Invisalign is the modern go-to method for straightening your teeth without all the downfalls of a traditional metal brace. They’re basically transparent, comfortable and removable, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods and activities while keeping on that stellar smile.
You can do many things with Invisalign, like eat or drink whatever you want without fear of damaging them. But here’s the big question mark: can I still play sports with Invisalign? Well, it appears that that depends on how intense your sport is. There are some sports which would allow you to keep your aligners on, while others are simply safer without them.
Which are the sports that I can keep my aligners on for?
Less intense sports which have lower risk can be played with your Invisalign aligners on. While there might be some impact during the game, they are typically not traumatic enough to cause severe damage. Hence, it is safe to wear your aligners for these sports:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Gymnastics
Which are the sports that I should take out my aligners for?
If a sport encourages the use of a mouth guard, then your aligners should be taken out. Keep this in mind and you’re good to go! This is mostly for contact sports such as:
- American football
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Boxing
Can I wear Invisalign with mouth guards and gum shields?
It is always advisable to take out your Invisalign aligners if you have to wear a mouth guard or gum shield for a particular sport. Do not attempt to wear both the aligners and the mouth guard at the same time.
Invisalign is designed to fit perfectly over the teeth in order to shift them into position gently. Likewise, mouth guards are meant to cover the teeth precisely in order to cushion them against impact while playing sports. Hence, they are incompatible and should not be worn at the same time. It might be very bulky, uncomfortable and would not serve their original purposes.
Am I wearing my aligners for a long enough time?
For the Invisalign aligners to work their magic, they need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day. This means that if you are removing them for training or games for several hours at a time, you should talk to your dentist who will work out a compromise between your training and your treatment. After all, we love the adrenaline of both a good game and a beautiful smile!
Invisalign aligners are designed to give you the freedom to do what you love most while straightening your teeth. Remember that safety comes first and follow our tips when you play sports with Invisalign, so you can keep your smile on no matter what.
References
- Abbate, G. M., Caria, M. P., Montanari, P., Mannu, C., Orrù, G., Caprioglio, A., & Levrini, L. (2015). Periodontal health in teenagers treated with removable aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances. Journal of orofacial orthopedics = Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie : Organ/official journal Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Kieferorthopadie, 76(3), 240–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-015-0285-5
- Ojima, K., Dan, C., Kumagai, Y., Watanabe, H., & Nanda, R. (2020). Correction of severe crowding in teenage patients using the Invisalign system. Journal of clinical orthodontics : JCO, 54(7), 383–391.