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we help families make smart decisions about
when to begin treatment so athletes can perform confidently throughout their season.
For many student-athletes, starting treatment in the off-season offers a smoother adjustment period. For example, football players often begin braces or aligners in the spring, while swimmers might start after summer meets. This way, any initial discomfort or learning curve happens before competitive play begins.
That said, there's
no "wrong" time to start—because we adapt treatment to your timeline. If you're mid-season, we can adjust appointment dates, provide protective gear, and keep treatment flexible.
We also offer:
- Before- and after-school appointments
- Text reminders for busy families
- Emergency visits when unexpected issues arise
- Detailed coordination between offices in Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, and Valparaiso
Your sport shouldn't have to wait for your smile, and your smile shouldn't wait for your sport. With the right support, you can succeed at both.
Confidence, Community, and Championship Smiles
At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we're not just fixing teeth—we're helping young people build the kind of confidence that transforms their athletic, academic, and social lives. It's no secret that teens feel better when they feel proud of their smile. That confidence can lead to better focus, stronger leadership, and higher self-esteem on and off the field.
Over the past 30 years, we've watched our patients go from self-conscious rookies to self-assured team captains. We've celebrated with them as they hit milestones—on the field and in their smile journeys. We've cheered them on through championships, yearbook photos, and everything in between.
Our commitment to "Building Brighter Futures, One Smile at a Time" isn't just a tagline—it's our mission. When you choose our team, you're not just choosing orthodontic care. You're joining a supportive community of professionals who are passionate about seeing you win—on every level.
Conclusion: Let Your Smile Lead the Way
Being a teen athlete means constantly pushing limits—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But whether you're sprinting for the winning goal, serving an ace, or hitting a buzzer-beater, your smile should never be something that holds you back. At Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we make sure it won't.
With expert care from
Dr. Anthony Puntillo, Dr. Christopher Crane, and
Dr. Carolyn Gardiner, you'll get an orthodontic experience built around your active lifestyle. We offer flexible scheduling, sport-specific protection strategies, and treatments that keep up with even the busiest teens.
Braces and aligners should work with your goals—not against them. And when you have the right tools, the right support, and the right team behind you, nothing is stopping you from playing hard, smiling big, and performing like a champion.
Call us today at the location nearest you, or visit
pandcsmiles.com to book your consultation. Want to text us? Send a message to
219-244-2524. We're here when you're ready—and we can't wait to help you build your brightest smile yet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play sports while wearing braces?
Yes! With the proper mouthguard, you can safely participate in any sport—even full-contact ones. We'll help you choose the best option for your treatment.
What should I do if I get hit in the mouth during a game?
Rinse your mouth, apply wax or a cold compress if needed, and call our office immediately. We offer emergency appointments and fast repairs.
Are aligners better than braces for athletes?
It depends on your sport. Aligners offer flexibility for low-contact sports, while braces with mouthguards are great for contact-heavy activities.
How do I know which mouthguard to buy?
Ask us! We'll recommend custom or orthodontic-safe guards based on your braces or aligners, sport type, and comfort needs.
Can I start orthodontic treatment during my sports season?
Absolutely. We'll build a treatment plan that works with your game schedule and provide support to ensure it doesn't disrupt your performance.
