If you are involved in sports, you might wonder if Invisalign will interfere with your athletic activities. To start off, the short answer is that you can still practice sports while wearing Invisalign, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Why Invisalign is Ideal for Athletes
One of the key benefits of Invisalign is its flexibility. Because the aligners are removable, you have the option to take them out during certain activities, including sports. This provides a level of convenience that traditional braces can’t offer. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about metal brackets or wires getting damaged during physical activity, making it a safer option for athletes.
Playing Contact Sports with Invisalign
For individuals who play contact sports, including football, basketball, or hockey, wearing Invisalign during practice or games may require extra precautions. While the aligners are durable, they are not designed to withstand the force of a direct hit to the mouth. For this reason, it’s recommended that you wear a custom mouthguard during a more physically-demanding contact sport activity. A mouthguard will protect your teeth and gums from injury while ensuring that your Invisalign treatment stays on track.
Non-Contact Sports and Invisalign
If you participate in non-contact sports, such as running, swimming, or tennis, you can typically wear your Invisalign aligners without any issues. Since these activities pose little to no risk of impact to your mouth, you don’t need to worry about potential damage to your aligners. However, if you find that wearing your aligners affects your breathing or comfort during exercise, you can always remove them temporarily and put them back in after the activity.
Maintaining Your Treatment Progress
To ensure that your Invisalign treatment progresses as planned, it’s important to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that even if you remove them for sports, you should make sure to wear them at all other times, including during practice breaks or after games. Consistency is essential to achieving your best results, so be mindful of how much time you spend without your aligners.
In addition, after participating in sports, it’s essential to clean your aligners before putting them back in. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water and use a soft toothbrush to remove any debris. This helps maintain the condition of your aligners and prevents bacteria buildup.
While you may need to remove your aligners during contact sports and use a mouthguard for protection, Invisalign can still fit seamlessly into your day-to-day process. Our Boston dentist and team can provide guidance on how to manage your Invisalign treatment while participating in sports, ensuring that you stay on track toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.