i voted yes on the poll. The reason i voted yes is because in chat YD said he brakes his braces when he goes to the track.... So i would say there is a need for one in this situation. Now that dont mean i think he should get the hi-tech ones like in that article that will actually improve performance but if he can get use to using a 15 dollar one and it protects his braces i say go for it. Now if you were big time into racing and you are making a push at becoming pro or something then i would say sure go for the hi tech one.
I have had braces on 2 years now(full set, top and bottom), never had an issue riding, although i have busted like 5 brackets eating beef jerkey, carrots, candy and other things im not supposed to...