Comfortable Orthodontic Treatment for Athletes
At our Brickell orthodontic practice in South Florida, Dr. Stephen Grussmark and our team understand the unique needs of athletes when it comes to receiving orthodontic care. That’s why we’re proud to offer Invisalign® clear aligners for athletes who need a discreet and removable option for straightening their teeth.
Invisalign aligners can be worn comfortably during sports and other physical activities without the worry of them getting damaged or affecting athletic performance. Read on to learn how our Miami, FL, orthodontist can straighten your smile without impeding your daily habits.
Can I Wear Invisalign® While Playing Sports?
Yes! Invisalign aligners are an ideal solution for athletes who deal with orthodontic issues, as they can be worn comfortably during low-contact sports and other physical activities without affecting athletic performance. Invisalign therapy has become increasingly popular among athletes of all levels and ages, as it offers a discreet and removable alternative compared to traditional braces.
What Sports Can I Wear My Aligners For?
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can be worn during various sports and physical activities. Alternatively, you can remove your aligners for a few hours to play these sports and wear a custom mouthguard instead, since aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day.
Some sports that are safe to play while wearing your aligners include:
- Non-Contact Sports: Invisalign clear aligners can be worn during sports such as swimming, tennis, golf, and track and field. They can also be worn during other non-contact activities such as gymnastics, dance, and yoga.
- Low-Impact Sports: Clear aligners can also be worn during cycling, rollerblading, and skateboarding. These sports have less chance of collision or contact with other players or objects, ensuring your teeth remain unaffected.
- Individual Sports: You can also wear Invisalign while running, weightlifting, and practicing martial arts.
For high-contact sports such as football, hockey, wrestling, and boxing, our orthodontists advise custom-fit mouthguards to protect both your aligners and the teeth from potential damage. Additionally, it’s best to consult with Dr. Grussmark before engaging in any sports or physical to ensure you receive the specialized care your aligners and teeth require.
Benefits of Invisalign for Athletes
Invisalign aligners offer a host of advantages over metal braces when it comes to routinely playing sports, including:
- Increased Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable material that does not irritate your oral cavity, unlike traditional metal braces.
- No Lifestyle Restrictions: With Invisalign, athletes can remove their aligners while they eat, drink, brush their teeth, and play sports, which means they can continue their routines without interruption.
- Prevents Costly Injuries: Invisalign aligners are custom-fit to the patient’s teeth and are less likely to cause injury to the teeth or gums than traditional metal braces.
- Improved Confidence: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, which means that athletes can straighten their teeth without anyone else knowing.
- Easy Maintenance: Invisalign aligners are easy to clean and maintain, which is especially beneficial for athletes who are always on the go.
Invisalign® vs. Mouthguards
While customized mouthguards are the best appliances for protecting your teeth during high-contact sports, some patients may wonder about the difference between mouthguards and aligners. Invisalign is a great option for straightening teeth while maintaining an active lifestyle, while mouthguards provide extra protection.
It’s best to meet with your South Florida orthodontist specialist to determine the best option for you and your specific needs.
Clear Aligners for Athletes of Every Age
Thanks to our Invisalign® Teen treatment, even our youngest patients can play sports without worrying about restrictive metal wires and brackets. As long as you have all your permanent teeth, you’re a candidate for revolutionary Invisalign aligner therapy.
Trays included in Invisalign Teen treatments are created for a growing mouth and contain a blue dot indicator so parents can track their teen’s treatment. Dr. Grussmark will also provide more aligners than usual in a series in case a patient misplaces an aligner at school or home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still wear a mouthguard while wearing Invisalign aligners?
No, you can’t wear mouthguards with Invisalign aligners. It’s highly recommended for athletes who participate in contact sports remove their aligners before putting in mouthguards. You should consult with your orthodontist or dentist before engaging in any sports or physical activities to see if they can provide a custom mouthguard to fit over your aligners.
Can I still participate in high-contact sports while wearing Invisalign?
It’s possible to participate in contact sports while wearing Invisalign aligners, however, orthodontists recommend you wear a custom-fit mouthguard to protect the aligners and teeth from damage.
Certain high-contact sports aren’t recommended while wearing aligners, such as boxing, wrestling, and hockey, because of the high risk of injury. You should remove your aligners during these sports in favor of mouthguards. Be sure to consult with your orthodontist or dentist beforehand.
What should I do if my aligners come out during a game or practice?
If your aligners come out during a game or practice, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Clean the aligners
- Check for damage
- Reinsert the aligners
- Wear a mouthguard
- Inform your orthodontist
It’s important to remember that if your aligners are lost or damaged, it may delay your treatment. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious and take good care of your aligner trays.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take for athletes?
The length of Invisalign treatment for athletes can vary depending on the severity of the case and the individual’s specific needs. On average, treatment time ranges from nine to 18 months, with most patients completing treatment within one year. This is about half the time of metal braces and may be ideal for athletes seeking a comfortable way to straighten their teeth.
Play Hard, Smile Easy with Invisalign for Athletes
Invisalign can help you or your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile while maintaining an active lifestyle. Dr. Grussmark is one of the best Invisalign providers in Miami, FL, and has helped countless patients in Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and Brickell achieve the smiles of their dreams without the hassle of metal wires and brackets.
Learn how you can begin your journey to your best smile by calling our office at 786-563-4973. Patients can also book a consultation online by filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you feel and look your best with Invisalign orthodontics!