Can You Wear Invisaligners to Play Sports?

Wearing Invisaligners to Play Sports

Invisaligners are the comfortable, invisible alternative to metal braces. Today, you’ll see them on amateur and professional athletes, including:

• New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan
• Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones
• Olympic swimming champion Missy Franklin
• Tennis star Serena Williams
• Basketball star Dwight Howard
• Toronto Raptors player Kyle Lowry

That might make you wonder: Is it safe to use Invisaligners while you’re playing sports? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Athletes Wear Invisaligners

Just like the rest of us, professional athletes need help keeping their teeth straight. Some athletes wear Invisaligners because they didn’t wear braces as children to correct tooth problems.

Athletes can develop tooth problems from getting hit in the face during games. If the injury knocks their teeth out of alignment, Invisalign may be part of the treatment to get those teeth back in line.

Can You Wear Invisaligners with a Sports Mouthpiece?

If you’re using Invisalign, you may wonder if you can or should wear it while you play sports.

The simple answer is no. You should avoid using Invisalign while you're playing or practicing. Invisaligners fit your teeth snugly as they gradually shift them into the right position. Although they cover your teeth, they don’t offer protection from hits and falls. If you’re playing sports, you need a sports mouthguard that protects you from kicks, falls, hits, and other injuries.

A mouthguard won’t fit properly if you’re wearing Invisalign. The liners will feel uncomfortable and interfere with the mouthguard’s ability to protect you.

Use a Standard Mouthpiece During Treatment

Since your teeth are changing shape, we recommend using a “boil-and-bite” mouthpiece instead of a custom-fitted one at this point. You may have to change the fit of your mouthpiece several times during your treatment, so a standard mouthpiece is a convenient, economical choice. Follow these tips to protect your teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard during every practice and game
• Carry your Invisaligners in your sports bag, and put them on after every game
• Wear a mouthpiece that fits properly
• Use your Invisaligners while you sleep

Wait Until Treatment Ends to Get a Custom Mouthpiece

During Invisalign treatment, your teeth continue to move. This treatment can take up to a year, so it’s not a good idea to get a custom-fitted mouthpiece until your teeth are in their final position.

At that point, we recommend getting a custom-fitted sports mouthguard. It will fit better, allow you to breathe better, and offer much more protection than a standard, non-custom mouthpiece.

Learn More About Invisalign

Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign? Make an appointment for a consultation at Malan Family Dentistry. We offer the most innovative dental treatments for the whole family.