Sports and Aligners: Balancing Fitness and Smile Goals

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Playing sports is an essential part of life, especially during school and college years. Staying active and healthy goes hand in hand with looking and feeling confident.

Getting your teeth straightened often happens during adolescence, but using traditional braces can pose challenges for athletes. Metal brackets may cause discomfort, and there is always a risk of cuts or injuries during physical activity.1

Thankfully, transparent aligners give us a modern solution! These clear, removable trays straighten teeth discreetly while making it easier for athletes to stay active. Unlike braces, aligners will not poke or cause harm, and you can remove them as needed, making them perfect for an active lifestyle.1,2

In this blog, we will debunk myths about aligners and sports, share practical tips, and show how you can balance fitness and smile goals!

Clear Aligners and Sports: Can They Go Hand in Hand 

Clear aligners can easily fit into an active lifestyle with the right precautions. For lighter, non-contact sports like tennis, cycling, or basketball, aligners can stay in place without any issue. Unlike braces, aligners are smooth and lack sharp edges, reducing the risk of injury. But, for high-impact sports like rugby or boxing, it’s recommended to remove your aligners and wear a mouthguard instead.1 However, with recent advancements, custom-fit mouthguards have been developed that fit over your aligners. If you’re participating in high-impact activities, using a custom mouthguard is essential to protect both your teeth and aligners from damage. This combination allows you to stay active while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.

Incorporating Aligners into Your Fitness Routine: A Practical Guide 

Wearing aligners while staying active may seem tricky, but actually with a few simple strategies, it’s easy to make this work. By following these tips, you can very well incorporate aligner treatment into your fitness schedule:

  • Wear Aligners Consistently
    Your aligners should be worn consistently for an effective treatment. Ensure to wear them for at least 22 hour/ day. You need to schedule meals, workouts, and hygiene routines to minimise interruptions to aligner wear.2,3
  • Remove Aligners Only when Needed
    Take out your aligners only during meals and when brushing your teeth. For light sports like tennis or cycling, you can keep your aligners in place. For contact sports like rugby or boxing, you can remove them and wear a mouthguard or use one that fits over your aligners. 1,2
  • Prevent Damage
    While wearing aligners for sports, make sure to prevent them from damage. If you feel your aligner fit has changed due to a sports injury, immediately visit your dentist to keep your treatment on track.4
  • Store Safety

Store your aligners in a protective case when not in use. Avoid placing them on open surfaces to prevent loss or damage.

  • Stay Hydrated
    Drinking water is essential, especially for active individuals. Avoid hot drinks as they can warp aligners. Sugary drinks like sodas or juices can cause cavities. If you consume these, remove your aligners and rinse your mouth before wearing them again. Water is the safest option for hydration and aligner care.5,6
  • Cleaning Your Aligners: Clean your aligners daily as part of your routine. Use gentle antibacterial soap with a toothbrush or denture cleaning tablets. Rinse them with lukewarm water every time you remove them to prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to dental issues and impact your sports performance.7
  • Attend Regular Follow-Up Appointments: Visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and make adjustments. Make it a priority to schedule these check-ups as per your routine to stay on track and achieve the best possible results.4

By staying consistent with wearing your aligners, planning around meals and workouts, and keeping your teeth clean, you can easily fit aligners into your daily routine.

Benefits of Aligners for Active Individuals 

Clear aligners are an effective solution for straightening crooked or crowded teeth and treating common dental conditions such as gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. They offer several advantages for athletes and active individuals, making them an ideal choice for those who need both effective orthodontic treatment and flexibility for their lifestyle.2

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Aligners are nearly invisible, allowing athletes to maintain their appearance without the visibility of traditional braces, which is especially important during competitions and social interactions.
  • Comfort: With no wires or brackets, aligners are much more comfortable than traditional braces. They eliminate the irritation caused by metal parts, which is crucial for those engaged in high-intensity or contact sports where mouth injuries are a concern.
  • Better Oral Hygiene: Aligners are removable, making it easier for athletes to clean both their teeth and aligners after meals. This promotes better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities, which can be harder to manage with fixed braces.
  • Flexibility: Aligners can be taken out during training or competitions, ensuring they don’t interfere with hydration, eating, or comfort during physical activities.
  • Reduced Risk of Injury: Unlike fixed braces, aligners don’t have protruding parts that can cause cuts or discomfort during contact sports, making them a safer option.
  • Fewer Emergency Visits: Without wires or brackets to break, aligners reduce the need for emergency dental visits, offering convenience for athletes with tight schedules.2,8

Overall, aligners offer a combination of effective treatment and practicality, making them a better option for sportspeople compared to traditional braces.

Conclusion

Aligners make it easy and comfortable to straighten your teeth without interrupting your active lifestyle for people interested in sports. By following simple precautions like removing them for high-impact sports, wearing a custom mouthguard, and keeping them clean, you can protect both your aligners and your smile. Remember to stay consistent with your treatment, store your aligners safely, and enjoy your favourite activities without worry. 

If you are looking for aligner options, but are concerned about the transparent aligners cost, contact makeO Toothsi today.  They provide best quality aligners at an affordable price range, making them an option that is worth exploring to find the best value for your needs.